Head Start Early Childhood Specialist, Region XI
(Job Number: 1700002563)
Social & Analytic Solutions Group
Early Childhood Education
Remote - Home Based
Job Description:
ICF International seeks an American Indian and Alaska Native Region XI (AIAN) Early Childhood (EC) Specialist to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs to ensure high quality Head Start and Early Head Start services in accordance with federal regulations. The Early Childhood Specialist will provide training and technical assistance (TTA) to programs to support progress toward established school readiness goals, focusing on the use of child and program data to make decisions about approaches to working with teachers, home visitors, and parents in quality practices. The Specialist will provide professional-level expertise by engaging programs in dialogue and learning of best practices for children from birth to five and encourage a culture of learning that promotes school readiness.
This position is home-based in the U.S. and will involve extensive travel to programs within clusters of states where the candidate is assigned.
Key Responsibilities:
Continue and extend the work of the OHS by targeting the work of the National Centers and Head Start initiatives to individual grantees and groups of grantees within the region.
Under the direction of the Regional Office, work on-site with individual grantees, small clusters of grantees, or conduct formal training sessions, either in-person or virtually.
Direct work toward school readiness, family engagement, professional development of early care and education staff, CLASS, and collaboration.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development (18 ECE credits are required, transcripts will be requested).
5+ years of demonstrated experience in the field of early childhood education.
5+ years of experience offering training and technical assistance within early care and education.
Understanding of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education and the ability to support its use in school readiness goals.
Must have experience working with programs serving infants and toddlers.
Ability to provide training and technical assistance related to family engagement and/or family wellbeing.
Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
Preferred Experience/Skills:
Master’s Degree in Early childhood Education or Child Development (18 ECE credits are required, transcripts will be requested).
Knowledge of Head Start performance standards and all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
Experience working within a Head Start Program.
Knowledge of researched based curriculum and assessment.
Practice Based Coaching.
Knowledge of QRIS and data systems.
Experience working with programs serving dual language learners.
American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal experience.
Professional Skills:
Ability to maintain up to date knowledge of current child development practices and research based early childhood quality methods and approaches.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
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.
ICF offers an excellent benefits package, an award winning talent development program, and fosters a highly skilled, energized and empowered workforce.
ICF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. (EOE – Minorities/Females/ Protected Veterans Status/Disability Status/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity)
Primary Location: United States-Virginia-Fairfax