Child Care Partner Specialist

Family Services; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Family Services in Winston-Salem, NC, is looking for a Child Development Partnership Specialist to enhance early childhood program quality across Child Care Partnership sites. The role involves ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and providing oversight and coaching to staff.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, 2–3 years of relevant experience, and strong knowledge of early childhood development practices.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in early childhood education or Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, or supervising staff preferred.
• Understanding of Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight of Child Care Partnership sites through ongoing monitoring.
• Conduct observations to ensure compliance with relevant standards.
• Support Practice-Based Coaching using goal setting and focused observations.
• Collaborate with Family Advocates to support children and families.
• Analyze trends and report partnership performance to leadership.

Skills

Early childhood development knowledge

Curriculum assessment practices

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Cultural competence

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Tools

ChildPlus

Job description

The Child Development Partnership Specialist supports early childhood program quality across Child Care Partnership (CCP) sites. This position serves as a liaison between program leadership, staff, and community partners while ensuring full compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and agency policies.

The Specialist provides oversight, coaching, and technical assistance to teachers, and child care partners to promote high-quality teaching practices, school readiness, and family engagement. This role integrates education, child development, disabilities, and family services to ensure comprehensive, coordinated services for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight & Compliance

• Provide direct oversight of Child Care Partnership sites through ongoing monitoring, site visits, and regular communication.
• Conduct announced and unannounced observations to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, licensing (DCDEE), and agency policies.
• Review and analyze invoices, subsidies, and attendance records to ensure accuracy and alignment with ChildPlus data.
• Maintain documentation of monitoring activities, program records, and compliance reports.
• Ensure child safety through monitoring of Active Supervision practices.
• Track and ensure partner staff meet education requirements and maintain current background checks.
• Participate in program self-assessment, planning, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

Coaching, Training & Professional Development

• Support Practice-Based Coaching using goal setting, action planning, focused observation, and reflective feedback.
• Conduct classroom observations (CLASS, QCIT, Learning Environment Observation, and curriculum fidelity) and provide actionable feedback to improve teaching practices.
• Assist with developing and implementing coaching plans.
• Train and support new and existing staff, including teachers, home visitors, and providers.
• Assist in coordinating of pre-service and ongoing training plans.
• Maintain reliability and certifications (e.g., CLASS and QCIT).

Curriculum & Child Development Support

• Monitor implementation of research-based curricula (e.g., Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline) with fidelity.
• Assist teachers with lesson planning, classroom environments, and instructional strategies.
• Improve staff ability to assess and document child development using tools such as Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG).
• Support inclusive practices for children with disabilities and dual language learners.
• Collaborate with disabilities and mental health staff to ensure appropriate interventions and services.

Family & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with Family Advocates and community agencies to support the needs of children and families.
• Participate in case management meetings and contribute to problem-solving and service planning.
• Support the development of strong parent committees and Policy Council participation.
• Promote effective communication among staff, families, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the program at community meetings and events as needed.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the agency and child care partners.
• Maintain ongoing communication with partnership site directors and staff.
• Provide technical assistance to partners on program requirements, curriculum, and child outcomes.
• Review licensing reports and support partners in maintaining compliance.
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations and stakeholders.

Data, Reporting & Administration

• Track enrollment, attendance, and service delivery metrics
• Analyze trends and identify risks or gaps
• Report partnership performance to leadership
• Recommend corrective actions and continuous improvement strategies
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation for accountability and compliance.
• Manage and track in-kind contributions.
• Ensure confidentiality of all program and family information.
• Participate in team meetings, reflective supervision, and agency initiatives.

Professional Responsibilities

• Adhere to agency Code of Conduct, confidentiality policies, and Active Supervision requirements.
• Handle sensitive and complex situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Maintain flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Participate in required professional development and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field (required)

Experience

• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in early childhood education or Head Start/Early Head Start programs
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, or supervising staff preferred
• Experience with Child Care Partnerships or community-based programs preferred

Certifications (Preferred)

• CLASS and/or QCIT Reliability

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of early childhood development, curriculum, and assessment practices
• Understanding of Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements
• Knowledge of inclusion, disabilities services, and mental health supports
• Ability to coach, mentor, and build trusting professional relationships
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyze data and use it to drive program improvements
• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data systems (e.g., ChildPlus)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently and collaboratively
• Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (flexibility required)
• Frequent travel between program sites and community locations
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, bend, sit, stand, and engage with young children
• Ability to work in classroom, home-based, and office environments

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Successful completion of background checks, physical exam, and TB test

Family Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

This job description reflects the general duties and responsibilities of the position and may be revised as needed to meet organizational needs.