Curriculum Specialist
Sheltering Arms
Curriculum Specialist
Sheltering Arms
Nonprofit strengthening education for vulnerable families
SHELTERING ARMS
EARLY EDUCATION AND FAMILY CENTERS
JOB DESCRIPTION
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OFFICIAL TITLE: Curriculum Specialist
SUPERVISOR: Center Director
SALARY RANGE: In accordance with Sheltering Arms Salary Schedules
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-Time, Full Year overtime exempt
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Curriculum Specialist works in a center to ensure quality education standards; acts as a role model regarding teaching techniques, discipline and professional growth and development; acts as a liaison between teaching staff and center management; maintains center resource and supply areas. Provides onsite staff training and assists with area and agency wide training. Serves as a member of the Center Management Team, taking responsibility for center operations in the absence of the Center Director and Family Support Coach.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Routinely observes in classroom using Sheltering Arms classroom observation forms, monthly focus checklists, NAEYC, ITERS, ECERS, CLASS, RRFTS and other related curriculum observation checklists.
Assists teachers in self-evaluation and goal setting, follows up on previous goals.
Serves as a mentor teacher working in classrooms when there is a teacher shortage or need for technical assistance.
Models and provides coaching for developmentally appropriate practice for teachers in the classrooms.
Meets regularly as part of the management team to share concerns and progress.
Conducts lead teacher meetings at least twice a month.
Assists Center Director in establishing agenda for staff meeting.
Assists Center Director and Lead Teachers in conducting new teacher orientation.
Assists Center Director with classroom teacher performance appraisals.
Checks lesson plans weekly and gives feedback and approval.
Works one-on-one with classroom staff to foster continued professional growth and development.
Keeps track of educational materials and makes them available to staff as needed (resource books, training manuals, etc.)
Ensures that resource and supply areas are organized and orderly.
Checks classroom inventories and assists Center Director in ordering appropriate materials.
Provides onsite staff training for teachers and parents and assists with area and agency training.
Follows up with teachers who have received training to ensure implementation in the classroom.
Trains staff on and monitors developmental assessment data entry and use in weekly lesson plans.
Meets regularly with Director of Early Learning to share curriculum concerns and assist in development of curriculum materials necessary for the implementation of the educational program.
Participates in staff and parent meetings, as needed.
Keeps informed of current information on child development by reading and attending conferences and workshops.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:
The Curriculum Specialist must demonstrate:
Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood education practices.
Knowledge of state and national licensing and regulatory standards.
Effective leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
Cultural competence and sensitivity within diverse communities.
Strict adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards.
Professional integrity, fairness, compassion, and consistency.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Early Childhood Education or closely related field and three years administrative or supervisory experience.
OR
Master's in early childhood education or closely related field and one year administrative or supervisory experience.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The Curriculum Specialist may be expected to:
1. Lift and carry children and equipment, 30lbs unassisted and 50lbs with assistance.
2. Capability to sit on the floor and stand up independently to interact with children.
3. Clean and maintain equipment and the center.
4. Take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, and staff due to the potential exposure to anyone who may be ill and/or contagious.
5. Work in a busy and occasionally noisy environment where there may be a number of activities and situations happening at once.
6. Ability to use arms and legs and moving their whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
7. Ability to learn/use technology.
8. Ability to pass a hearing test.
9. Visually observe children from all areas of the classroom and playground from a distance of at least 20 feet.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Travel to various centers may be required as well as rotating schedules. Background check, fingerprinting, and drug test are required prior to hire date.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated consistent with Sheltering Arms evaluation policy.
Date Established:
Date(s) Revised: 5/6/2026
This description may be changed at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by leadership. Sheltering Arms reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.
Nonprofit strengthening education for vulnerable families
Sheltering Arms NY provides services to strengthen the education, wellbeing, and development of vulnerable children, youth, and families in the New York metro area. Its programs include early childhood education, after-school and enrichment activities, and family support services delivered through community partnerships to help low-income families break the cycle of poverty. The way it works is by offering structured programs and supportive services that address learning, health, and social needs, guiding families to access resources, skills training, and opportunities they need to succeed. What sets Sheltering Arms apart is its long history (since 1831), extensive local presence, and focus on equity through collaborations that reach thousands of New Yorkers each year. Its goal is to ensure every child and family has the support and opportunities required to reach their full potential and build brighter futures.
Explore more opportunities at Sheltering Arms