The Professional Development Specialist supports best practices to child care providers, early care and education educators, parents, and caregivers in areas of child development issues and developmentally appropriate practices which promote healthy, safe optimal learning experiences for young children; researches, develops and presents professional development events; consults with centers, providers, preschools and parents regarding their special concerns.

• Offer KDHE approved in-service and pre-service professional development opportunities, for childcare providers and teachers.
• Create new KDHE approved coursework, as needed, to meet the needs of the project.
• Respond to and coordinate any data collection requests from funders, community partners and supervisors.
• Coordinate support, education and information to community stakeholders on relevant early childhood or child care issues.

This position is primarily nights and weekends, 20 hours per week.

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 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.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of the child care licensing regulations.
• 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.
• Provide technical assistance to child care programs specific to the implementation of principles and practices introduced through professional development sessions.
• Proficient using Microsoft Word, Excel, including creating and editing documents, and spreadsheets.
• Complies 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 Kansas driver’s license.
• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner and to multi-task.
• Bilingual candidates preferred.
• The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds for various event needs.

Benefits

Child Start's Professional Development Specialist position is $15.42 per hour.