Early Learning Specialist

Martha O'Bryan Center

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Job Summary

ABOUT MARTHA O’BRYAN CENTER

Martha O’Bryan Center (MOBC) is an anti-poverty non-profit organization with longstanding history and deep community roots, grounded in tradition and strengthened by innovation.  Founded in 1894 when Miss O’Bryan organized the Gleaners Society at First Presbyterian Church to support impoverished North Nashville residents, Martha O’Bryan Center has operated from the heart of Cayce Place – Nashville’s most distressed community – since 1948.  This is where we continue in service, partnering with Cayce Place families to open doors of hope and possibility, create a culture of attainment, and positively shape future generations.  Martha O’Bryan Center serves 12,000 people annually with its programs in early learning, parent empowerment, youth development, adult education, food security, crisis counseling and public charter schools East End Prep and Explore! Community School.

MOBC FAMILY SUCCESS NETWORK

Beginning in 2017, MOBC conducted a Human-Centered Design Process with Cayce residents to incorporate lessons learned from its Academic Student Unions and recast its early childhood education programming as two-generational, whole-family programming. Our goal was to create an accessible and inclusive third space where community members would belong, to develop a two-gen framework that provides families with the tools, opportunities, and networks necessary for educational success, economic security, and holistic wellbeing, and to surround families with a team of support that would empower and uplift families to their individual goals.  The resulting Family Success Network combines MOBC and partner services in a single setting, serving the child and parent together with coordinated hours. Offerings include early learning interventions, parent education, high school equivalency prep, college/career coaching, health and wellness supports (developmental screenings, nutrition workshops, health advocacy), family and couples counseling, crisis supports, and recreation and fellowship opportunities. Together, these services address key indicators surrounding education, employment, health/wellbeing, and social capital. Family-Centered Coaching lies at the heart of this new framework, with families served as an interconnected unit with coexistent goals. Based on assessment of strengths, needs, and wellness, families will be assigned a Family Success Coach and a tiered level of support. This includes regular one-on-one coaching and trauma-informed care coordination.

Mission Statement:  On a foundation of Christian faith, Martha O’Bryan Center empowers children, youth, and adults in poverty to transform their lives through work, education, employment, and fellowship.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change due to changes in our business processes or other business-related reasons.

Job Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY

Early Learning Specialists create and maintain safe and inclusive learning environments for children ages 0-5 years of age. Specialists follow daily lesson plans in an effort to create high quality learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate and differentiated to meet the unique needs of each child. Specialists communicate openly with parents, Family Coaches, and the Director of Family Engagement to ensure that children and their families have access to resources and opportunities that will enable all children to start school “kindergarten ready.”

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Implements an individually and developmentally appropriate program of activities in line with the mission of the Martha O’ Bryan Center and the goals of the Family Success Network.
• Develops curriculum for recreation and social emotional learning.
• Develops and implements structured family time activities.
• Manages the classroom effectively; organizes, keeps records, communicates, coordinates, and acts as a cooperative team member.
• Develops and maintains a safe, healthy, independent learning environment.
• Practices positive discipline techniques that promote the development of self-discipline.
• Communicates regularly with parents concerning their child’s progress.
• Administers developmental screenings and assessments.
• Collects and organizes data; inputs accurate and complete data for all early learning interactions with participants into database; leverages data for problem solving and planning.
• Participates in weekly Trauma Informed Care Coordination meetings.
• Assists in planning and implementation of Kindergarten Camp.
• Coordinates use of volunteers.
• Supervises part time staff and volunteers.
• Keeps director informed of problems/concerns/needs concerning children, parents, and general classroom operation.
• Actively participates in professional coaching sessions with curriculum specialist and/or supervisor.
• Participates in regular staff meetings, staff training programs, and supervisory sessions; accepts responsibility for developing a cohesive and positive team culture.
• Participates in training and professional development.
• Develops and recommends programming and procedural improvements.
• May lead or participate in events or activities on evenings or weekends as needed.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Development or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years of experience working with young children and families, particularly those living in poverty.
• Training in Trauma-Informed Care, family-centered coaching, conscious discipline, and ACES preferred.

The above qualifications express the minimum standards of education and/or experience for this position. Other combinations of education and experience, if evaluated as equivalent, may be taken into consideration.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Passion for working with young children.
• Ability to work in a chaotic, sometimes noisy environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills; excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
• Maintains credibility through sincerity, honesty, and discretion.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong time management skills; uses time effectively; consistently meets deadlines.
• Computer literate including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, database, desk top publishing software, email and the internet.

Special Demands

The special demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

THE MARTHA O’BRYAN CENTER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

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Details

• Date Posted: June 21, 2021
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
• Service Area: Social / Human Services