Quality Improvement Specialist / Coach

Bring your passion for early childhood education to a role where positive impact can be felt far and wide! As a Quality Improvement Specialist / Coach, you’ll partner with coworkers, colleagues, and early care and education providers to spark growth, elevate quality, and inspire best practices in early learning environments. From providing hands-on coaching to leading dynamic trainings, you’ll be a trusted resource and advocate for educators, children, and families. This position begins primarily on-site to support training and relationship-building, then shifts to a structured mix of on-site work, community engagement, and remote tasks once you’re fully oriented.

Job Statement: The primary focus of this grant-funded position is to encourage early care and education program/provider engagement in Great Start to Quality and to support providers with quality improvement. This includes providing training and technical assistance to licensed early childhood educators. This position reports to the Great Start to Quality Southeast Resource Center Director. This position may primarily be based in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties to start; however, work locations may shift over time to support the evolving needs of the program and agency, including potential assignments in other counties. Minimal travel to other counties will be required. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Performance Expectations:

• Exude positive energy and enthusiasm and embrace the mission of Child Care Network.
• Conducts outreach to licensed early care and education programs/providers who are not yet engaged or who may be renewing engagement in Great Start to Quality and track technical assistance provided.
• Provide support to early care and education programs with MiRegistry, including but not limited to, membership, professional development, sponsoring training, etc.
• Support those interested in becoming a licensed provider through the licensing process.
• Promote public awareness of available quality improvement resources and other Child Care Network programming through presentations to programs/providers and community stakeholders. Represent Child Care Network at community meetings and outreach events.
• Implement quality improvement consultation and coaching for eligible early care and education programs/providers and track all consultation provided.
• Collaborate with community partners for the purpose of expanding quality supports for programs/providers.
• Facilitate Resource Center (RC) trainings.
• Assist families with finding child care or free preschool options. Connect families in need of help affording child care with available community resources.
• Provide technical assistance, resources, support, and referrals to early care and education programs/providers, families, community partners, and others concerning appropriate community, statewide, and national resources.
• Regularly connect with supervisor to bring forward any emerging needs within the community, including the need for technical assistance for early care and education programs/providers.
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff, and agency information.
• Complete 16 hours of professional development annually and all funder-required technical assistance events/meetings.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

*Research shows that people from communities of color, women, and other marginalized groups often only apply to positions if they completely meet all qualifications. Racially/ethnically diverse individuals and women with lived experience, who may not meet all stated qualifications, are encouraged to apply.

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of Early Childhood Development or Education, or related field of study and a minimum of five years of experience working directly with children in an early childhood setting.
• Understanding of developmentally appropriate and quality practices in early care and education programs, as well as child development for the first five years of life.
• Ability to model developmentally appropriate practices for children and quality adult-child interactions.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of diverse groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively in teams, and also work independently in a self-directed manner.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to form interpersonal relationships.
• Knowledge/experience with computer technology, specifically Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Zoom.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Desired Personal Characteristics:

• Trustworthy and reliable.
• Ability to build trusting relationships.
• Self-motivated, positive, and enjoys learning.
• Believes that “fun” is part of the work experience.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]

Child Care Network is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ann Arbor, MI 48108