Early Education Specialist – VQB5

Description

The Early Education Specialist is responsible for supporting School Readiness in the Greater Charlottesville area (Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Greene, Nelson, Buckingham, Madison, & Orange). This includes:

1. Navigation- supporting families applying for early education and care through the go2grow website, and processing applications to be passed to partner programs such as Head Start and public school system preschool programs.
2. Supporting the VQB5 quality work undertaken with early education and care centers (child care centers and family day homes) including conducting CLASS observations in local preschools, early education centers, and family day homes, which requires travel to and from those sites within our district. The ability to conduct CLASS observations is critical so prior experience or willingness to learn be certified is a must.
3. Supporting additional VQB5 activities, including, but not limited to data entry, assisting with family engagement, etc. Data entry is a must in fall and spring.
4. Working collaboratively with community partners to plan and implement activities to raise awareness of the value of early childhood investments and achieve shared goals along the education continuum.
5. The position will also support the School Readiness Team, the Ready Region Team, and Impact Team, as requested on education projects and programming. Some nights and weekends required for occasional special events.

Skills Required

He/she must believe and exemplify United Way of Greater Charlottesville’s mission and vision and values, and share in its’ commitment to collaborative approaches that maximize resources and reduce duplication of services, implement shared strategies and outcomes among partners, and pursue integrated, and evidence-based approaches impacting families and individuals.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred, or 3+ years of relevant work experience in Early Childhood, Social Work, or a related field.
• Must be reliable in the CLASS teacher observation tool or be willing to take the CLASS training to obtain a certification to conduct teacher observations. Certification within four months required.
• Must have a valid Virginia Driver’s License and be willing to travel within the Greater Charlottesville Area with the occasional possibility of travel to Staunton/Augusta/Waynesboro.
• Basic knowledge of data management software programs
• Significant and effective interpersonal skills to manage diversity where cultural, socio-economic, and linguistic differences may be critical.
• Must have a genuine interest in families and children that suffer from disparities that create barriers to school readiness.
• Ability to work without close supervision and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Must use tact and courtesy in dealing with staff, clients, volunteers, and visitors.
• Must possess a spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm.
• Must maintain confidentiality.
• Weekend hours may be required occasionally.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

Additional Info

The Early Ed Specialists – VQB5 is a grant-funded position paying $42,000-$45,000 a year with full benefits (salary may be negotiable if already CLASS certified) – paid health/dental/life, 10% of salary donation by employer to retirement 403b account after one year, long & short-term disability, annual and sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and a paid gym membership. This position is a combination of in-office and work-from-home.

All inquiries and resumes should be directed to Meredith Locascio at mlocascio@unitedwaycville.org.