Early Childhood Program Coordinator

Early Childhood Program Coordinator

• Full-time with benefits
  • 75% of health & dental insurance premiums paid
  • Vision & Symetra coverage available
  • South DakotaRetirement benefits
  • $25,000 life insurance policy
  • Personal & sick leave package
• Salary depends on education & experience, 190 days per year
• Position closes 4-15-25

TITLE:  EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM COORDINATOR

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. South Dakota teaching certificate. 
2. Master’s degree and certification in a special education field. 
3. At least 3 years of teaching or supervising in an early childhood setting is preferred.
4. Successful leadership experience.

REPORTS TO:  Director of Special Services and building principals

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Early Childhood Program Coordinator oversees the Birth-3, Early Childhood Special Education program, and all programs served within the district’s Early Childhood Centers. This role ensures high-quality early childhood education by collaborating with district leaders, supporting staff, and engaging families and the community.

PHYSICAL FUNCTION:

Up and down motion in the office; bending; stretching; and lifting up to 40 pounds.  Mobility in and around the office/school area.  Constant hand-eye and mind-eye coordination. Frequent walking, keyboarding, speaking, writing, bending, carrying, pushing, pulling, sitting, reaching, stooping, and turning. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Leadership & Development

1. Lead the implementation of Birth-3, Early Childhood (EC), and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs, ensuring alignment with best practices and district goals.
2. Collaborate with the Director of Academic Services and Specialty Programs to design and enhance educational programs, curriculum, instructional priorities, and student assessment strategies. 
3. Oversee all ECSE transportation services, including Birth-to-3 instructor travel, to ensure efficient referral and student placement.

Staff Supervision & Support

1. Select, assign, and supervise Early Childhood teachers, ECSE teachers and instructional assistants.
2. Provide ongoing support, training, and technical assistance through routine visits, scheduled meetings, and responsive coaching.

Compliance & Administration

1. Develop and manage budgets and grants related to early childhood education.
2. Ensure compliance with federal laws, state licensing requirements, performance standards, and district policies.
3. Assist in the coordination and facilitation of IEP and evaluation meetings.
4. Develop, maintain, and seek Board of Education approval for student and parent handbooks to outline program expectations and protocols.
5. Develop and implement staff and student schedules to align with IEP requirements, licensing requirements, and district expectations. Work with district officials to ensure schedule alignment.
6. Create and oversee student attendance calendars and employee work/in-service schedules.
7. Hire substitute teachers and support staff for EC and ECSE classrooms with assistance from the Director of Human Resources.

Family & Community Engagement

1. Lead Child Find activities and communicate with families about program opportunities, eligibility, scholarships, and childcare assistance options.
2. Organize and support open-house events, parent conferences, and other family engagement initiatives.
3. Collaborate with Brookings Early Childhood Collaborative and develop partnerships within the community and state to enhance and expand early childhood programming.
4. Lead recruitment efforts and promote the program through various outreach initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Coordinate district-wide early childhood projects, including transitions to elementary schools, Part C programming, curriculum and assessment development, and parent involvement initiatives.
2. Perform other special education duties as assigned by the Director of Special Services.
3. Other duties as assigned.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

 The contract will consist of 190 days.

EVALUATION PROCEDURE:

Director of Special Services with input from the building principals.