Position: Instructional Specialist – Early Childhood Accreditation

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Instructional Supervisor, the Instructional Specialist – Early Childhood Accreditation is responsible for assisting assigned schools through intentional coaching, facilitating the development, and monitoring the fulfillment of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements for accreditation.  The incumbent of this position will work with schools during their accreditation cycle to understand the requirements for Maryland EXCELS and Maryland Accreditation to ensure PGCPS meets all MSDE guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures that all schools with Prekindergarten classes reach a Level 5 within Maryland EXCELS which includes Maryland Accreditation certification;
• Ensures that all schools receive Maryland Accreditation recertification prior to their expiration date;
• Collaborates with school staff during their accreditation cycle to outline the requirements for Maryland EXCELS and Maryland Accreditation to ensure PGCPS meets all MSDE guidelines;
• Assists in the development of reports and other department documents;
• Provides professional development and training to all school staff during their accreditation cycle;
• Provides instructional support and guidance to maintain Maryland Accreditation standards;
• Supports the Instructional Supervisor with Prekindergarten expansion grants and grant-related activities;
• Collaborates with community providers to engage in professional development;
• Supports schools with conducting an annual program evaluation and accreditation self-appraisal;
• Analyzes and shares the program evaluation and self-appraisal results and strategies for program improvement with parents, staff, governing bodies, and others as appropriate; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Broad knowledge of the early childhood pedagogy;
• Thorough understanding of early childhood related regulations, policies and procedures;
• Thorough understanding and knowledge of Maryland EXCELS and requirements for Maryland Accreditation;
• Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative in carrying out duties and responsibilities;
• Demonstrate leadership and administrative competency;
• Demonstrate written and oral communication skills;
• Effective interpersonal skills; and
• Effective human relations skills.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, education or a closely related field required.  A minimum of five (5) years of experience in early childhood teaching and previous experience in curriculum planning required.

Certification:

Holds or is eligible for a valid professional license in Administrator I (historical) or Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, or Principal issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.