Early Childhood Specialist

The Early Childhood Resource Center, a Ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System is recruiting for a full-time Early Childhood Specialist for the Akron location. The Early Childhood Specialist develops and provides professional development opportunities for early childhood professionals, provides coaching to early childhood administrators and teachers on best practices, and develops strategies for quality improvement.

We offer an EXCELLENT health benefit package, Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, an employer pension plan and 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, tuition reimbursement, and a GREAT work environment! Job Duties

• Provide on-site coaching and support to child care teachers and administrators, guiding them through curriculum implementation, lesson planning, Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) requirements, and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) licensing standards.
• Develop and deliver engaging training sessions both in person and virtually, equipping educators with tools and strategies to succeed.
• Conduct classroom observations and assessments to help teachers grow in their practice.
• Support professional career pathways through the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association (OCCRRA).
• Manage grant initiatives designed to enhance child care learning experiences.
• Administer the Child Development Associate training and related provider services.
• Develop and provide professional development opportunities and technical assistance on developmentally appropriate practices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-agers, consistent with the Birth to Kindergarten Early Learning and Development Standards and Common Core standards.
• Assess training needs of early childhood professionals and develop training modules to meet the identified needs.
• Recruit and disseminate information to early childhood educators on child care resources, services, and quality enhancement programs.
• Consult with child care administrators and provide technical assistance on the rules and regulations of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Ohio’s Step Up To Quality rating system.
• Help child care providers find Ohio Approved training that supports their professional development plan and Step Up To Quality requirements.
• Provide environmental assessments, including ECERS, ITERS, SACERS, and/or FCCERS, and develop strategies for improving environments.
• Provide technical assistance to early childhood educators participating in Child Development Associate and associate’s degree programs.
• Facilitate meetings and professional development opportunities on early childhood issues and best practices.
• Provide services to and manage a caseload of providers based on their needs and service deliverables.
• Provide technical assistance to providers opening new child care businesses.
• Develop and provide family engagement programming.
• Evaluate professional development programs by providing quantitative and qualitative data for evaluation and report on ongoing achievement of outcomes.
• Assist with public relations activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; associate degree and relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
• A firm knowledge of early childhood education and workforce development.
• Experience with adult training and/or career counseling.
• Ability to manage multiple projects from inception through evaluation.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively.
• Computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume with the online application. Hourly pay range: $20.20 to $24.04