About this role
The Early Childhood Specialist IV provides advanced leadership within the classroom and is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction aligned with program standards. Serves as a lead educator, ensuring compliance, supporting staff development, and promoting school readiness outcomes for children.
Essential Duties / Responsibilities
1. Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom activities
2. Lead classroom instruction and ensure alignment with program standards and school readiness goals
3. Ensure compliance with NC licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, NC Pre-K, CACFP, and agency policies
4. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment
5. Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to classroom staff
6. Maintain accurate attendance and documentation of absences
7. Observe, assess, and document children’s development, behavior, and health concerns
8. Complete required documentation and data entry in ChildPlus (or assigned system)
9. Conduct screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluations
10. Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with curriculum and program requirements
11. Support children’s individual learning needs, including IEP/IFSP requirements
12. Conduct home visits and provide referrals based on family needs
13. Communicate regularly and professionally with families
14. Lead family engagement activities and support program requirements
15. Monitor attendance and follow up on attendance concerns
16. Maintain accurate records and ensure timely submission of documentation
17. Meet or exceed CLASS performance standards and support quality improvement efforts
18. Support onboarding and training of new staff and assist with classroom coaching
19. Participate in required trainings and professional development
20. Maintain confidentiality of child and family information
21. May be assigned to assist or temporarily fill in within other classrooms, age groups, or centers as needed to maintain ratios, supervision, and program operations
22. Perform other related duties as assigned
Skills & Abilities
- Demonstrates advanced knowledge of early childhood development and instructional practices
- Demonstrates strong understanding of NC child care licensing requirements, Head Start Performance Standards, and NC Pre-K requirements
- Provides leadership in classroom instruction, curriculum implementation, and school readiness outcomes
- Supervises, coaches, and supports classroom staff
- Maintains accurate documentation, assessments, and compliance requirements
- Communicates effectively and builds relationships with children, families, and staff
- Supports children’s development, learning, and school readiness goals
- Maintains a safe, structured, and high-quality classroom environment
- Manages classroom routines, transitions, and multiple priorities effectively
- Uses sound judgment and demonstrates professionalism in all situations
- Demonstrates strong computer and data entry skills, including program systems
Certificates / Licenses
- Must meet North Carolina child care and Head Start licensing requirements for assigned position, including required TB test, physical examination, NC qualifying letter, and applicable documentation
- CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within required timeframe
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required
- Must hold a valid North Carolina Teaching License (Birth–Kindergarten or Preschool Add-on preferred)
Experience
- Three (3) or more years of experience in a child care or early childhood setting required
- Lead teacher experience required
Other Requirements
- Work as part of a team
- Interact professionally with children, families, staff, and external partners
- Must pass a criminal background check and substance abuse screening
- Maintain confidentiality of child and family information
- Lead classroom staff and support team development
- Stay organized and meet deadlines
- Dependable and consistent
- Travel to all locations as needed
- Work flexible hours as needed
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. is an at-will employer. Either the employee or BRCA may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.
$19.21+