Preschool Learning Specialist Department of Instruction 2025-26 School Year Only

Preschool Learning Specialist

Department ofInstruction

7.25 hrs/day; 200 days per full school year

2025-26 School Year Only

Are you looking to work in a school division where students are engaged in authentic challenging and relevant learning experiences becoming lifelong contributors and leaders in our dynamic and diverse society Then look no further!

In Albemarle County Public Schools we work together as a team to end the predictive value of race class gender and special capacities for our childrens success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student!

We are the first public school division in Virginia and among the first in the country to develop and implement anAnti-Racism policywith the expressed purpose of building school communities that share the responsibility to recognize and end racism eliminate inequitable practices that result in achievement gaps and support the unique gifts talents and interests ofevery ACPS all really meansall.

Who Were Looking For

Teachers and Specialists are essential to achieving our goals ofThriving StudentsAffirming and Empowering Communities andEquitable Transformative Resources.

Our ideal candidates are:

• Innovative self-reflective collaborative knowledgeable in their content area and instructional practices and are continually growing and improving
• Passionate about closing equity and achievement gaps
• Prepared to engage with ourCulturally Responsive Teachingmodel in support of our Equity Mission Statement

Why Work in Our Schools

Here are just a few reasons why both new and experienced educators choose to join our team:

• Strong instructional support and mentoring from our building administrators instructional coacheslearning technologyintegrators diversity resource teachers and equity specialists
• A wide range ofprofessional developmentopportunities including our New Teacher Academy and many other learning experiences held throughout the year for new and experienced teachers
• Competitivepayandbenefits including health & dental coverage retirement flexible spending accounts paid time off wellnessprogram discounts on gym memberships and more
• The opportunity to work in a close-knit supportive community where you can continue to grow as a professional

Be sure to check out ourwebsiteto learn more about ourDivisionand ourSchools. You can read the full teacher job descriptionhere.

Location

Situated around beautifulCharlottesville Virginia which is consistently ranked among Americas top university towns and best places to live Albemarle County is nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Just 100 miles south of Washington DC and 70 miles west of Richmond its only a short trip to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic beaches and New York is an easy Amtrak ride away. Whether its the great outdoors a vibrant and diverse arts food and culture scene or small town living with a big city feel our part of Central Virginia has something for everyone.

The Application Process

Are you ready to join the ACPS Team and engage our learners in becoming lifelong contributors and leaders in our dynamic and diverse society If so then follow these steps to apply:

STEP 1: ClickApply for this Positionat the top right of this page. This will add your application to the candidate pool for this position.

STEP 2:You will receive an email invitation to complete a short online assessment to help us learn more about your strengths as an educator. Instructions will be included in the email. If youvealready taken this assessment within the past three years you do not need to complete it again.

STEP 3:Continue to check ourJobs pagefrequently as new positions are added throughout the spring and summer.You need to apply for each specific position that you are interested in.Jobs are listed chronologically by posting date but you can search by categoriesor by keywords like teacher or counselor and you can also sign up for weekly email alerts.

STEP 4:Our school principals and assistant principals will review your application and will contact you directly if they would like to schedule an interview. Time frames vary depending on the position and time of year.

Qualifications:Candidates for this position must hold or be eligible for a Virginia teaching certificate with endorsement as a Reading information can be found on theVDOE website.

Questions Email

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

The Preschool Learning Specialist provides instructional leadership and support to teachers in the districts preschool classrooms including those operating under Head Start (HS) and the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI). This role is crucial for ensuring the consistent implementation of high-quality research-based curriculum utilizing child assessment data to drive instruction and ensuring program fidelity and compliance with all HS Performance Standards and VPI Guidelines to achieve positive child outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides differentiated job-embedded coaching to preschool instructional staff focusing on effective instructional strategies classroom management and creating a responsive learning environment;
• Conducts regular classroom observations using approved fidelity tools (e.g. PreK-CLASS) and provides timely constructive feedback for growth;
• Models best instructional practices in classrooms to demonstrate effective teaching methods;
• Ensures all instructional staff implement the approved curriculum with high fidelity and utilize formative assessment processes effectively;
• Monitors the timely and accurate completion of required child assessments (e.g. Teaching Strategies GOLD VALLS EMAS etc.) and train staff on data entry and interpretation;
• Facilitates data meetings with teaching teams to analyze child outcome data identify areas of need and develop action plans for individual children and whole groups;
• Plans organizes and delivers targeted high-quality professional development sessions based on identified staff needs program data and regulatory requirements (HS/VPI);
• Maintains expertise in early childhood development inclusive practices and current instructional research;
• Monitors classroom practices and documentation to ensure strict adherence to all relevant Head Start Performance Standards VPI guidelines and state licensing requirements;
• Collaborates with the Early Childhood leadership team to develop refine and implement program policies and procedures;
• Works closely with related service providers (e.g. speech therapists occupational therapists) to ensure effective inclusion and individualized instruction;
• Liaises with elementary school principals and kindergarten staff to facilitate effective student transition;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of early (birth-five) child development developmentally appropriate assessment methods and effective early childhood instructional practices (Pre-K). Expertise in PreK CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) and its application for improving teacher-child interactions and instructional practice. Strong analytical skills to interpret complex child assessment data and translate it into actionable instructional goals. Excellent communication presentation and interpersonal skills to build trust and collaborative relationships with staff and administrators.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education Child Development Curriculum & Instruction or a closely related field required. Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education or Instructional Leadership preferred. Valid Virginia Teaching License with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education PreK-3 or Early/Primary Education or Elementary Education PreK-6. Minimum of 3-5 years of successful teaching experience in a licensed preschool or Pre-K-5 setting. Demonstrated experience with Head Start or Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) programs is highly desirable. Proven experience in coaching mentoring or instructional leadership roles.

Required Experience:

IC