Early Childhood Scholarship Project Specialist

Summary

Child Care Aware� of Missouri (CCAMO) is seeking a customer service minded, detail-oriented, individual who enjoys working with early care and education participants through daily phone and email communications. The ideal candidate for this position will have a passion for assisting others reach their professional and personal goals through increased education while enjoying learning themselves. Applicants should have an outgoing personality, enjoy data entry, possess an ability to process data, and seek to work as part of a team.

Function: The Child Development Associate (CDA) Scholarship Project Specialist provides guidance and expertise to CDA Scholarship recipients throughout the scholarship process. This Specialist is committed to strengthening the child care system in Missouri by creating, supporting and promoting quality continuing education opportunities in early care and education. This position is an on-site job with the possibility of up to two (2) days working from home. The Early Childhood Scholarship Project Specialist reports to the Director of Scholarships and works in tandem with the TEACH Missouri Scholarship team.

Duties

Responsible for activities specific to the CCAMO CDA Scholarship Project including, but not limited to:

• Regular contact with CCAMO CDA Scholarship Project participants to ensure a clear understanding of program requirements through multiple communication avenues.
• Understand the CCAMO CDA Scholarship Project eligibility requirements and application process.
• Possess a strong working knowledge of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and the requirements put forth by the Council for Professional Recognition.
• Understand the TEACH Missouri Scholarships including eligibility requirements and differences between scholarship models.
• Verify, track and request purchases and reimbursements for the CCAMO CDA Scholarship Project participants in a timely manner.
• Maintain a regular caseload of scholarship participants supporting them through attainment of the CDA credential and award of completion bonuses.
• Daily data entry and management of participant accounts to ensure accuracy.
• Provide assistance, resources and expertise to participants throughout the scholarship process ? training audits, clock hour training, portfolio creation/resources, CDA Council Application, exam, verification/observation visit, earning the CDA credential, and completion bonuses.
• Assist potential participants with application completion.
• Conduct training audits to verify clock hour requirements.
• Regularly communicate with scholarship participants to assist in outreach and marketing of the scholarship.
• Track scholarship status and ensure scholarship participants complete and submit required paperwork.
• Assist Director of Scholarships with ongoing recruitment of participants.
• Work closely with the CDA Scholarship Project and T.E.A.C.H. MISSOURI Scholarship Coordinators for continuity of service and fidelity to each program.
• Provide outstanding customer service including phone calls answered in a prompt, courteous and polite manner with a positive and unbiased tone.
• Participate in advocacy efforts to increase compensation for the early childhood workforce.
• Promote the Mission, Vision and Why of Child Care Aware� of Missouri.
• Engages in the organization?s fundraising and friend raising activities.
• Engage in other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in early childhood education, child or youth development, sociology, psychology, or related human services field.
• Two years of experience working with young children, educators of young children, or as a college instructor preferred.
• Intermediate-level skills in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Keyboarding, letter and basic writing skills, database entry, and assorted administrative skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, consistent application and understanding of Standard English grammar required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in both program and outreach settings including active & reflective listening, listening without judgment and patience with customers and peers alike.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as procedures manuals, scholarship rules and operating instructions required.
• Ability to speak effectively in various settings.
• Energetic team player.
• Ability to travel throughout Missouri up to twice a year.
• Ability to develop positive and productive working relationships.
• Engage in other duties, as assigned.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.

Benefits

Company contribution to 401k vested 100% at time of hire. Company paid medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance with a small employee copay. Accrual of two weeks? vacation and sick time during the first year. Flexible schedule. New Parental Leave Benefit! Full-time exempt employees can access up to six weeks of paid parental leave for births, surrogacies, and adoption after 12 consecutive months of active employment. (Company paid benefits add approximately $20,000 in value to the total compensation package.)