Professional Development Specialist

About the role

The Professional Development Specialist at Child Start is dedicated to enhancing early childhood education by equipping educators, child care providers, parents, and caregivers with the necessary knowledge and resources to support the healthy, safe, and successful growth of young children.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and deliver engaging professional development opportunities that enhance practical skills and current industry knowledge for early childhood professionals.
• Provide consultation and guidance to child care centers, family child care providers, preschools, and families, addressing various child development and early education concerns through collaborative, solution-focused support.
• Offer KDHE-approved in-service and pre-service professional development opportunities for child care providers and teachers.
• Respond to and coordinate data collection requests from funders, community partners, and supervisors, using the Statewide Data System (Cape) to facilitate registration and manage participant records.
• Engage regularly with childcare providers and community-level partners, such as childcare licensing surveyors and other early childhood agencies, to promote and conduct the work of Child Start.
• Coordinate support, education, and information to community stakeholders on relevant early childhood or child care issues.
• Collaborate and coordinate with other early childhood and education partners in the state to strengthen the comprehensive professional development system and coordinate training opportunities for child care professionals.
• Participate in collaboration meetings to coordinate planning and delivery of professional development opportunities with other identified recipients.

Requirements

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, or a closely related field.
• At least three years of experience working with young children, with at least one year in a child care setting.
• Experience working with adults, including training, coaching, mentoring, and providing support to caregivers/teachers.
• One to three years of related experience.
• A strong working knowledge of child care licensing regulations.
• Completion of the Cape Trainer approval process.
• Knowledge of core competencies, the CDA process, and accreditation systems for both center and home-based programs.
• Knowledge of Environmental Rating Scales, CLASS, and Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, including creating and editing documents and spreadsheets.
• Ability to compile and synthesize reports and data information with a high degree of accuracy.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• A valid Driver's License.
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Bilingual candidates preferred.

Benefits

The Professional Development Specialist at Child Start earns $17.51 per hour, 20 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Benefits include:

• Medical/Dental/Vision plans
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 9 paid holidays each year
• and much more!

To be considered for this position, applicants must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. Child Start will request proof of measles (MMR) vaccination or documented immunity during the employment process.