Early Learning Specialist

This position ensures that required activities are completed by all eligible Virginia Quality Birth to 5 (VQB5) programs across Ready Region Southside (RRSS), manages communications with internal and external partners, and maintains the organization’s brand through outreach initiatives in accordance with Ready Regions grant guidelines. This role reports to the Early Learning Manager.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Building relationships through collaborative provider partnerships.
• Serve as a community ambassador for RRSS by acting as a community liaison between RRSS and the employee’s local and regional communities.
• Provide technical assistance (TA) to support sites within RRSS in CLASS, and implementation of VQB5 activities including Link B5, double coding and observation support.
• Support and represent all branches of RRSS initiatives including but not limited to: data collection for VQB5, coaching process, and delivery of materials/information in collaboration with family engagement and coordinated enrollment.
• Conduct consultations with providers including on-site, phone or email support.
• Actively participate in Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Steering Committees and Head Start (HS) Policy Councils as requested by Early Learning Manager and/or RRSS Director.
• Attend scheduled weekly RRSS VQB5 team meetings TBD by RR Director in addition to weekly virtual RR office hours scheduled TBD by VECF/VDOE.
• Attend all required meetings/conferences. Ex: weekly check-ins, VECF Observer C.O.P meetings, and annual TA event and any additional requested by RRSS leadership team.
• Strengthen quality to ensure high-impact learning experiences and outcomes for children, including the local administration of VQB5, Virginia’s uniform measurement and improvement system.
• Maintain pertinent personal professional development for role including but not limited to Infant/Toddler/Pre-K CLASS certification, Diversity/Anti Bias training/Mandated Reporter and Affiliate TTT in one or more CLASS tools.
• Support development and implementation of written VQB5 policies and · procedures regarding observer consistency, observer support and local/external alignment.
• Maintain observer inventory reflective of region.
• Increase observer capacity throughout the region.
• Maintain observation schedule for designated caseload area.
• Conduct CLASS observations across the region to support internal observer gaps.
• Ensure double-coding and/or calibration occurs every 6 months for certified observers.
• Identify coaching sites based on CLASS scores and initiate referral process (VDOE coaching letter/follow-up interest call)
• Maintain current running list of sites requesting coaching for review at weekly RR Team meetings.
• Host and/or conduct Professional Development (PD) training.
• Schedule region-specific opportunities such as self-study groups, roundtable discussions and other quality improvement activities based on priorities, resources, and needs.
• Additional responsibilities as requested by ELM, RRSS Director and/or CES Executive Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree
• Strong commitment to maintaining integrity and confidentiality of all organization and partner information.
• Regional travel is required.
• Excellent critical thinking
• Self-starter and detail oriented
• Strong organizational, time management accuracy and productivity/prioritization skills
• Solid knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• High level of trust, integrity and ethics.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to lift at least 25lbs

The ideal candidate will also have:

• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills
• Knowledge of CLASS and current Observer Certification
• Knowledge of Ready Regions and VQB5

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• CLASS Observation/Coaching: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Danville, VA (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Danville, VA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person