What are the responsibilities and job description for the Curriculum Specialist (HS/EHS) position at AVANCE-Houston?
Curriculum Specialist (HS/EHS)
Position Summary
Responsible for the development and improvement of curriculum design, instructional materials, and pedagogy. In collaboration with the Director of Education, serve as curriculum specialist by adhering to a curriculum plan for the EHS and HS programs. Develop and/or review curriculum frameworks and documents as a guide for classroom instruction. Manage curriculum procurement and oversee curriculum inventory.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
The work environment is that which is typical of an office and classroom setting. The noise level is usually moderate. Working in an office setting requires the ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include stationary positioning for extended periods of time, interacting with co-workers, visitors, etc. Frequently requires lifting boxes of copy paper office supplies, etc. Occasional use of upper extremities to press against equipment, furniture, etc., between 30-50 pounds with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward. Requires occasional use of upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects between 30-50 pounds in a sustained motion. Raising objects between 30-50 pounds from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position is occasionally required.
Regularly required to use upper extremities including reaching with hands and arms to move office supplies, files, documents, etc. from a lower to a higher position. Occasionally required to bend legs to rest on the knees, bend the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine (at the waist), and move about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Frequently required to communicate information or instructions to co-workers, visitors, parents, peers, management, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer and calculator. Working evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Normal to heavy travel required to attend activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the service area. Must be able to travel by air as necessary to attend training, conference, and related activities.
Job Function
1. Manage all Curriculum and Instruction practices for Birth to Five programs.
2. Update and develop processes and procedures to ensure optimal curriculum implementation.
3. Compile, maintain, file, and present all physical and computerized reports, records and other required documents.
4. Create and update lesson plan templates and content for each program, including vocabulary for each theme.
5. Create and update curriculum scope and sequence, curriculum framework/timeline and other curriculum schedules as needed.
6. Create and update Family Activities aligned with the curriculum in each program.
7. Manage the Reading at Home program by updating the yearly schedule of distribution of books to centers, updating/creating reading tip sheets, organizing books for distribution, and maintaining inventory of books.
8. Partner with the Head Start leadership including Manager of Training and Technical Assistance to determine best practices in analyzing student assessment and instructional practice to guide strategic planning for curriculum and instruction.
9. Coordinate with Health, Nutrition and Intervention Support Services Specialists to plan and individualize children’s curriculum as related to their content areas.
10. Order needed curriculum for all programs.
11. Coordinate with Center Administrators, Center Operations and Education Coaches to identify strengths, needs, problems and expectations of teaching staff in relation to curricular materials and teaching strategies.
12. Create and update NCQTL Suites packets and distribute to Center Administrators.
13. Manage and update Classroom Instructional Board Display documents; maintain documents in Global drive.
14. Participate in the selection of children’s curriculum and classroom materials.
15. Revise and create: classroom portfolio forms, fire escape forms, Home language Survey, safety checklist, media form, inventory form, and the AVANCE-Houston School Readiness Goals poster as needed.
16. Order Pedestrian Safety materials annually.
17. Manage and distribute Transition materials.
18. Acquire and maintain Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Observer Reliability and assess quality of teacher-child interactions in HS classrooms, formally by use of the CLASS tool, at least twice a year. In EHS classrooms, formally observe for classroom environment and teacher-child interactions using the Infant and Toddler Environmental Rating Scale (ITERS) in each EHS classroom at least twice a year.
19. In collaboration with the Assessment Specialist, coordinate the Welcome Baby project.
20. Maintain shared drive filing system.
21. Keep current with the latest information and research relevant to children’s development, learning modes, teaching practices, professional development, etc.
22. Coordinate the review and implementation of innovative instructional programs and resources, helping educators pilot such efforts when appropriate.
23. Work with Director of Education to maintain a current inventory of district-distributed instructional materials and supplies and recommend the disposal and replacement of equipment when necessary.
24. Work in coordination with the Manager of Training & Technical Assistance, Manager of Intervention Support and the Director of Education to identify and deliver trainings for all staff in the Operations and Education departments.
25. Work closely with program and department leadership and teachers to ensure full implementation of all aspects of the school readiness program, record keeping, reporting, and ongoing monitoring.
26. Exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community; assist teaching staff in developing cultural awareness and sensitivity.
27. Actively participate in the School Readiness Advisory Committee and other committees as needed.
28. Work as part of the team and always show professionalism by modeling and demonstrating a positive attitude and working relationships, while maintaining strong ethical boundaries.
29. Participate in program monitoring activities as assigned.
30. Attend and participate in departmental meetings, planning sessions and professional development opportunities.
31. Be able to travel for business related activities.
32. Perform any other tasks as assigned.
Education
Experience
Other
License & Certification
Testing
Required: Baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education or a baccalaureate or advanced degree and equivalent coursework in early childhood education with teaching experience
Required: At least two years of early education teaching experience
- Must have a Valid Texas Driver License
- Must have Valid Vehicle Insurance
- Must have dependable transportation and be insurable by AVANCE’s guidelines
- Post Offer Drug Screen
- Moving Violation Report
- Criminal Background Check/Fingerprinting
- TB Testing
- FBI Background Check
- Sex Offender Registry Check