Classroom Support Specialist

About This Position

This is a full-time role requiring 37.5 hours per week. The position is part of the Head Start program, a comprehensive preschool initiative serving low-income children and their families. Head Start focuses on fostering children’s social, emotional, intellectual (school readiness skills), and physical development, including those with special needs. It promotes health through well child checkups, dental exams, immunizations, nutritional and lead risk assessments. Additionally, the program emphasizes significant parent involvement and offers various support services such as social services, mental health, disability assistance, and transportation.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely under the supervision of the Program Manager for Education and Special Services to provide direct support to children exhibiting persistent challenging behaviors, being ready to assist immediately as needed.
• Guide and facilitate team-based collaborative intervention planning for children requiring behavioral support.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data on child behavior and development; collaborate with teachers, parents, center leadership, and other team members to inform decisions.
• Train, model, and assist teaching staff in applying effective strategies for managing children with challenging behaviors.
• Conduct classroom observations using TIPITOS and TPOT tools; partner with teaching staff, center leaders, and early learning coaches to evaluate and address Tier 1, 2, and 3 behavioral support strategies.
• Coordinate with disability and mental health resource personnel to ensure integrated support for children, families, and teaching teams.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with families, offering resources, encouragement, and guidance to engage them actively in their child's educational development.
• Stay informed on new research, best practices, and regulatory policies to assist education staff in delivering high-quality services.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including those from the Tennessee Department of Human Services Child Care Licensing and Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child & Family Studies, or a related field is required. Alternatively, an Associate's degree with five years of successful Head Start teaching experience is acceptable.
• At least two years of classroom teaching experience with children ranging from 8 weeks to 5 years old.
• Proven knowledge of early childhood development, effective early education practices, and experience with the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social-Emotional Competence.
• Demonstrated success in supporting children who exhibit persistent challenging behaviors.
• Previous Head Start experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, families, and community partners.
• Capability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood education.
• Ability to obtain and pass necessary background checks including fingerprinting and vulnerable persons registry.
• Access to a vehicle for work-related travel.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Benefits and Perks

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Life insurance providing coverage equivalent to one year's salary, up to $50,000.
• Paid leave including sick leave and over three weeks of paid time off for winter and spring breaks and holidays.
• Retirement plan with employer contributions at 6% of salary after one year.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Deferred compensation plan and flexible spending accounts.
• Employee assistance program.
• Overtime compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per week.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) participation.
• Work schedule averaging 37.5 hours per week.