| Location | Austin, TX |
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AUSTIN ISD JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: GF SPECIALIST HEAD START ED PAY GRADE: PRF 4 DUTY DAYS: 226 FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT DATE REVISED: 06/02/2025 HC FUNDING SOURCE: THIS POSITION IS PARTIALLY OR FULLY FUNDED THROUGH LOCAL AND/OR GRANT SOURCES. CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT IN GRANT-FUNDED POSITIONS IS CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field from an accredited college or university is required. A Master's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field is preferred. A valid Texas teaching certificate is preferred along with (3) to five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience in an early childhood or Head Start classroom setting, including experience utilizing mentoring and coaching principles with adult learners in a professional early childhood education program setting. CLASS certification preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing preferred. SKILL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires knowledge in early childhood curriculum and instruction, and implementation and ongoing assessment (e.g., Conscious Discipline, Teaching Strategies, Creative Curriculum, Classroom Assessment Scoring System). Incumbent must have demonstrated success providing early childhood instruction. Incumbent must have experience in design and delivery of professional development and should have experience in urban schools with diverse student populations, including dual language learners. This position requires excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to guide and lead other educators, and work cooperatively with others. Incumbent will develop, organize, and conduct training on a variety of topics. Incumbent will organize records and paperwork processes and consistently demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills. Incumbent must have the ability to communicate effectively using a variety of media, work with others as a team, organize and maintain records, manage time and resources effectively and efficiently, and evaluate staff performance and provide constructive feedback. JOB PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITY: This position will coordinate and monitor the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards related to early childhood education in AISD. Incumbent will conduct regular site visits and model, consult, and provide guidance and resources to teaching staff and will participate in building systems that provide staff with resources and support. Incumbent will ensure AISD's Head Start program implements and follows the established Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Texas Pre K Guidelines and curriculum, including training staff and parents in the program. Incumbent is expected to work during the defined workday and beyond the work day and work week as needed. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Support
the
Head
Start
philosophy
that
promotes
and
values
parent
participation
and
individualization
of
children
in
a classroom setting.
Coordinate
the
development
of
learning
environments
in
all
Head
Start
classrooms
that
emphasize
nurturing
and responsive practices, interactions, and environments that foster trust and emotional security, promote critical thinking; social, emotional, behavioral, and language development, etc.
Support
teachers
to
implement
strategies
and
activities
in
the
learning
environment
that
promote
successful
transitions to kindergarten, including familiarizing children with the transition and fostering confidence about the transition.
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AUSTIN ISD JOB DESCRIPTION
Coordinate
with
other
AISD
and
Head
Start
staff
to
ensure
an
integrated
service
is
made
available
for
participating families.
Lead
development
of
a
program
that
focuses
on
promoting
growth
in
the
developmental
progressions
described
in
the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
Using
approved
assessment
tools
and
monitoring
checklists,
observes
assigned
classrooms
for
compliance
with
current education policies and procedures and Head Start Performance Standards.
Lead
the
development
of
an
educational
program
for
dual
language
learners
that
recognizes
bilingualism,
biliteracy,
and biculturalism as strengths, and employs research-based teaching practices that support their development.
Plan,
facilitate,
present,
and
evaluate
training
that
supports
the
aligned
curriculum.
Ensure teachers implement well-organized learning environments with developmentally appropriate schedules, lesson plans, and indoor and outdoor learning experiences that provide adequate opportunities for choice, play, exploration, and experimentation among a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences.
Keep
current
with
best
practices
for
early
childhood
and
Head
Start
students
(review
of
professional
resources, participation in professional development).
Attend
evening
meetings,
conferences
and/or
training
programs
as
required.
Serve
on
committees
as
assigned.
Observe
classes
and
provide
feedback.
Provides
on-the-job
guidance,
training,
and
technical
assistance
to
improve
child outcomes and CLASS scores, with a focus on the most struggling teachers and teaching assistants.
Collaborate
with
other
Head
Start
staff
to
determine
focus
areas
of
coaching
based
on
data
analysis
from
CLASS observations, assessments, and ongoing observations.
Provide
leadership
in
the
coordination
of
special
events
and
programs
related
to
Head
Start
and
curriculum.
Provide
support
to
teachers
in
analyzing
assessment
data
and
making
data-driven
instructional
decisions.
Identify
needs using analyzed data for each assigned campus.
Communicate
regularly
with
administrators
to
sustain
timely
response
to
emerging
issues.
Communicate
effectively
with
the
Head
Start
Director
and
AISD
Early
Learning
Director
to
problem-solve
difficult
issues.
Participate
in
the
annual
program
self-evaluation
and
grantee
monitoring
and
complies
with
the
program
improvement plans developed. Contributes to the development of program proposals and Community Assessment, as requested.
Provide
an
exceptional
customer
experience
for
all
AISD
stakeholders
with
intentional
and
professional practices
that promote a culture of respect and focus on achieving equitable outcomes. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Perform other related duties as assigned; however, all employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.
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AUSTIN ISD JOB DESCRIPTION
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is usually performed in a normal office setting or classroom with no unusual physical demands or exposure to hazardous situations. Some movement throughout the classroom is generally necessary to facilitate learning (e.g., standing, walking, stooping, bending, sitting, and/or kneeling). This position may involve possible exposure to blood or body fluids. Light lifting of materials and other objects associated with a classroom environment is required (e.g., books, teaching aids, up to approximately 20 - 40 lbs.). Regular attendance is required for this position. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS: This position reports directly to the appropriate supervisor of the department and will work collaboratively with colleagues within the Early Learning Department. Incumbent will have regular contact with campus administrators, teachers, students, and
parents. The Austin Independent School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. I have read & acknowledged the job description above. Employee Signature:
Date: