Question
5-10

Education Coordinator

1/21/2026

The Education Coordinator will support education staff in planning, coordinating, and implementing education programs while ensuring effective integration of services for children and families. They will also provide leadership and management to the supporting team.

Salary

77400 - 93000 USD

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

201-500 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

No

About The Company
Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce of Prevention) is a nonprofit public-private partnership advancing quality early learning and care for families with children, before birth through their earliest years, to help close the opportunity gap. For nearly 40 years, Start Early has delivered best-in-class doula, home visiting and Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Bringing expertise in program delivery, research and evaluation, professional development and policy and advocacy, Start Early works in partnership with communities and other experts to drive systemic change so that millions more children, families and educators can thrive. Learn more at StartEarly.org. ​
About the Role

Description

 We Are Hiring in Waukegan!


Start Early, Lake County provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old in Lake County, Illinois. As a program that serves low-income families, Start Early’s research-based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. 


We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication. Make an impact! 


As the Education Coordinator you will support education staff in the planning, coordinating and implementation of the education programs. Ensures effective integration and interdisciplinary work of all aspects of the program work into the educational services for children and families and provides leadership and management to supporting team. 


When you join our team as Education Coordinator, you will:

  •  Design and implement education plans and monitor effectiveness through classroom observations and data analysis. 
  •  Develop program policies and service delivery plans; monitor program quality and recommend adjustments as needed. 
  • ·Collaborate with other content areas to plan and implement interdisciplinary services for children and families. 
  • ·Support family engagement and recruitment opportunities. Ensure all mandates of Head Start Program Performance Standards, Illinois State Board of Education, ExceleRate, federal, state, and local licensing are met or exceeded.
  •  Provide ongoing management and leadership to supporting team including performance evaluations, coaching, staff onboarding, and team development. In conjunction with family support services facilitate the Transition Committee. 
  • Maintain appropriate record keeping and reporting. 
  •  Ensure classroom ratios and group sizes are maintained. 
  •  Maintain required records and enter required data in ChildPlus. 
  • Collaborate with other Education Coordinators to ensure there is a written Staffing Plan. Monitor education outcomes and complete required reports including Child Outcomes Report, monthly MAR Report.
  • Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing and Start Early’s philosophy, curriculum and Standards of Conduct. 
  • Maintain confidentiality according to Start Early’s policies and procedures.
  • Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and trainings, and reflective supervision.

Requirements

  •  Master’s degree in child development or early Childhood Education preferred (or related field with a minimum of 30 hours in Child Development or Early Childhood Education). 
  •  Illinois Gateways ECE Level 5 and IT Level 5. Required 
  • ·Professional Educator License (PEL) with early childhood endorsement preferred. Illinois Gateways Director Level Two or Three preferred. 
  • Prior management experience with a minimum of three to five years of experience in instructing, early childhood development, or early childhood daycare. 
  • ·Advanced proficiency in theories and principles of child growth, development and early childhood education. 
  • ·Advanced knowledge of and ability to implement early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (0-3 )) and be able to remain abreast of developments in the child development field. 
  • Advanced knowledge of and ability to assess, analyze, and interpret Head Start Standards, State and local licensing requirements and Start Early’s philosophy. 
  • ·Ability to address mental health challenges and work with diverse learners. Highly able to effectively train and mentor instructing staff in small or large groups. 
  • Communicate optimally and function well with parents, staff and various professional community groups. 
  • ·Deep commitment in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice. 
  • Optimally establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect. 
  • · Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward

Salary: $77,400 - $93,000

Our generous benefit plan includes: Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

Key Skills
Child DevelopmentEarly Childhood EducationProgram ManagementData AnalysisFamily EngagementTeam LeadershipCurriculum DevelopmentInterdisciplinary CollaborationPerformance EvaluationCoachingRecord KeepingCommunicationDiversityInclusionMental HealthRisk Management
Categories
EducationManagement & LeadershipSocial Services
Benefits
Comprehensive Health PlansCommitment to Diversity, Equity, & InclusionHolistic Wellness ProgramProfessional Development Program401k ContributionPaid Volunteer Days6 Months Paid Parental Leave
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