Child Start's Professional Development Specialist is passionate about strengthening the quality of early childhood education by empowering educators, child care providers, parents, and caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to help young children thrive. This position promotes best practices in child development and developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support the healthy, safe, and successful growth of children. The Specialist researches, designs, and delivers engaging professional development opportunities that equip early childhood professionals with practical skills and current industry knowledge. They also provide consultation and guidance to child care centers, family child care providers, preschools, and families, helping address a variety of child development and early education concerns through collaborative, solution-focused support. As a trusted resource and advocate for quality early care and education, this role builds strong community partnerships, encourages continuous learning, and helps improve outcomes for children and families. If you are committed to professional growth, enjoy sharing your expertise, and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children, we invite you to join our team.
- Provide technical assistance and coaching to child care providers, educators, parents and other caregivers as follow up to professional development sessions around child development issues and developmentally appropriate practices that promotes healthy, safe, optimal learning experiences for young children.
- Offer KDHE approved in-service and pre-service professional development opportunities, for child care providers and teachers.
- Respond to and coordinate any data collection requests from funders, community partners and supervisors.
- Use Statewide Data System (Cape) to facilitate registration and manage participant records.
- Promotes and conducts the work of the Child Start by engaging in regular communication with childcare providers, community level partners (such as childcare licensing surveyors, other early childhood agencies, etc.).
- Coordinate support, education and information to community stakeholders on relevant early childhood or child care issues.
- Participate in collaboration and coordination efforts 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.
- 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 a minimum of one year in a child care setting. Experience working with adults (e.g. training, coaching, mentioning or leading and providing support to caregivers/teachers.
- Requires one to three years of related experience. Requires a working knowledge of standard practices and procedures.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of the child care licensing regulations.
- Complete the Cape Trainer approval process.
- Be knowledgeable about the core competencies, the CDA process and accreditation systems for both center and home-based programs.
- Be knowledgeable about the Environmental Rating Scales, CLASS and Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
- Proficient using Microsoft Word, Excel, including creating and editing documents, and spreadsheets.
- Compiles a variety of reports and data information with a high degree of accuracy to support compiling and synthesizing reports.
- Ability to work with a diverse client population.
- Requires good interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Holds a valid Driver's License.
- Ability to complete projects in a timely manner and to multi-task.
- Bilingual candidates preferred.
Child Start's Professional Development Specialist is $19.00 per hour, 20 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Child Start offers competitive salary and benefits, including 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! Must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. In compliance with KDHE requirements, Child Start will request proof of measles (MMR) vaccination or documented immunity during the employment process. Must be able to commute daily to Wichita, KS.