Head Start Early Childhood Specialist - Region VII

Job DescriptionICF seeks an experienced 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 one of the Region VII states (Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri).Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, travel will be required to fulfill the requirements of the position. Travel will be in any of the regional states (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas). Basic Qualifications:The Early Childhood Specialist shall have:A minimum of a BA or BS Degree in Early Childhood Education/Development from an accredited university or college

If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should specify courses, conferences, seminars attended or work experience that ensure the proposed candidate remains current in the field of early childhood development

A minimum of five years’ experience in programs for young children ranging from birth to five years in age. The experience should include the provision of technical assistance to teachers, home visitors, family child care providers, coaches, and/or management team members

Experience working with infants and toddlers

Family engagement experience

Experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences

Experience analyzing data and assisting programs to make data driven decisions

Experience providing training and/or technical assistance to programs in developing and/or implementing school readiness goals or plans

Experience communicating, both orally and in writing, to various audiences

Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Preferred Experience/Skills:Knowledge of Head Start performance standards and all 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, i.e. Skype, Zoom, Adobe, Teams etc.

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

Key ResponsibilitiesProvide on-site, group, and virtual TTA to grantees related to school readiness, family engagement, and professional development

Provide TTA related to the selection and implementation of ongoing child assessment, curriculum, and teaching that is age, developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate across the birth to five spectrum

Assist grantees to improve teacher/child interactions as described by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) for center-based preschool programs and other measures suitable for programs serving children from birth-to-five or children in home based and family child care settings

Assist grantees to develop the procedures and skills to aggregate, analyze, and use data obtained through multiple sources

Assist grantees to implement a research-based coaching model

Assist grantees to develop and implement family engagement practices that support family progress as described in the Parent Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework, including coaching of family engagement staff and selection and implementation of a parenting curriculum

Assist grantees to strengthen birth-to-five transition practices, including building relationships with local preschools, elementary schools, and other partners

Assist grantees to improve their collaboration with Local Education Agencies (LEAs), state agencies, and other partners

Coordinate TTA with Grantee, Family Engagement, Health, and System Specialists to ensure effective integration of TTA across service areas, as directed by the Regional Office

Maintain regular and timely communication with Regional Office staff on delivery of TTA and progress toward corrective actions or quality improvement

Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities

Working at ICFWorking at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. If you’re seeking to make a difference in the world, visit www.icf.com/careers to find your next career. ICF—together for tomorrow.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring regardless of any protected characteristic, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, or military/veteran status. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO & AA policy (https://www.icf.com/legal/equal-employment-opportunity) .COVID-19 Policy: New or prospective U.S. employees must provide proof of complete vaccination on the date of their commencement of employment. If selected for employment, you will provide proof of your full vaccination status, defined as vaccinated two weeks after receiving the requisite number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized for emergency use by the FDA.Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email icfcareercenter@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more about non-discrimination: EEO is the law (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migratedfiles/employers/posterscreenreaderoptimized.pdf) and Pay Transparency Statement (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transpEnglishunformattedESQA508c.pdf) . Nebraska Remote Office (NE99)Need help? We're here:ICFCareerCenter@icf.comAbout ICFICF (NASDAQ:ICFI) is a global consulting services company with over 7,000 full and part-time employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.