Head Start Early Childhood Specialist (Bilingual) Region IV

ICF; Great Falls Crossing (VA); Remote; USD 67,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

A global advisory service provider is seeking an experienced Bilingual Early Childhood Specialist to support Head Start services. This home-based role requires travel and involves providing training and technical assistance to improve educational practices for children under five. The ideal candidate will have a background in early childhood education and be fluent in English and Spanish. Competitive salary range: $67,020 - $113,934 per year.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in programs for young children from birth to five years.
• 1+ year experience with infants and toddlers.
• 1+ year experience working in Family engagement.
• 1+ year experience providing training and/or technical assistance.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site, group, and virtual TTA related to school readiness.
• Assist with data analysis and improve teacher/child interactions.
• Develop family engagement practices and strengthen collaborations.
• Maintain communication with Regional Office staff.

Skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Experience with Early Childhood programs

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Experience using virtual platforms

Education

BA or BS Degree in Early Childhood Education/Development

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Overview

ICF seeks an experienced Bilingual Early Childhood (EC), Specialist, to support the Region IV Office of Head Start Training and Technical Assistance contract. The Specialist will ensure high-quality Head Start and Early Head Start services in accordance with federal regulations. The Early Childhood Specialist will provide training and technical assistance (TTA) to programs to support progress toward established school readiness goals, focusing on the use of child and program data to make decisions about approaches to working with teachers, home visitors, and parents in quality practices. This position is home-based in one of the Region IV states (Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky), travel will be required to fulfill the requirements of the position in any of the regional states, Washington DC and other locations as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide on-site, group, and virtual TTA to recipients related to school readiness, family engagement, and professional development
• Provide TTA related to the selection and implementation of ongoing child assessment, curriculum, and teaching that is age, developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate across the birth to five spectrum
• Assist recipients to improve teacher/child interactions as described by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) for center-based preschool programs and other measures suitable for programs serving children from birth to five or children in home-based and family childcare settings
• Assist recipients to develop the procedures and skills to aggregate, analyze, and use data obtained through multiple sources
• Assist recipients to implement a research-based coaching model
• Assist recipients to develop and implement family engagement practices that support family progress as described in the Parent Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework, including coaching of family engagement staff and selection and implementation of a parenting curriculum
• Assist recipients to strengthen birth-to-five transition practices, including building relationships with local preschools, elementary schools, and other partners
• Assist recipients to improve their collaboration with Local Education Agencies (LEAs), state agencies, and other partners
• Coordinate TTA with Grantee, Family Engagement, Health, and System Specialists to ensure effective integration of TTA across service areas, as directed by the Regional Office
• Maintain regular and timely communication with Regional Office staff on the delivery of TTA and progress toward corrective actions or quality improvement.
• Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.

Basic Qualifications

• BA or BS Degree in Early Childhood Education/Development from an accredited university or college
• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should specify courses, conferences, seminars attended, or work experience that ensures the proposed candidate remains current in the field of early childhood development.
• 5+ years’ experience in programs for young children ranging from birth to five years in age. The experience should include the provision of technical assistance to teachers, home visitors, family, childcare providers, coaches, and/or management team members.
• 1+ year experience working with infants and toddlers
• 1+ year Family engagement experience
• 1+ year experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences.
• 1+ year experience analyzing data and assisting programs to make data driven decisions.
• 1+ year experience providing training and/or technical assistance to programs in developing and/or implementing school readiness goals or plans.
• 1+ year experience communicating, both orally and in writing, to various audiences.
• Must be fluently bilingual in English and Spanish
• Must have a valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Preferred Experience/Skills

• Knowledge of Head Start performance standards and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Experience working within a Head Start Program
• Family engagement experience
• Experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to a range of audiences
• Experience analyzing data and assisting programs to make data-driven decisions
• Experience providing training and/or technical assistance to programs in developing and/or implementing school readiness goals or plans
• Experience communicating, both orally and in writing, to various audiences

Professional Skills

• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) required
• Experience using virtual platforms and technologies, i.e., Skype, Zoom, Adobe, Teams, etc.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as outside clients and vendors

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

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:

$67,020.00 - $113,934.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)