Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Specialist

Sylvania; Flint (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Genesee County GSRP seeks a Program Specialist to support high-quality preschool programs through instructional leadership and family engagement. You will oversee GISD-operated classrooms, coach staff, monitor compliance, and drive continuous quality improvement across sites.

The role collaborates with the GSRP Coordinator, Program Manager, subrecipients, and families to ensure program requirements are met and positive child outcomes are achieved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required in the specified fields.
• Master's degree in relevant fields is preferred.
• Two semester hours, 3.0 CEUs, or 30 clock hours required for designation as Program Administrator.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily operational oversight of GISD GSRP classrooms including staffing and scheduling.
• Coach, mentor, and supervise teachers to improve instruction and outcomes.
• Collect and analyze program data to guide decisions and improve quality.
• Collaborate with families, staff, and community partners to support enrollment and transitions.

Skills

Instructional coaching

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Microsoft Office

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Master's degree preferred

Program Administrator designation (MI rules)

Tools

CLASS

Educational data systems

Job description

Job Summary:

The GSRP Program Specialist is a member of the Genesee County GSRP Team, responsible for supporting high-quality preschool programs through instructional leadership, family engagement, program oversight, compliance monitoring, coaching, and continuous quality improvement.

This position collaborates with the GSRP Coordinator, GSRP Program Manager, GSRP Subrecipients, program staff, families, and community partners to ensure compliance with all program requirements and to promote positive outcomes for children and families. The role also provides operational oversight of GISD-operated classrooms and supports assigned sites through monitoring, coaching, and data-informed decision-making.

Provides daily oversight of GISD GSRP classroom operations, staffing, scheduling, and program implementation. Monitors staffing assignments and classroom coverage to ensure compliance with licensing ratios and program requirements. Provides leadership, coaching, support, and functional supervision to GSRP instructional and support staff. Collaborates with program administrators on personnel matters, staffing needs, performance concerns, program operations, and continuous quality improvement.

Essential Duties (May include, but not limited to):

Program Leadership and Operations

• Serve as a member of the Genesee County GSRP Team and support countywide planning, implementation, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement.
• Provide daily operational oversight of GISD-operated GSRP classrooms, including staffing coordination, classroom coverage, scheduling, and compliance with licensing ratios and program requirements.
• Serve as a liaison among staff, families, community partners, and local school districts.
• Support enrollment, recruitment, student placement, and kindergarten transition activities to maintain full enrollment and successful transitions.

Compliance, Monitoring, and Quality Improvement

• Ensure compliance with GSRP requirements, Michigan Child Care licensing rules, grant requirements, and applicable federal, state, local and district regulations.
• Create corrective actions and continuous quality improvement based on monitoring results and program data.
• Coach, mentor, and support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate practices, approved curriculum, effective instruction, child assessment, and inclusive learning environments.
• Work with Literacy Coaches, Behavioral Specialists, and other support staff to strengthen teaching practices and improve child outcomes.
• Help plan, coordinate, and facilitate professional development, staff meetings, and other learning opportunities.

Data, Assessment, and Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and use child, classroom, family, and program data to guide decisions, improve outcomes, and support program evaluation.
• Support developmental screenings, child assessments, classroom quality assessments, and data systems while ensuring accurate records and reporting.

Family and Community Engagement

• Develop, coordinate, support, and evaluate countywide family engagement initiatives and compliance.
• Support staff in providing meaningful family engagement opportunities that meet GSRP requirements and extend learning beyond the classroom.
• Connect families with community resources and work with community agencies and school districts to support children and families.

Other Duties:

• Maintain confidentiality, demonstrate professionalism, and build positive relationships with staff, families, and community partners. Serves as representative to assigned families in a variety of meetings and planning sessions and provide resources and referrals to families as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Consistently models Win-Win leadership.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement, Family Services or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Child Development, or a related field.
• Requires two semester hours, 3.0 CEUs, or 30 clock hours for designation as a Program Administrator under Michigan Child Care Licensing regulations.

Experience:

At least five years of successful experience in early childhood education providing instructional coaching; mentoring; or leadership. Experience with program compliance, monitoring, licensing and collecting, analyzing, and using child and program data to improve outcomes. GSRP administration, implementation, or monitoring. Conducting classroom observations using CLASS or similar assessment tools and supporting inclusive practices.

Skills/Other:

• Strong knowledge of early childhood development, GSRP requirements, Michigan Child Care Licensing Rules, and best practices. Must have valid Michigan driver’s license and current automobile insurance with ability to travel throughout Genesee County.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and support adult learners. Strong leadership, organization, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to analyze data to improve program quality and child outcomes.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders and maintain confidentiality and professional judgment. Proficiency with educational technology, data systems, and Microsoft Office. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Punctuality and good attendance are requirements for the position.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to maintain a calm, poised, and professional image at all times. Represents the district in a professional manner at all times.
• Exercises good judgment and makes decisions in accordance with board policies and established administrative guidelines.

Must be able to obtain a satisfactory national sex offender registry and criminal history check through district and State of Michigan’s childcare licensing fingerprinting. Demonstrate physical stamina necessary for assisting young children.Repetitive stooping, squatting, bending, lifting, walking, kneeling and reaching while maintaining personal balance and stability required.

Special Job Considerations:

Certification: Not Required

Type of Certification: None

Salary Schedule: Early Childhood Site Coordinator Salary Schedule

Immediate Supervisor: Great Start Readiness Program Coordinator

Supervision: GSRP Classroom Operations