Keystone STARS Specialist/Quality Coach

About the role

The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach works with early learning providers in Montgomery County who care for children ages infant to school age. The role assists providers in achieving and maintaining the Keystone STARS standards, providing coaching practices aligned with best management practices.

Responsibilities

• Educate early learning providers, community partners and stakeholders about the Keystone STARS program and the performance standards.
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with early learning providers and school-age providers.
• Work with certification cases of regulatory referrals to educate early learning staff on health and safety practices and assist in improving these practices.
• Work with early learning providers to develop and implement an improvement plan when regulatory deficiencies occur.
• Work with early learning providers and staff to complete required training modules, assist them with the Career Pathway Placement and keep their PD Registry Profiles current.
• Support providers in improving staff retention, staff motivation, and obtaining beneficial, affordable training opportunities.
• Manage a caseload of approximately 75-90 early learning providers at various STAR levels.
• Record and document all provider contact in PELICAN and the QRIS system timely; update and maintain provider data in PELICAN and the QRIS system as necessary.
• Review and maintain Coaching Dashboard in the PD Registry.
• Supply educational materials for Keystone STARS providers as necessary.
• Refer providers for and assist in providing technical assistance and informal training as needed.
• Inform early learning providers about STARS financial awards; assist providers in completing grant applications and award applications when necessary.
• Ensure early learning provider compliance with grant requirements.
• Provide counseling and training to early learning staff and inform them of professional development and funding opportunities.
• Aid providers in attaining goals and encouraging movement in the STARS levels.
• Create Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plans that are meaningful to providers.
• Aid providers to choose to work on indicators that align with their goals.
• Work with providers to implement the targets for movement and maintenance.
• During CQI visits to programs working toward a STAR 2 level, support each program through the STAR 2 evidence-gathering process, conduct a self-assessment using an evidence-based observation instrument, provide guidance in the creation of a CQI Plan, and review evidence of meeting STAR 2 program standards prior to submission on the online portal.
• For programs working toward the STAR 3 and 4 levels, support each program through the STAR 3 and 4 evidence-gathering process, select and conduct a self-assessment using an evidence-based tool, provide guidance in creating a CQI Plan, and pre-designate programs for appropriate STAR levels.
• Complete and submit all required reports accurately and timely.
• Attend any meetings, events, trainings or conferences as required by the PA Key/OCDEL or ELRC 17.
• Promote the Keystone STARS program, be prepared to speak about the program and its requirements when the opportunity arises.
• Comply with all directives, communications, policies and notices received from the PA Key and OCDEL.
• Protect the confidentiality of all client information, provider information and Commonwealth information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in an early learning facility.
• Experience working in an early learning program or in the early learning field.
• Knowledge and understanding of Keystone STARS program, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood Education and Child Development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and data entry software.
• Computer literacy and knowledge of specific software packages and search engines.
• Highly organized, self-motivated.
• Knowledge of basic business practices;
• Excellent organizational skills and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask, detail-oriented.
• Ability to complete tasks within an allotted time frame.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Regularly stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.