Early Childhood Education - Quality Assurance

JOB TITLE: Early Childhood Education - Quality Assurance Specialist (ECE Quality Specialist)

REPORTS TO: Quality Assurance Data & Compliance Officer

LOCATION: 1108 East Cook Street & 100 North 11th Street.

Description of Basic Responsibilities:

The Early Childhood Education - Quality Assurance Specialist is tasked with ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance in the Springfield Urban League Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This role is pivotal in adhering to Head Start Performance Standards, conducting continuous program monitoring, and implementing the Head Start Management Wheel framework for operational excellence. Reporting to the Quality Assurance Data and Compliance Officer, the QA Manager assists in planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing a high-quality HS/EHS program. This includes ensuring program quality and compliance through ongoing review, monitoring, and follow-up support, as well as coordinating and participating in the development of self-assessment, community assessment, PIR, and annual reports.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Oversight and Compliance:

• Align with and regularly update Head Start Performance Standards, compliance procedures, and policies.
• Conduct detailed reviews and monitoring of all program sites, utilizing ChildPlus software for tracking and reporting.
• Develop and implement quality assurance plans and systems, monitoring program activities for quality control.
• Perform facilities and classroom inspections at all centers to ensure Head Start regulations compliance.
• Assist in developing Education and Child Development service area policies and procedures.

Research, Reporting, and Improvement Strategies:

• Conduct research studies for program enhancement, wage comparability studies, and child outcome analyses.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive reports and records on program quality, compliance, and performance.
• Implement effective strategies for participant recruitment and retention.
• Monitor and support the effective delivery of educational curriculum.
• Provide monthly compliance reports and analyses to the Early Head Start Director.

Stakeholder Engagement and Training:

• Work closely with staff, parents, and community members, providing training and support in quality assurance and program standards.
• Plan and provide workshops, training, and technical assistance in various program areas.
• Serve on the School Readiness, Self-Assessment, and Community Assessment teams.
• Maintain systems, databases, and files, ensuring data security and confidentiality.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Bi-Annual TB Test and physical examination.
• State and national background checks and child abuse registry clearance.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Subject to random drug testing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in quality assurance, preferably in education or non-profit.
• Proficiency in ChildPlus or similar program monitoring software.
• Extensive knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team collaboration

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Plan

Paid Time Off includes Vacation, Personal Time and Sick Time. Paid time is prorated based on date of hire.