Early Childhood Support Specialist

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Support Specialist strengthens the daily operation of Alcuin School's Early Childhood programs through reliable classroom coverage and disciplined program support. Reporting to the Director of Early Childhood, the position serves as a qualified substitute teacher in Toddler and Primary classrooms and maintains the records, calendars, and follow-up systems that support Toddler licensing, Montessori recognition, accreditation, and Early Childhood operations.

JOB SCOPE

This is a full-time, 10-month, non-supervisory position supporting approximately 239 Early Childhood students, including 57 Toddler students and 182 Primary students, with an anticipated addition of 20 students during the school year. Weekly priorities shift based on classroom coverage, student needs, recordkeeping deadlines, licensing requirements, and Early Childhood program activities.

The Director of Early Childhood remains the designated child-care center director and retains responsibility for program decisions, employee supervision, policy interpretation, and regulatory compliance. This position does not supervise employees, direct the work of Guides or Assistants, or independently commit the School to a regulatory response.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Early Childhood Classroom Support

• Provide planned and short notice substitute coverage in Toddler, Primary and MPC/ASE classrooms as assigned by the Director of Early Childhood.
• Follow the classroom Guide's plans, routines, Montessori practices, and established expectations so students experience continuity, consistency, and a well-prepared environment.
• Maintain active supervision, required staff-to-child ratios, attendance accountability, health and safety practices, and positive guidance throughout classroom activities, transitions, meals, rest, arrival, dismissal, and outdoor time.
• Present or support developmentally appropriate Montessori activities within the employee's training and assigned responsibilities; seek direction before modifying classroom plans or established practices.
• Observe students carefully, document relevant information, and communicate classroom events, injuries, behavioral concerns, or family questions promptly through established reporting channels.
• Build respectful, professional relationships with children, families, Guides, Assistants, and colleagues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and role boundaries.
• Help prepare, restore, and maintain orderly classroom environments and shared materials before, during, and after coverage assignments.

Records, Licensing, Recognition, and Accreditation Support

• Maintain organized, accurate, and current files for Early Childhood departments, Toddler licensing, Montessori recognition, and school accreditation, including required staff, child, training, health and safety, and operational records.
• Follow up with parents and guardians to obtain missing or updated student health forms and route questions requiring clinical or administrative judgment to the appropriate school contact.
• Prepare professional development certificates and maintain supporting training documentation for licensing, recognition, accreditation, and school records.
• Track recurring compliance deadlines, required postings, permits, certifications, training, drills, inspections, renewals, and follow-up items; notify the Director of Early Childhood of upcoming requirements and unresolved concerns.
• Review routine records for completeness and consistency, identify gaps or potential deficiencies, and promptly escalate them to the Director of Early Childhood for direction and resolution.
• Prepare documentation and facilities for licensing visits, assist during inspections as directed, and maintain records of findings, corrective actions, and completion dates.
• Monitor updates to Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation standards and related school procedures, summarize operational changes for the Director, and support approved implementation and staff communication.
• Support accurate staff onboarding and annual compliance processes by collecting required documents and coordinating with Human Resources and program leadership.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and records security when handling student, family, employee, medical, background-check, or regulatory information.
• Provide administrative support for Toddler program safety and compliance systems without independently setting policy, directing employees, or representing the School as its designated child-care center director.

Early Childhood Program Support

• Supervise the Toddler gate during assigned carpool periods and follow established arrival, dismissal, security, and student-release procedures.
• Assist with planning, logistics, and ordering for Parent Education programs, staff events, and speech-language programming.
• Support Early Childhood purchasing throughout the school year, including maintaining and processing approved Amazon wish lists and routing requests for authorization.
• Support substitute orientation by preparing materials, reviewing established classroom and operational procedures, and directing policy or performance questions to the Director of Early Childhood.

Program Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the Director of Early Childhood to prioritize classroom coverage and licensing work when needs compete.
• Coordinate documentation and process support with Human Resources, Health Services, Facilities, and other departments while keeping program decisions with the Director.
• Participate in required training, faculty meetings, emergency drills, and professional learning scheduled during regular working hours.
• Contribute accurate information and practical recommendations that strengthen consistent practices across Toddler and Primary programs.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide limited clerical or program support related to Early Childhood operations when classroom coverage and licensing priorities permit.
• Perform other closely related duties assigned by the Director of Early Childhood that are consistent with the purpose and level of the position.