EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM SPECIALIST

State of Arkansas; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 43,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Department of Education seeks an Early Childhood Program Specialist to provide specialized support for early childhood education programs. You will develop and implement curriculum, ensure best practices, and collaborate with educators, administrators, and partners to enhance program quality and child development across Arkansas.

This role supports the Office of Early Childhood Background Check Team by processing and reviewing background checks for licensed child care providers,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in conducting assessments and program evaluations.
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, community partners, and a variety of personnel.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement evidence-based curriculum and instructional strategies for early childhood education programs.
• Monitor and evaluate program quality and effectiveness, making recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of program activities and children's progress.
• Collaborate with program administrators to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Conduct assessments and observations to identify areas for improvement and support.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, providing updates on their children's development and addressing concerns.
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
• Stay current with the latest research and trends in early childhood education.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Empathy

Educational technology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's degree in Child Development

Bachelor's degree in Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Job description

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Position Number: 22103335
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 10/7/2026
ADE
Join the Arkansas Department of Education where each student is recognized as an individual. Through a cultivation of world-class educators, partnering with communities, and an influx of social supports, Arkansas Department of Education provides multi-level supports that help ensure students will receive a personalized education and develop a life-long love of learning.

Position Information

Job Series: Education - Early Childhood

Classification: Early Childhood Program Specialist

Class Code: EEC04P

Pay Grade: SGS04

Salary Range: $43,088 – $63,770

Job Summary

The Early Childhood Program Specialist is responsible for providing specialized support and expertise to early childhood education programs. This role involves developing and implementing curriculum as well as ensuring best practices in early childhood education. The specialist collaborates with educators, administrators, and community partners to enhance program quality and support the developmental needs of young children.

This position supports the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Background Check Team by processing and reviewing background checks for licensed child care providers across Arkansas. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, maintaining accurate records, coordinating with providers and partner agencies, and assisting in the timely completion of background screening processes to help protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in care.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop and implement evidence-based curriculum and instructional strategies for early childhood education programs.Monitor and evaluate program quality and effectiveness, making recommendations for improvement.Maintain accurate records and documentation of program activities and children's progress.Collaborate with program administrators to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.Conduct assessments and observations to identify areas for improvement and support.Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, providing updates on their children's development and addressing concerns.Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.Stay current with the latest research and trends in early childhood education.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.Empathy and patience in dealing with children and families.Proficiency in using educational technology and software.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Experience in conducting assessments and program evaluations.

Ability to work effectively with children, families, community partners, and a variety of personnel.

Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in early childhood education.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/AOTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.