NOTICE OF VACANCY

May 3, 2023

POSITION: EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING SPECIALIST (11 Month)

LOCATION: Department of Instruction (Office at Plum Point Elementary)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Early Childhood Learning Specialist serves as an instructional coach, school team facilitator, placement manager, data analyst, provider of professional development, and liaison between schools and the Department of Instruction. This Learning Specialist will support the professional growth of staff by strengthening their understanding of the Maryland Early Learning Framework, the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and instructional best practices related to early childhood.

REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Early Childhood

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:

At the time of application, the candidate must hold or be eligible for:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Certification in Early Childhood Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), 2nd edition preferred.
• At least five years of successful teaching experience with a focus on early childhood education.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: These are pre-employment knowledge, abilities, and skills that apply to the Essential Job Functions. At the time of employment, the candidate must have:

• Knowledge of the Maryland Early Learning Standards, Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, and best practices regarding early childhood instruction.
• Knowledge of instructional best practices for early childhood, delivery of specially designed instruction, collaboration and co-teaching models, social-emotional learning, and effective behavior strategies.
• Demonstrated skill in differentiating program and instruction to meet the varied needs of learners.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize and promote equitable practices in all facets of education.
• Understanding and ability to maintain rapport with people from all identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of equity including the ability to advocate for marginalized students.
• Evidence of broad reading and knowledge in professional literature and research related to early childhood education, inclusion, learning processes, differentiation, and behavior supports and interventions.
• Evidence of broad reading and knowledge in professional literature and research related to the Common Core Standards of Mathematical Practice, the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, digital literacy, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiation, equity, and productive group work.
• Understanding of the Maryland Early Learning Framework which incorporates the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, Maryland Early Learning Standards, and Maryland’s Guide to Early Childhood Pedagogy
• Demonstrated ability to collect and analyze student achievement data for instructional decision-making.
• Demonstrated exceptional skills in written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills when working with diverse groups (parents, other professionals, students, teachers, administrators, community agency representatives.)
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and coach adult learners.
• Working knowledge of current classroom technology.
• A valid driver’s license and motor vehicle insurance.
• Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks akin to the responsibilities listed below.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Calvert County Public Schools may find appropriate and acceptable.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES:

• 
  Provides professional learning opportunities including coaching to teachers, administrators, supervisors, and directors as it relates to developmentally appropriate early childhood practices and the delivery of instruction and improves instructional programs for all students.
• Participates in development of guidance for programming for students and supports implementation in general education settings and separate classes/regional programs.
• Facilitates collaborative planning for general educators and special educators and supports transition processes and individual student planning.
• Collaborates with supervisors/specialists from the Departments of Instruction and Special Education to improve instructional programs for all students.
• Provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and the emotional development of children.
• Develops, selects, and modifies instructional plans and materials to meet the needs of all students.
• Collaborates with building administrators, teachers and central office supervisors and teacher specialists on Pre-K and K validation, Accreditation and Maryland EXCELS.
• Participates in ongoing training in implementing the Early Learning Framework, Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, and best practices regarding early childhood instructional practices.
• Supports the implementation of the Early Learning Framework, Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, and Blueprint legislation by assisting in programming, content development and curriculum alignment.
• Supports the Supervisor of Early Childhood and efforts to shape early childhood educational programs.
• Develops and presents professional development for staff in the areas of Early Learning and related instructional practices.
• Organizes, trains, and manages kindergarten (KRA) testing.
• Organizes, trains, and manages the Early Entry to Kindergarten and First Grade testing process and participates in decision-making.
• Organizes staggered start schedules and
• Organizes, schedules, and communicates pre-k and k
• Collaborates with the of Student Services and ESOL Specialist to test summer entries.
• Works collaboratively with classroom teachers to teach, coach, and/or model best practices in early childhood instructional best practices including but not limited to math, literacy and classroom management.
• Participates in training workshops for parents and community members to enhance their understanding of early
• Collaborates with CCPS staff and community stakeholders to support the Calvert Basics initiative.
• Works closely with the Department of lnstruction and the Department of Special Education to adequately monitor the progress of students in terms of the Early Learning Framework, Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, School Improvement Plans, and the ESSA Local Consolidated Strategic Plan.
• Assists staff in analyzing and using data to inform and improve instruction and learning practices related to early
• Assists staff in identifying appropriate materials of instruction to address the needs of all
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence by attending professional learning opportunities.
• Maintains appropriate records and follows required procedures and practices.
• Monitors appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintains regular, on-time attendance.
• Serves on special committees.
• Thinks, concentrates, and interacts with others.
• Works flexible hours as necessary.
• Works under stress and meets all deadlines.
• Travels from school to school as necessary.

OTHER JOB DUTIES: Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned. Performs related work as required or assigned by the Supervisor of Early Childhood.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Position requires significant periods of standing and walking and is performed in a typical school environment.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS: Will be subject to a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends and working across the system at multiple schools.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Eleven (11) month position and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience applied to the current Calvert County Public Schools salary schedule for teachers. All employees are encouraged to have automatic payroll deposit.

EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the policy on evaluation as established by the Calvert County Public Schools.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF POSITION: Prior to the 2023-2024 school year

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Position will remain open until filled. Interviews may begin as early as May 2, 2023. Applicants please apply through the Applicant Tracking system located on the Calvert County Public Schools’ website –

www.calvertnet.k12.md.us

References must be directly related to educational experience and must include immediate supervisor.

State law requires that anyone hired after October 1, 1986, who will have contact with school children, must be fingerprinted and submit to a criminal background investigation. Federal law requires that a new employee must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) in person before beginning employment. Employment is conditional upon successful completion of a drug screen. Current employees of the Calvert County Public Schools are exempt from these requirements.

House Bill 486 – Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Statement

Pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland - House Bill 486 - Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct Prevention all applicants are required to report all former employers in which you may have had direct contact with minors. The applicant must submit the contact information of the current employer, all former school employers, and all former employers not school related. Applicants should also include contact information for organizations in which you have volunteered, coached, mentor, tutored or otherwise had direct contact with minors.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry or national origin, familial status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or genetic information or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

• Director of Student Services
• Director of Human Resources
  443-550-8000

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.

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Anti-sexual, Anti-racial and Anti-disability Harassment Statement

Discrimination can manifest itself in behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or intimidation of individuals.

Calvert County Public Schools does not tolerate any form of harassment including, but not limited to, sexual, racial, or disability. Any individual (student, employee, or community member) who believes that he or she has been subjected to any form of harassment is encouraged to report the allegation of harassment.

Students, parents, and community members may report allegations of harassment to:

Mr. James Kurtz

Director of Student Services

Calvert County Public Schools

1305 Dares Beach Road

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Employees may report allegations of harassment to:

Mr. Zachary Seawell

Director of Human Resources

Calvert County Public Schools

1305 Dares Beach Road

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Calvert County Public Schools is committed to conducting a prompt investigation for any allegation of harassment. If harassment has occurred, the individual will be disciplined promptly. Disciplinary actions for students found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or expulsion. Disciplinary actions for employees found to have engaged in any form of harassment may result in suspension or termination.

Calvert County Public Schools encourages all students, parents, employees, and community members to work together to prevent any form of harassment.

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System at: https://ocrcas.ed.gov or call 1-800-421-3481.