Early Childhood Specialist

ICF is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Specialist to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs in delivering high-quality services in accordance with federal regulations. The successful candidate will provide training and technical assistance to programs to ensure progress toward established school readiness goals, focusing on the use of child and program data to inform decision-making. The Specialist will engage programs in dialogue and learning of best practices for children from birth to five, promoting a culture of learning that fosters school readiness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide on-site or virtual training and technical assistance to grantees on school readiness, family engagement, and professional development.
• Assist recipients in selecting and implementing child assessment, curriculum, and teaching methods that are age, developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate.
• Help programs improve teacher-child interactions using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and other measures.
• Support the development of data-driven decision-making skills and the implementation of a research-based coaching model.
• Collaborate with grantees to develop and implement family engagement practices that support family progress, including coaching of family engagement staff and selection of parenting curricula.
• Strengthen birth-to-five transition practices, including building relationships with local preschools, elementary schools, and other partners.
• Improve collaboration with Local Education Agencies (LEAs), state agencies, and other partners.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from an accredited university or college.
• At least 5 years of experience in programs for young children, including provision of technical assistance to teachers, home visitors, and family child care providers.
• 1+ year of experience working with infants and toddlers, family engagement, and facilitating group discussions.
• 1+ year of experience analyzing data and assisting programs to make data-driven decisions.
• 1+ year of experience providing training and technical assistance to programs in developing and implementing school readiness goals or plans.
• Bilingual Spanish required.

Preferred Experience/Skills:

• Knowledge of Head Start performance standards and applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Experience working within a Head Start program.

Professional Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required.
• Experience using virtual platforms and technologies, such as Skype, Zoom, Adobe, and Teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as outside clients and vendors.