REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Cook Inlet Native Head Start (CINHS) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose non-profit purpose is to build strong foundations with Alaska Native Families through Alaska Native cultures and education.


II. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE

The Early Childhood Development Associate will:
(1) Assist the Special Needs Coordinator to collaborate with education staff to facilitate integration of special needs activities into the classroom curriculum as needed and in accordance with the child’s IFSP, IEP or Behavior Plan.
(2) Conduct developmental and social-emotional observations for enrolled children referred by parents, staff, community partners, or the Anchorage School District (ASD) in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.
(3) Assist teachers to improve classroom management and teacher practices through strategies that include using classroom observations and resources to address teacher and individual child needs and creating physical and cultural environments that promote positive behavior guidance and social and emotional functioning.
(4) Be an active participant in the classroom environment to ensure the needs of children with an IFSP/IEP/Behavior Plan are met.
(5) Assist the Special Needs Coordinator in coordinating and tracking special needs screenings for children in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards.
(6) Assist in maintaining the reporting system for special needs and disabilities.
(7) Report directly to the Education Manager or the education leadership designees.

III. CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Under the Head Start Performance Standards, CINHS must “provide high-quality early education and child development services, including for children with disabilities, that promote children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth for later success in school” as outline in 45 CFR Chapter XIII, 1302.31 under the title “Education and Child Development Program Services”.

IV. APPROXIMATE HOURS
Within current funding availability, maximum 120 hours/month during the 2022/2023 CINHS academic year beginning December 2022. Exact hours and times to be negotiated. These services are to be delivered on-site.

V. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested Early Childhood Development Associates should include the following information in their proposal to perform the Child Development services:

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development plus 4 years’ experience in an early childhood classroom; with preference of an advanced degree in Early Childhood Special Education.
• Experience in working with young children and parents/caregivers.
• Self-motivated starter with strong time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary team, in a Head Start setting.
• Experience in working with diverse Alaska Native/American Indian cultures and ability to deliver services in a culturally responsive manner.
• Ability to collaborate with team to provide services to children with disabilities.
• Knowledge and ability to demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions and use of assessment to promote children’s progress towards school readiness.
(Reference: OHS Performance Standards 1302.91(e)(5)

VI. COMPENSATION
$25.00 per hour up to $21,000.00.

VII. EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

The following criteria will be considered when making an evaluation of the proposals:

A. Factors

1. Responsiveness of the proposal in clearly stating an understanding of early childhood development and positive behavior guidance to meet the needs of the agency and classroom services to be performed.

a. Appropriateness and adequacy of proposed work plan to meet CINHS’s needs.
b. Reasonableness of fees and expenses.
2. Technical experience in working with non-profits, Head Start, and community partners such as ASD.
3. Qualifications of staff.

B. CINHS reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted and to request additional information from all proposers. Any contract awarded will be made to the independent Early Childhood Development Associate who, based on evaluation of all responses, applying all criteria and oral interviews, if necessary, is determined to be the best to perform the Child Development Services for Cook Inlet Native Head Start.

VIII. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

One electronic copy of your proposal must be submitted to Gypsy Gardner, Education Manager, no later than the close of business (5:00 PM), Friday, December 9, 2022. CINHS has the right to close the proposal acceptance window after one week if adequate inquiries are obtained. Selection of the Early Childhood Development Associate will be made on or before December 16, 2022, and individuals submitting proposals will be notified immediately as to the selection results. No proposal will be considered that is not received at or prior to the above time and date.

IX. SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Any interested party who wishes to gain a better understanding of the organization may contact Gypsy Gardner, Education Manager or Elizabeth Parker, HR/Executive Assistance at (907) 443-1600.

compensation: $25.00/hour up to contractual amount
employment type: contract
job title: Contractual, Early Childhood Development Associate
non-profit organization