Dorchester County Public Schools is accepting applications for a Judy Center Playgroup and Home Visitor Facilitator.  The successful candidate will plan and facilitate high quality playgroup activities and home visiting curriculum that models developmentally appropriate learning strategies to target Maryland Early Learning Standards with embedded parent education related to school readiness and family engagement. The Judy Center Early Learning Hub serves expecting parents and families with children birth through five years of age by providing comprehensive early care and education services to promote continuous improvement utilizing a multigenerational approach to support child development and school readiness. Under the direction of the Supervisor of Early Childhood Education, the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator, and the Site Program Manager, the Playgroup and Home Visitor Facilitator works with parents/caregivers whose families include children birth to age five by planning and facilitating playgroups and supporting home visiting for the purpose of promoting parents as a child’s first teacher with a focus on kindergarten readiness.  This position is a grant funded position and contingent upon grant renewal.

DUTIES:

• Maintains the same high-level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and families as is expected of teachers and all DCPS employees.

• Understands and remains current on social, emotional, and behavioral issues affecting early childhood development and provides consultation and professional learning to parents, community groups, and DCPS staff relevant to their needs.
• Works collaboratively and independently using the Maryland Early Learning Standards and Maryland Family Engagement Framework to intentionally plan and facilitate playgroups and activities that meet the unique needs of the families and children served in the Judy Center’s school catchment area.
• Create developmentally appropriate playgroup plans and activities that purposefully incorporate ongoing parent education using an approved Judy Center playgroup planning document that clearly identifies learning standards and models for parents what/why/how to support learning, creativity, skill development, and transitions needed for school readiness
• Co-facilitates the implementation of evidence-based educational home visiting curriculum with the Family Services Coordinator.
• Prepares and/or coordinates the preparation and distribution of monthly home learning packets related to monthly playgroup themes/activities.
• Manages or assists with management of the distribution of parenting resources related to child development and school readiness.
• Communicates with families to establish and promote a positive home school partnership.
• Collaborate with the Site Program Manager to provide input about acquisition and distribution of playgroup materials and resources.

• Obtain, collect, and organize pertinent data in the data collection system to monitor, analyze and achieve grant performance goals in collaboration with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Judy Center Site Program Manager
• Ability to work nonstandard hours as required by program objectives and schedules including evenings and/or weekends is required.
• Maintain ongoing, clear communication with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Site Program Manager to ensure any new information or needs are shared in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in Steering Committee and Parent Advisory Council meetings
• Serve as a leader and spokesperson in advocating for the needs of Judy Center families by serving on the Dorchester Early Childhood Advisory Council and other local community-based committees to continuously articulate the goals and objectives of the Judy Center

• Attend meetings, conferences, and/or training, as required for professional learning and dictated by the grant-funded program, including but not limited to multiple days and overnights.

• Attend and participate in professional development opportunities provided by Dorchester County Public Schools
• Facilitates the implementation of Dorchester County Judy Center’s research/evidence-based home visiting program, while staying up to date on any changes to the program, ordering materials, attending trainings, and organizing all needed materials
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the Judy Center Component Standards and how Maryland Early Learning Standards and Maryland Family Engagement Framework relate to high-quality Judy Center programming.
• Attends and participates in the preparation and process for the Maryland State Department of Education site monitoring visits.
• Assists the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Site Program Manager with the coordination of family engagement events, trainings, outreach events and activities that the Judy Center conducts/facilitates
• Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the classification and as assigned by the Early Childhood Supervisor, Multi-Site Coordinator or Site Program Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Education, Special Education, Human Services, Social Work, or related field required.
• Possess, or be eligible for, a Maryland State Department of Education teaching certificate is desired.

• Experience in working with culturally diverse communities and families with the ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate.

• Knowledge of Maryland Early Learning Standards, curriculum and techniques for integrating curriculum, MSDE Judy Center guidelines, procedures/practices, Dorchester County Public Schools policies, and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to provide instruction that reflects multiple perspectives and multi-cultural education.
• Ability to infuse technology into curriculum.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with administrators, supervisors, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, children, parents and community.

• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.

• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Ability to work nonstandard hours as required by program objectives and schedules including evenings and/or weekends is required
• Possess a valid Driver’s License and reliable, insured vehicle
• Ability to travel to multiple Dorchester Judy Center site locations, meetings, and Judy Center families’ homes sometimes with little notice.
• Ability to work for long periods of time while standing and/or walking.
• Ability to perform, lifting to 50 lbs., carrying Judy Center equipment and manual-type labor related to set-up and break-down for Judy Center family engagement events and activities.
• Sufficient mobility to move around playgroup space to interact with children including babies, crawling infants, and toddlers.
• Experience in working with culturally diverse communities and families with the ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Bilingual preferred