06/11/2008 20380

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ADVISOR 1

DEFINITION: This is responsible professional educational work in providing statewide advisory services in the development, improvement and expansion of early childhood educational programs for children from birth to eight years of age.

An employee in this job provides advisory and consultative services to early childhood personnel, local school districts, and intermediate unit and teacher preparation staffs in improving early childhood education programs in the Commonwealth. Work involves diagnosing educational problems, recommending solutions, and providing assistance in improving the educational programs. Employees conduct training sessions, workshops and conferences to disseminate information on successful practices, new curriculum materials and innovative techniques and results from experimental projects in early childhood education. Work involves assisting schools with curriculum planning and participating in the development or modification of curricula and curriculum materials. Work includes working with curriculum and research specialists to devise and evaluate new approaches and innovative programs in early childhood education. Work also involves working in other curriculum or subject areas, providing advisory and consultative services, improving educational programs, developing or modifying curricula and curriculum materials, and resolving educational problems. In addition, employees work with other governmental and private agencies involved in early childhood education related activities to strengthen the subject area programs throughout the state. Work is performed with considerable independence and reviewed by a supervisor through periodic conferences and an evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops and participates in the development of new approaches in different areas of early childhood education and evaluates their effectiveness.

Works with early childhood education program professionals to determine specific problems and provides recommendations to improve the programs.

Develops and presents in-service workshop training to provide information on current, new or improved practices, techniques and resources.

Develops or participates in conference programs and workshops to promote new developments, materials and trends in early childhood education.

Assists early childhood and school teachers and administrators in developing and modifying curricula and curriculum materials.

Reviews early childhood education programs to determine new concepts, methods and practices.

Develops curriculum guides and related resource materials such as bibliographies, audiovisual aids and study guides.

Works with curriculum and research specialists in the initiation, planning and conduct of studies and projects to evaluate innovative approaches.

Assists school or program staff in developing innovative and pilot programs and in evaluating the effectiveness of the methods, approaches and materials.

Disseminates information on current and new practices, developments, methods, materials, and innovative pilot programs in early childhood education.

Provides advice and information to teacher preparation institutions, certification personnel, and others involved in teacher education.

Provides advice to local school staff on the criteria and procedures for obtaining federal or special funds for early childhood education programs.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the current methods and trends in early childhood education.

Knowledge of the role and objectives of early childhood education in a child's educational development process.

Knowledge of different teaching methods and techniques in early childhood education.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and development.

Knowledge of current literature, materials, equipment, research and new developments in early childhood education.

Knowledge of the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of students from birth to eight years of age.

Knowledge of training development and presentation methodology.

Knowledge of motivational techniques and interpersonal relationships as applied to overseeing the work of professional specialists.

Knowledge of significant elements in diagnosing educational problems and in devising appropriate solutions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Four years of professional early childhood education experience, including one year of experience in the development and implementation of early childhood education curricula or programs, and 18 college credits in early childhood or elementary education;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes one year of experience in the development and implementation of early childhood education curricula or programs, and 18 college credits in early childhood or elementary education.