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PreKindergarten Support Specialists

EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST I

Recruitment #25-005055-0015

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Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State of Maryland Salary Grade 21

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

Pillar 1 of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future ensures that all children enter kindergarten ready to learn. The overarching goal is to increase access to high quality early childhood education programs and schools through the expansion of full-day Pre-K for children ages 3- and 4-years old. This expansion will be implemented through a mixed delivery of public and private systems. This position serves as an education specialist responsible for monitoring programmatically the prekindergarten programs compliance with the grant requirements of the mixed-delivery Prekindergarten Expansion Grant (and any related grants) for program accountability and those private providers who are receiving Blueprint Formula funding for operating public Pre-K programs. The education specialists will act as a resource through grant monitoring, coaching, and providing technical assistance to both private providers and public schools to ensure that high quality standards including supporting positive teacher-child interactions through the use of CLASS, implementation of curriculum and assessment, providing opportunities for professional learning that focuses on Maryland Early Learning Standards, and ensure that programs exercise fiscally sound procedures.

POSITION DUTIES

Provides technical assistance, coordination, and support to Education Agencies  and private providers approved to operate public Pre-K under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future:
  • Monitors and evaluates all activities of the prekindergarten expansion sites operated by local boards of education and community-based programs by conducting onsite and virtual visits. 
  • Guides increased teacher-child interactions through CLASS and program improvement planning and provides support to MSDE workgroups and councils in PreK matters. 
  • Evaluates and ensures the implementation of high-quality programs standards in accordance with Pillar 1 of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future: including curriculum and assessment aligned with Maryland’s Early Learning Standards, developmentally appropriate practices, staff to student ratios, and teacher and staff qualifications. 
  • Maintains CLASS reliability and conducts CLASS assessments and uses CLASS data along with other program data to inform technical assistance and quality improvement supports. 
  • Provides professional learning opportunities to local school systems and private provides/community-based programs regarding the intent in the design and operation of Pre-K expansion sites, assuring that funded programs meet state-approved goals and objectives and support child outcomes and school readiness. 
  • Supports policy and program improvements and engages with leadership, other state agencies, interest-holders, and policy makers. 
  • Supports the independent evaluator and DEC Office of Research, Data and Partnerships in conducting a long-term evaluation of the prekindergarten expansion sites and in annual data collection and analysis including use of data to inform Pre-K Grant Program improvements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Four years of administrative, programmatic support, or teaching experience in, or affiliated with an Early Childhood Education, special education, or family support programs.
Notes: 
 1. Candidates may substitute two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education. 
 2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience. 
 3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.  The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services. 
 4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

One-year experience coordinating or administering a program related to Early Childhood Education

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
  • Completed training and passed the annual reliability test for the Classroom Assessment Scoring System Pre-  K tool. (CLASS Pre-K Certified)
  • Knowledge of special education population (ELL) and students with disabilities
  • Knowledge of education laws regulations, policies, programs, and issues.
  • Skill interpreting and applying laws and regulations governing early intervention and special education   programs
  • Knowledge of education grants management.
  • Skill in responding effectively to problems and inquiries from school personnel and concerned stakeholders.
  • Skill in facilitating, workgroups, and engaging with partners and interest-holders
  • Knowledge of community based preschool programs, Head Start, public school, and preschool.
  • Skill in creating and presenting early learning professional development content
  • Ability to provide reliable and expert technical assistance and/or coaching to early educators and preschool   programs to improve their quality and support school readiness

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to a State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for one year.

 For education obtained outside of the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation, will be required prior to hire. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies. 

 The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. You must provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-554-9397 or mailed to MSDE Human Resources Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the Human Resources address listed above.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.




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