06/11/2008 20390

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ADVISOR 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional educational program work 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 leadership and guidance for the Department of Education’s statewide program of advisory services in the development, expansion and improvement of early childhood educational programs in the Commonwealth. Work involves responsibility for the development, review and clarification of the role and direction of early childhood education within the overall school and pre-school curriculum; for establishing the short range goals and priorities for the early childhood education advisory program; and for formulating the long range objectives for early childhood education programs. An employee is responsible for planning, leading and participating in the development of early childhood curricula, standards and program guidelines for statewide application. An employee coordinates and directs the work of curriculum and research specialists in identifying, developing and evaluating new approaches and innovative programs in the area of early childhood education. Included in the scope of this job is responsibility for functioning in a leadership capacity with other professional, paraprofessional and clerical personnel in the development and improvement of early childhood education throughout the state. Work at this level is distinguished from the Early Childhood Education Advisor 1 job by the responsibility for serving as the senior departmental advisor in the area of early childhood education and for providing leadership in the initiation, planning and conduct of projects and studies. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review by an administrative supervisor through conferences, reports, and an evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops objectives and goals for early childhood education.

Develops and modifies the educational short and long range goals and objectives for early childhood education.

Develops and interprets policies and guidelines for early childhood education.

Develops and coordinates the development of new approaches in early childhood education and evaluates their effectiveness.

Plans, develops and coordinates development of new curricula, courses of study and resource materials on the modification and improvement of existing curricula.

Plans, coordinates and participates in the provision of advisory and consultative services to plan, develop, improve, and evaluate early childhood education curriculum programs.

Organizes and participates in conferences and workshops for the promotion of new developments and advances in early childhood education programs.

Serves as a liaison with teacher preparation institutions, certification personnel and others providing advice and information on unmet needs local school needs.

Recommends changes in legislation and certification standards concerning early childhood education and teacher competencies to improve early childhood programs.

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

Coordinates and directs projects funded by other state agencies, professional associations or civic organizations to promote and support improvements in early childhood education.

Acts as a senior specialist within the Department and provides leadership for early childhood education.

Works with federal, state and private agencies, organizations and foundations to obtain grants and funds for early childhood education.

Encourages the integration of various curriculum disciplines into early childhood programs.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the educational philosophies which condition the development of early childhood education.

Knowledge of the principles, methods and trends in early childhood education.

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

Knowledge of curriculum planning and development in early childhood education.

Knowledge of research and evaluation techniques as applied to early childhood education programs.

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

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

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

Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, developing and coordinating pilot programs and research activities to test innovative approaches and new developments.

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

Ability to analyze and develop goals and objectives for early childhood education.

Ability to analyze new developments in education to identify those which merit additional study or implementation in early childhood programs.

Ability to develop interdisciplinary curriculum programs in early childhood education.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as an Early Childhood Education Advisor 1;

                                                                                                                                                   or

Five years of professional early childhood education experience, including two years of experience in the development and implementation of early childhood education curricula or programs, and 18 college credits in early childhood or elementary education;

                                                                                                                                                  or

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