About this role
Position Summary The Early Childhood Curriculum Program Specialist supports statewide implementation of curriculum, instructional quality initiatives, and educator support activities designed to strengthen early childhood classroom practices across Arkansas. The position serves as a member of the Office of Early Childhood curriculum team and works under the direction of the Early Childhood Curriculum Program Supervisor to provide training, coaching, technical assistance, and implementation support related to the Pre-K RISE Initiative. The position supports implementation of Launchpad, LETRS for Early Childhood (EC), and an Early Childhood Comprehensive Curriculum aligned to the Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards (AR CDELS). The Curriculum Specialist also supports implementation of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observation framework and related efforts designed to improve instructional quality and child outcomes in early childhood programs throughout Arkansas. Key Responsibilities The Early Childhood Curriculum Program Specialist provides training, technical assistance, coaching, and implementation support related to curriculum, instructional quality, and professional learning initiatives within Arkansas early childhood programs. Responsibilities include working directly with educators, administrators, local lead organizations, and other stakeholders to support effective implementation of statewide instructional initiatives. The Curriculum Specialist supports implementation of Launchpad, LETRS for Early Childhood (EC), and an Early Childhood Comprehensive Curriculum aligned to AR CDELS. The position assists educators and program leaders in strengthening curriculum implementation, instructional practices, and classroom environments that support positive outcomes for young children. The Curriculum Specialist provides professional development and coaching support related to high-quality instructional materials, developmentally appropriate practices, literacy development, and instructional quality. The position delivers training and technical assistance through a variety of formats, including in-person sessions, virtual learning opportunities, site visits, and regional meetings. The Curriculum Specialist supports statewide implementation of the CLASS observation framework by assisting with training activities, observation supports, calibration efforts, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. The position works collaboratively with educators and program leaders to strengthen teacher-child interactions and instructional practices aligned with program quality goals. The Curriculum Specialist assists in the development, review, and dissemination of curriculum resources, implementation tools, guidance documents, and professional learning materials that support statewide instructional priorities. The position also contributes to the identification and sharing of effective practices that support high- quality early childhood instruction. The Curriculum Specialist supports communication and coordination among early childhood stakeholders and participates in statewide meetings, workgroups, and collaborative initiatives that advance the goals and priorities of the Office of Early Childhood. The Curriculum Specialist collects information related to training, coaching, and implementation activities and assists in monitoring program progress and effectiveness. The position prepares reports, maintains required documentation, and supports continuous improvement efforts related to curriculum and instructional quality initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Child Development, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred. Applicants should have experience in early childhood education, curriculum implementation, instructional coaching, educator professional development, classroom instruction, or related early childhood systems. Strong communication, organizational, collaboration, and presentation skills are essential. Applicants should have the ability to work effectively with educators, administrators, community organizations, public school districts, and early childhood providers. Knowledge of Arkansas early childhood systems, AR CDELS, CLASS, instructional coaching practices, literacy development, and high-quality instructional materials is highly desirable. Additional Information This position involves statewide training, coaching, technical assistance, and implementation support activities and may require periodic travel within Arkansas. The Curriculum Specialist works closely with the Arkansas Department of Education Office of Early Childhood, Early Childhood Regional Specialists, local lead organizations, public school districts, community-based providers, and other partners committed to improving instructional quality and outcomes for young children throughout the state. Please send resume to [email protected]