LODI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

CLASS TITLE:  SCHOOL READINESS & PRESCHOOL SPECIALIST

BASIC FUNCTION:

Plan, organize, direct and support the delivery of preschool programs, operation and personnel for preschool programs.  Includes State and Federal programs, compliance and preschool best practice.  Supervises and evaluates classified staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCISED: 

Under the immediate direction of the Director of Child Development Programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

Plans organizes and directs the implementation, operation and monitoring of School Readiness & Preschool  programs; ensures program compliance with district, local, State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations, California Preschool Foundations & Frameworks, Desired Results system, State Preschool Funding Terms & Head Start Performance Standards.

Direct and supervise the work of Classified Staff and School Readiness and Preschool Paraeducators. E 

Participate in the selection, training, motivation and evaluation of School Readiness and Preschool classified staff; work with employees to correct deficiencies. E

Provides support to the School Readiness & Preschool department, provides leadership in establishing long and short-term plans and activities; compile information and make recommendations regarding needs and objectives. E

Assist and support teachers with planning, pacing and preparation, teacher collaboration, student progress monitoring, data analysis, parent conferencing and individualized instruction for each child. E

Supports teaching and support staff assigned to the preschool programs through in-services, workshops and staff meetings; recommends additional support and guidance of staff to the Program Director. E

Prepares and maintains a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and other applicable  documents; district, state and federal compliance; compiles and analyzes

data. E

Regularly visits schools to observe programs in operation; assist preschool administrators in planning implementing and assessing the improvement of instruction and learning. E

Investigate program participant complaints and handle issues of student behavior as they arise.  Ensure incidents of a serious nature are reported to the proper site/district administration or legal authorities. E

Provides leadership in curriculum and instructional implementation and works collaboratively with district and county staff and committees. E

Conduct on-site visitations to observe methods, practices and procedures; analyze effectiveness of activities and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. E

Assists staff to ensure the delivery of parent services including enrollments, referrals, parent conferences, meetings and home visitation. E

Attend, coordinate, plan and/or conduct staff meetings, trainings and workshops. E

Maintain professional knowledge of current trends and research in early childhood education, philosophies, objectives, curriculum, teaching methods and tools; employs this knowledge through curriculum design and staff development opportunities. E

Models district and the professions standards of ethics and professionalism; shows initiative and uses independent judgment in executing duties. E

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Education Code (Title 5), Health & Welfare Code (Title 22), Funding Terms and Performance Standards

Laws related to minors

Board policies

Preschool Federal, State & District curriculum standards and programs

Preschool instructional practices

ABILITY TO:

Facilitate committees, in-services, and staff development activities

Communicate effectively orally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with administration, staff, parents and students

Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action

Collect and compile data and prepare appropriate reports

Drive a car

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree and at least three year’s successful Preschool classroom experience. 

Master’s Degree desirable.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California driver’s license

Program Director Permit

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom or outdoor environment

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Hear and speak to communicate effectively in person and on the telephone

See to read, prepare documents and reports, and view a computer monitor

Dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities, prepare materials, and operate a

  computer keyboard

Sit or stand for extended periods of time

Bend at the waist to assist students

Reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to retrieve and store files

Lift objects up to 25 pounds

Drive a vehicle to travel to various sites