Job Posting Title
EHS CHILD CARE SPECIALIST
Job Description
WHO WE ARE:
The mission of Maryland Family Network (MFN) is to ensure that very young children have strong families, quality early learning environments, and a champion for their interests. We work in collaboration with public and private funders, community-based organizations, parents, and other individuals and agencies to support those who care for young children as families strive to reach their goals. Through two-generation programs that support parents to become economically self-sufficient, raise healthy, successful children, and find quality child care; through regional services that help child care professionals improve their practice; and through public policy advocacy of programs and policies that benefit families with young children, MFN strives to ensure that all Maryland children are cared for by adults who are skilled to raise them in environments that are conducive to growth and development.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The EHS Child Care Specialist, Early Head Start (EHS), is responsible for the monitoring of EHS programs for the purpose of ensuring the EHS programs offering center-based programming are compliant with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) child care licensing regulations and Head Start Program Performance Standards. Additionally, they provided guidance and direction as it relates to MSDE childcare licensing and supports the other Child Development subject experts at MFN in the development and implementation of training and resources.
ESSENTIAL POSITION DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monitor EHS programs offering center-based programming to ensure they are meeting performance standards related to infant/toddler classroom services, as directed.
- Monitor EHS programs offering center-based programming to ensure they are compliant with MSDE OCC childcare regulations, as directed.
- Support EHS programs in obtaining and maintaining MSDE Child Care License, Maryland EXCELS and MSDE Accreditation.
- Review and monitor staff credentials for compliance with MSDE and OHS requirements.
- Collaborate with other MFN Program Consultants and EHS Specialists to share and obtain information, foster common awareness of issues, and impart knowledge of resources to ensure coordination and consistency of services to EHS children and families.
- Provide assistance in staff orientation and training on all MFN and Head Start performance standards as directed.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings and other meetings as required and participate in other required activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES and OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
- Deep experience in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, or a related field.
- Knowledge and passion for early childhood education, family support, and community development.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- High ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to MFN’s mission and values.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing needs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development or Infant/Toddler Development accepted. Master’s degree preferred.
- At least three years’ work-related experience with EHS/Child Care programs, and work- related experience providing direct services and/or technical assistance within a community-based setting is required.
- Possess strong knowledge and understanding of MSDE OCC regulations, Head Start Program Performance Standards, Maryland EXCELS and MSDE Accreditation.
- Experience monitoring and maintaining compliance with regulations and standards a plus.
- Must understand and be committed to the overall philosophy and principles of Early Head Start or Family Support.
- Possess the ability to relate to people of diverse educational, cultural, and economic backgrounds; model appropriate interaction with young children and parents; and work independently and as a team member.
- Must have valid driver’s license with access to dependable transportation as travel throughout Maryland including occasional overnight travel is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Must possess the ability to remain in a stationary position, such as standing or sitting, 50% of the time.
- The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.
- May occasionally have to position self or move to stoop, crouch, reach, push, pull or kneel.
- Must be able to communicate, express oneself and exchange information with others
- May occasionally have to pick up an item that weighs 10 lbs. or less.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The person is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Maryland Family Network staff operate on a hybrid work schedule and great benefits to include:
- 15 Holidays Per Year Plus 4 Floating Holidays
- Vacation Leave is accrued starting at 12 days per year
- Sick leave is granted at a rate of 12 days per year and is prorated based on hire date
- 403(b) Retirement Plan including discretionary employer contributions at 5% after 6 months of service with 3 years vesting schedule.
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) available with select health insurance plans.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) available for healthcare and dependent care.
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)
- Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
- Employee Assistance Program & More!
Monday- Friday
