Early Childhood Education Specialist

ICF is seeking an Early Childhood Education Specialist for the Quality Support Center to champion thePreKprograms mission of delivering high-quality accessible early learning opportunities for all children in the greater Philadelphia area. This role is dedicated to advancing continuous quality improvement promoting inclusive practices and supporting data-driven decision-making within the program. The Specialist will serve as a key resource to early childhood education providers offering technicalassistance professional development instructional coaching and operational support. By fostering collaborative partnerships andmaintaininga strong commitment to diversity equity and inclusion the Specialist will contribute to positive outcomes for children families and providers throughout Philadelphia.

PreKis the universal pre-kindergarten initiative dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality affordable early learning experiences. The programs mission is to promote positive outcomes for children families and communities by:

Expanding access to quality pre-K education for all eligible children

Elevating instructional standards and operational excellence among providers

Advancing equity inclusion and cultural responsiveness

Strengthening community partnerships and family engagement

Utilizing data to drive continuous improvement and accountability. This role requires up to 30% local travel within the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialized guidance and targeted support toPreKproviders to elevate program quality ensure compliance with established standards and drive improvements in STAR ratings. Advise providers on the implementation of best practices that are directly aligned withPreKprogram priorities.
• Coordinate with a wide range of agencies stakeholders and community organizations to maximize the reach and impact of thePreKprogram. This includes working with city departments advocacy groups and educational partners to align services share knowledge and address systemic barriers to quality early learning.
• Develop coordinate andfacilitateongoing professional learning experiences for educators and staff including designing and leading workshops seminars and individualized coaching sessions focused on advanced early childhood pedagogy trauma-informed methodologies and inclusive instructional strategies.
• Deliver expert coaching to classroom teachers and support staffleveragingevidence-based frameworks to enhance instructional effectiveness promoteoptimalchild development and cultivate positive engaging learning environments.
• Support providers in strengthening program operations by offering expert advice on curriculum adoption licensing and accreditation processes and efficient resource management.
• Promote inclusive education by supporting providers in meeting the needs of all children particularly those who are vulnerable or have special needs.
• Support provider staff in meeting credentialing requirementsparticipatingin professional learning communities and accessing career pathways in early childhood education.
• Lead training initiatives on trauma-informed practices ensuring providers are fully equipped to support children who have experienced adversity and to create safe nurturing educational spaces.
• Design and oversee tiered models of support tailored to meet the diverse needs of providers deliver differentiatedassistanceand building capacity across all levels ofexpertise.
• Cultivate strong collaborative relationships withPreKproviders through consistent site visits constructive feedback sessions and open responsive communication. Motivate and empower providers to actively engage in program initiatives and ongoing quality improvement efforts.

BasicQualifications:

• BachelorsorMastersdegree in Early Childhood Education Child Development or a related field;Masters
• Minimum of5years of experience in early childhood education instructional coaching or program administration.
• 2 years of experience withPhiladelphia/PA ECE including strong knowledge of Pennsylvanias Keystone STARS and early learning standards
• 1 years ofexpertisein adult learning coaching methodologies and quality improvement frameworks.
• 1 years of experience withearly childhood best practices inclusive education trauma-informed care and quality improvement frameworks.

Professional Skills

• Relevant certifications (e.g. Child Development Associate Certified Health Education Specialist)stronglypreferred.
• Strong commitment to diversity equity and inclusion; experience with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with partner agencies and community organizations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities work independently and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiencyin data systems reporting tools and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal communication and facilitation skills; ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity equity and inclusion; experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
• Organizational skills flexibility and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Flexible solution-oriented approach with a passion for supporting continuous learning and improvement.

Working at ICF

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position including but not limited to relevant work experience skills certifications and competencies that align to the specified role geographic location education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: