Early Learning Administrator - 1.0 FTE - Early Learners Program

Posting Timeline

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Position Details

BASIC FUNCTION

Under administrative direction, provide high-quality leadership in the Early Learners program which includes preschool and PK, and directly support students on the continuous path to successful completion of their early learning education and transition to Kindergarten; provide educational services including the development of appropriate curriculum in the areas of literacy, language, math, science, creative arts, self-help, and social-emotional skills; create a community of continuous learning for all staff and students providing early education and family support emphasizing healthy outcome and school readiness, and promoting family self-sufficiency; providing every student with equitable access to high quality and culturally relevant instruction; support and implement the District's Racial Equity Policy; build strong partnerships with families and community; create a safe, welcoming environment that reflects and supports the racial and ethnic diversity of the student population and communities served; manage operational, technical, and school activities and staff to promote student growth.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all employees within the classification. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

• Promote a positive, safe, and caring climate for all students; create a welcoming environment that reflects and supports the racial and ethnic diversity of the student population and communities served; communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents. "E"
• Lead the implementation of the Early Learners instructional and health programs which provide access and support to rigorous and culturally relevant instruction for all students. "E"
• Lead development and implementation of assigned Early Learners site(s) plans with staff, parents, and community members; maintain, and use information systems to track progress on site performance objectives and academic excellence indicators. "E"
• Regularly observe classroom instruction and work to improve employee performance as principal evaluator for employee evaluation systems. Ensure equitable access to curriculum standards, programs, and materials regardless of race or achievement levels. "E"
• Lead a shared site-based leadership team that reflects diverse perspectives. Develop and mentor others with an emphasis on administrative team members. "E"
• Participate as an active member of the Early Learners program leadership team. Collaborate with other site-based Early Learners Administrators to ensure consistency in implementing the program's vision. "E"
• Ensure a fair and equitable interview and selection process for open positions. Create a welcoming and supportive environment for new employees. "E"
• Articulate the Early Learners program's vision to the community and solicit its support in accomplishing the mission; use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement. "E"
• Actively engage and advocate for historically underserved families of color, including those whose first language may not be English, as essential partners in their student's education, school planning, and decision-making. "E"
• Supervise all assigned site operations, collaborating with building administrators and the other Early Learners administrators and leadership, including daily program activities and events, school climate, the development of class schedules, teacher and site support staff assignments, and extracurricular activity schedules; manage relationships with external partners such as Multnomah Early Childhood Program (MECP) and Bravo. "E"
• Supervise and support early learners services by providing professional development to strengthen employees' knowledge and skills for accelerating preparedness for KG for all students and eliminate historic barriers; establish instructional systems for monitoring student progress, assessment and accountability to eliminate the effects of institutional racism. "E"
• Manage and report on site-based budgets and finances as assigned; ensure compliance with PPS procedures, policies and state and Federal requirements.
• Manage a positive student behavior system; promote social justice; ensure student discipline is appropriate and equitable. "E"
• Represent the district and assigned school in meetings, workshops, conferences and professional activities at and away from the school site. "E"
• Use District IT systems to perform routine tasks, such as performance management assessments; accessing financial reports; student data systems; and managing school staffing and budget
  information. "E"
• Support District initiatives and priorities aligned with implementing a rigorous curriculum to prepare students to be successful. "E"
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized "E", which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS

The Early Learners Administrator provides leadership to the students, staff, community and stakeholders in preschool and pre-K grades within the Portland Public Schools. Students self-select into the Early Learners program and receive age-appropriate instruction, are provided regular screenings, and early KG transition preparation. The classification differs from a Principal of Special Programs in that the Early Learners Administrator oversees a subset of classrooms, sites, staff, and students within the Early Learners program and is responsible for implementing the program vision, whereas the principal, or director, is responsible and accountable for the entire program.

Knowledge of:

• Head Start Program Performance Standards and Oregon PK grants that define standard and minimum requirements for Head Start and Early Learning programs.

• Early childhood best practices.
• Child development, inclusive of the language, motor, physical, social, and emotional growth of preschool aged students.
• PK-12 Education public schools' laws, policies and guidelines related to administration, curriculum and leadership.
• District labor organizations and collective bargaining agreements.
• Family engagement strategies.
• Wrap-around services for children ages 0 to 5 in the areas of social emotional, mental, and physical health.

Ability to:

• Manage systemic change and successfully implement equity transformation initiatives that produce significant gains in closing the opportunity gap.
• Nurture the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of preschool and pre-K aged children.
• Emphasize learning through play.
• Motivate others and model effective leadership skills.
• Facilitate group decision making; engage in active listening.
• Support healthy behaviors that enhance wellness.
• Take individual initiative; accept responsibility and be held accountable.
• Communicate a sense of vision and direction; adapt to change and remain flexible.
• Advocate, model and implement Portland Public School's Racial Equity, Equity in Public Purchasing and Contracting and Affirmative Action board policies.
• Use word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.

Education and Training:

A State of Oregon issued Administrative License is required at the time of appointment.

Experience:

A minimum of two (2) years of successful school administrative leadership experience in an early learning, preschool, or pre-K educational setting with demonstrated results in improving the KG transition readiness of students is required.

Experience working in a richly diverse school community and environment and bilingual or multilingual skills are preferred.

Special Requirements:

Positions in this classification require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver's license.

Work hours will routinely include on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities and meetings and district, school and student functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an elementary, middle, K-8 and/or High School campus environment, classroom, office, or through a third party provided facility, with extensive student, parent, social service agency, medical care provider contact and frequent interruptions. Work hours will routinely include on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities, meetings and district, school and student functions.

Hazards: Potential conflict situations.

Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a school office and campus setting; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; sitting, standing and walking for extended periods of time; kneeling, bending at the waist; lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying school equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds; repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to use a computer keyboard; emotional stability to work effectively under pressure and to keep all aspects of the job under control; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare and assure the accuracy of documents.

Remote Work Eligibility: Not eligible.

FLSA:

Exempt

Approval Date:

June 2024

Classification:

Licensed Administrator

Job Code:

1119

Bargaining Unit:

Non-Represented

Salary Grade:

Early Learner Administrator - Licensed Administrator Salary Schedule

Work Year(s):

233

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees.Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For moreinformation about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635