Job Description
Job Description
Summary
The Coordinated Enrollment (CE) Specialist works with early childhood care and education (ECCE) partners and stakeholders across the Ready Region Chesapeake Bay (RRCB)
- service area to (1) utilize data to inform priorities and planning, (2) build an understanding of what is necessary to improve CE efforts, and (3) facilitate the development of a regional CE plan with goals and action steps to support providers and increase family access to quality early childhood programs. Regional partners include, but are not limited to public schools / VPI, Head Start, child care centers, preschool programs, and family day homes.
- FirstSpark serves as the Ready Region Chesapeake Bay lead. The Ready Regions lead is responsible for on-the-ground coordination and integration of essential ECCE services and resources. RRCB consists of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg; and the counties of Essex, Gloucester, James City, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, and York.
Duties
The primary focus of this position is to create a Coordinated Enrollment plan in partnership with public and private ECCE leaders and families from across the region to ultimately reduce barriers while increasing access to ECCE opportunities for children birth to age five. The CE Specialist also understands, supports, and integrates this activity into all other RRCB system coordination elements to meet overarching regional goals. The CE specialist will fulfill the following responsibilities :
Identify, convene, and engage regional ECCE partners of all types to build relationships, support their CE processes, and empower them to pursue strategies that best serve their communities.Assemble partners regularly to assess current enrollment processes, evaluate the strengths and challenges of these enrollment processes, and determine communities’ level of readiness to successfully execute CE strategies.Analyze self-assessment results and pertinent data with regional groups to produce and implement an annual CE plan to increase access to early learning settings for children birth to five.Serve on appropriate community committees and coalitions to share information about RRCB’s coordinated enrollment efforts with group members.Research best practices from other state and national CE models to help partners envision what can be achieved through a coordinated and aligned approach.Complete and submit all required reporting documentation using state guidance provided to ensure that key deliverables around CE are met in accordance with the grant agreement.Participate in FirstSpark staff and team meetings, required state or regional meetings, a community of practice, technical assistance, and other necessary training.Provide timely reports and updates to the Early Childhood Access Manager and Deputy Director regarding CE progress and activities.Conduct required evaluation tasks associated with the CE efforts including survey development, survey collection, and data interpretation.Performs short- and long-range planning and monitors effectiveness of participating programs.Other Duties : This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee; other related job duties may be needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our organization’s values.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree preferred from an accredited institution in early childhood education or a child-related field. FirstSpark will also consider background and experience commensurate with a degree.Demonstrates facilitation skills for large and small groups, virtually and in person with documented experience leading strategy development with various levels represented in community groups.Ability to organize effective meetings with community stakeholders : scheduling, creating agendas, facilitating meaningful conversations that lead to action, creating mutual feedback loops and completing all follow-up.Ability to network, then establish and maintain effective working relationships in a collaborative style working with people from diverse backgrounds.Direct experience providing community outreach across a variety of settings both in-person and virtually.In-depth knowledge of Virginia’s Early ECCE programs (VPI, Head Start, Early Head Start, private child care and family day homes) including eligibility for benefits and services.Communicates well (orally and in writing) with the ability to interact with others directly and honestly.Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and pay attention to details.Ability to adapt to changing work environments, priorities and organizational needs while meeting deadlines and managing time. Able to take independent action to address and resolve problems.Proficient use of technology (Microsoft 365, communications / project management platforms, and data tracking software).Documentation of current auto insurance and valid driver’s license plus annual reporting of zero infractions.Completion of criminal background and education verification checks.Nice To Haves
Direct experience with outreach and knowledge of VA Early Childhood System
Benefits
Paid Sick Annual Leave
12 Paid Holidays 1 personalday
Health Insurance (50%)
Simple IRA (3% match)
Group Life Insurance
Access to Vision Dental Insurance
Work Environment : This is a Hybrid work position. Specialist will work in the office, remotely from home, and / or on-site at early childhood / community facilities. Reliable home internet required for work-from-home days. A telework agreement will be discussed and agreed upon by both parties.
Work Remotely
Flexible work from home options available
