Education Specialist

About the Organization

ECS4Kids, formerly known as Episcopal Children’s Services, is recognized as a 2026 Top Workplace. The organization supports young children in becoming ready for school by providing enriching, discovery-led learning experiences and family-centered services. Its programs include Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and related services across Florida. The mission focuses on strengthening children’s motor, cognitive, social-emotional, language, communication, and problem-solving development while helping families and caregivers build brighter futures.

This role is based in Jacksonville, Florida, with opportunities available in multiple counties across Northeast and Central Florida.

Role Overview

The Education Specialist is responsible for delivering training, classroom modeling, and curriculum guidance so Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms maintain a high standard of quality. The position works closely with teachers, center leadership, and the training team to improve instructional practice, classroom environments, and child outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

The role centers on coaching teachers, supporting curriculum implementation, and helping classrooms align with program standards and assessment tools.

• Conduct daily coaching visits in assigned Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, including live modeling and observation of early learning practices.
• Build supportive mentoring relationships with teachers to strengthen their instructional practice over time.
• Demonstrate effective teaching strategies across all areas of the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Observe and model Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K CLASS dimensions during classroom visits.
• Use the organization’s coaching approach consistently, including reflective questioning and data displays to connect theory with practice.
• Help teachers implement the approved curriculum with consistency and integrity.
• Support the design of engaging learning activities and routines for whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction that promote school readiness.
• Guide teachers in reviewing child assessment data and turning it into lesson plans and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Use teacher observation data to identify focus areas and create improvement goals.
• Assist teachers in building literacy-rich, age-appropriate, and stimulating classroom environments.
• Monitor child portfolios, weekly lesson plans, and individualized plans to support quality, timeliness, and compliance.
• Support classroom evaluations using CLASS and assist center managers and teachers with ITERS, ECERS, and similar monitoring tools.
• Work with center managers on teacher performance goals.
• Help plan and deliver training for monthly Teacher Training Days and pre-service sessions.
• Attend workshops and in-service learning to stay current on early childhood trends and techniques.
• Advocate for Episcopal Children’s Services Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and program needs.
• Perform additional related duties as needed.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Education Manager.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should meet one of the education pathways below, along with the experience and preferred background noted.

• A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, with an advanced degree preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in education covering grades K through 6, plus 15 credit hours in early childhood education.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline, plus 45 credit hours in early childhood education.
• At least three years of teaching experience is preferred, especially with preschool-age children.
• Head Start experience is preferred.
• Experience with Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, and CLASS is preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of early childhood education practices, especially teacher-child interaction, curriculum use, and assessment-based planning.
• Ability to demonstrate effective instructional strategies and coaching techniques.
• Skill in motivating teachers toward stronger commitment and performance.
• Ability to build trust-based working relationships with support staff, site coordinators, and teaching teams.
• Capacity to work independently with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and abuse-reporting requirements.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to protect confidential information.
• Strong planning, organization, recordkeeping, data analysis, and reporting skills.
• Comfort presenting to large groups.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Satisfactory driving record as required by policy.
• CLASS and Teaching Strategies Gold certification for Infant, Toddler, and Preschool within 60 days of hire.
• Coaching certification within 6 months of hire.
• Completion of at least 15 hours of in-service training each year, from July 1 through June 30.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Work is performed in early childhood classroom settings.
• Large-group training facilitation is part of the role.
• Travel across multiple sites is required.
• Some evenings and weekends may be needed for special events and training.

Physical Requirements

• Must have acceptable vision, with or without correction.
• Must have acceptable hearing, with or without correction.
• Must be able to communicate orally and in writing.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Background Check

A Level II background screening will be completed for employees and for contracted employees, interns, or volunteers who work with children, have access to confidential information, or serve in a position of special trust. The screening includes local, state, and federal criminal checks.

Benefits

The organization offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match; an Employee Assistance Program; short-term and long-term disability coverage; employer-paid life insurance; paid holidays; generous paid time off; career development support; and eligibility as a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Compensation

Pay is $26.61 per hour.