Early Learning Specialist

The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Why join the City of Oakland Human Services Department?

Are you searching for a fulfilling career that allows you to make a difference and have a positive impact on the local community? Look no further! The City of Oakland's Human Services Department, Early Childhood and Family Services Division, is seeking a highly skilled individual to join our team as an Early Learning Specialist. Come join a dynamic team of enthusiastic professionals dedicated to providing important services to a community with a rich history.

The City of Oakland Human Services Department consists of a talented team that works to build strong communities by enriching the quality of life for children and families in Oakland. Our approach is collaborative and creative, resulting in services that address the changing and emerging needs of the Oakland community. As an Early Learning Specialist, you will be responsible for the implementation and oversight of high-quality early education and development services.

Children's readiness for school and beyond is fostered through individualized learning experiences. The City of Oakland’s early education programs promote the school readiness of young children from low-income families through programs operated and managed by the City of Oakland. In addition to education services, our programs emphasize and support the importance of preventive health care (physical, oral, mental, and nutritional), early identification and intervention of health problems, and social and emotional development of children from birth to age five, as well as pregnant people and their families. These services are responsive to each child and family's ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. The early education programs also work with community partners to link families with services and resources in the community. The program supports and strengthens caregiver-child relationships and engages families around children's learning and development, as well as supports the goals of the caregivers themselves.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Knowledgeable about federal, state, and local regulations on services to children and social service programs
• A strong leader and demonstrates best practices in early childhood education
• Skilled at resolving interpersonal conflict
• Able to analyze and interpret child assessment data for ongoing program improvement
• Driven in a fast-paced environment, prioritizes tasks effectively, and manages competing demands
• Interested in building strong relationships with diverse communities of children and families
• A critical thinker with the ability to assess situations, gather facts, and make sound decisions

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Ensuring that the terms and conditions of education and child development programs are met
• Supervising Early Childhood Center Directors in day-to-day center operations
• Providing training and technical assistance to early education staff
• Developing, training, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures for the area of Early Learning
• Overseeing the collection, organization, and clear presentation of accurate educational data
• Implementing strong health and safety standards
• Ensuring compliance and adherence to Title 5 and Title 22 regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and Childcare Licensing

Read the complete job description by clicking here.

• Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!

Working for the City of Oakland

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Our work matters to the people we serve. You will have a direct and positive impact on the people who live and work in Oakland - on their health, well-being, access to services, and safety.
• You will work with colleagues who are fiercely passionate about public service and community, and proud to uplift Oakland as a dynamic, innovative, and vibrant city.
• Helping our community will give you a satisfying feeling, knowing that you are making a difference.
• You will have an opportunity to create classrooms and educational spaces for children that are innovative, keep them engaged, and provide them with experiences that they don’t already have.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• The work is fast-paced, and you will be expected to expertly and professionally juggle multiple, competing priorities.
• The community’s needs exceed the staffing resources to meet them as swiftly and effectively as we would like.
• Several systems and structures need to be developed or updated to meet current requirements.

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job.
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Managing Performance: Ensuring superior individual and group performance
• Organization Design & Structure: Establishing organizational structure and clarifying roles and responsibilities

Minimum Requirements for Application

This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City employees who meet the minimum qualifications. The open list will be for all other applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, special education, public health, psychology or closely related field is required. A Master’s degree is desirable.

Experience:

Three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience in education, mental health, special/exceptional needs, public health or closely related field including services to children, birth to five (5) years of age, including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.

License or Certificate / Other Requirements

Successful incumbents in this position are expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be a cost effective or efficient method for traveling to the various locations required. Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

Obtain and maintain throughout the tenure of employment and renew upon expiration, if applicable:

• Supervisor or Program Director Child Development Permit within first year of hire; and
• Classroom Assessment and Scoring System (CLASS) Certification within six (6) months of hire; and
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications within ninety (90) days of hire; and
• Certification in Creative Curriculum within first year of hire; and
• Family Development Credential within twenty-four (24) months of hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Depending on nature of assignment, candidates who receive offers of employment will be required to submit fingerprints, undergo a criminal record clearance, have a physical examination including a TB (tuberculosis) screening, obtain required immunizations related to being in a classroom, and provide up to date immunization records (annually or when expired) as required by Child Care Licensing.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• Classroom Assessment and Scoring System (CLASS) Certification, 2nd Edition
• Program Director Child Development Permit

• Work/Life Balance: 37.5-hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule
• 15 paid holidays
• Vacation – 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service.
• Retirement – CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health – The City of Oakland pays for the cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans.
• Dental – The City of Oakland pays for Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents.
• Vision – The City of Oakland pays for VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents.
• Sick leave – Employees accrue 12 days per year.
• Deferred Compensation – 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
• Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Training, & possible Telecommuting.