Preschool Quality Assurance Specialist (3253)

Purpose and Impact

The Preschool Quality Assurance Specialist seeks to perform the duties required to monitor activities conducted at Head Start/Early Head Start sites to meet compliance mandates defined by the Head Start Performance Standards. Participates in the HS/EHS Quality Assurance efforts.

Essential Functions

• Monitor quality and compliance at assigned sites, such as: education files, licensing requirements, referral systems for families and children, provision of social services, and ERSEA systems.
• Assess curriculum implementation throughout the agency on an ongoing basis.
• Provide CLASS observations for all teaching staff on a rotating basis.
• Serve as a resource to the staff at assigned sites in the areas of mental health, nutrition, education, social services, etc.
• As needed, assist in the provision of parent training to parents of enrolled children in areas such as community resources, ERSEA, and child development.
• Meet monthly with site managers/liaisons to keep them abreast of new developments in the Head Start Program on state regional and national levels or program changes concerning Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Generate and analyze reports as requested and use this information to implement strategies as needed to contribute to continuous quality improvements.
• Submit monthly to the Director of Continuous Quality Improvement via the QA Manager compliance reports detailing on-site observations and action taken.
• Prepare monthly narrative report outlining activities, concerns and recommendations.
• Work with staff to ensure the development and maintenance of an effective, informative, supportive, and inviting environment for staff, children, parents, and community volunteers.
• Work as part of the Head Start leadership team in long- and short-term planning for Head Start.
• Aid in the creation of procedures, documents, and other systems to maintain compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Aid the QA Manager and Director of Continuous Quality Improvement in managing the maintenance of accurate program data.
• Participate in strategic planning for all quality assurance initiatives.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to HS/EHS children, families and staff in accordance with LSF and HS/EHS policies and procedures.
• Attend training and workshops as directed.
• Attend all required staff and parent meetings, as well as Committee meetings, as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift or move up to 15 pounds.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Verbal and auditory ability to communicate effectively with staff, partners, and stakeholders.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Education

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Social Services, Early Childhood Education OR Early Childhood Development; OR Business Administration with relevant experience related to Head Start Operations.

Experience

• Requires two years of experience working in a social services or education management or specialist position.

Other Functions

Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Head Start philosophy, goals and regulations.
• Knowledge and experience with Head Start specific software packages.
• Math skills needed to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages and overtime.
• Computer skills to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other mathematical reports.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; make recommendations and develop implementation strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to interpret agency, federal and state laws pertaining to the program.
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail are required and the candidate must be able to meet designated deadlines.

Principal Accountabilities

• Team player with co-workers and central service office staff.
• Cost effective program operations.
• Adherence to agency policies, procedures and performance standards.
• Effective customer service and group leadership.

Why work for LSF?

• Offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need.
• Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need.
• Find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.
• Amazing benefits package including: Medical, Dental and Vision Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employer paid life insurance (1X salary) 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year) Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement Tuition reimbursement.

Additional Information

• Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes.
• Pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements.
• For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.
• This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
• For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.