General Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Professional Development, the Professional Development Specialist assists educators and program administrators to enhance their professional development opportunities by ensuring educational standards are achieved in the early education and care field.

Essential Functions:

1. Assist the Senior Director with the implementation of training initiatives to enhance educator competencies to achieve NAEYC accreditation and other quality improvement measures.
2. Assist with planning Professional Development days, maintain communication with vendors, and assist with space set up.
3. Work collaboratively with staff to ensure the implementation of agency and national quality standards regarding professional development.
4. Develop Individualized Professional Development Plans and monitor educational progress for all center based educators and program administrators, as needed
5. Provide educational support for teaching staff and program administrators (e.g., Professional Qualifications Registry, application process, financial aid, ECE grant, Strong Start, and educational plans).
6. Develop and maintain collaborative relations with higher education institutions, state agencies, community-based organization, and other early education professionals.
7. Serve as an educational resource specialist to the agency by providing reports, surveys, data analysis, and other materials as requested.
8. Participate in working groups as needed.
9. Assist with onboarding of new staff during new hire orientations and beyond.
10. Maintain close communication with Program Directors regarding goals for new hires and their progress.
11. Assist with classroom coverage at center based programs as needed.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions:

• Knowledge of educational standards and quality measurement tools in the early education and care field
• Knowledge of Early Education and Care regulations and NAEYC standards
• Bachelor’s degree; 3-5 years relevant experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and training
• Teacher or Lead Teacher Certification through the Department of Early Education and Care preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, internet/e-mail, and various survey/data tools.
• Some local travel required