Program Specialist of Early Education

This position supports the work of association early learning services in the Valley of the Sun, a leading
nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social
responsibility. This position provides training, coaching and technical assistance to all YMCA early learning
centers. This position is a grant-funded position.

*Bachelor's degree in early child development, human services, education, childcare or a related field or equivalent,     preferred.
*Five or more years of management experience, preferably in a YMCA or other nonprofit agency.
*Knowledge and experience with AZ First Things First- Quality First initiative and standards or a similar quality-rated early childhood initiative. 
*Proven experience in early childhood curriculum development, implementation, and student portfolios. 
*Proven experience in staff development, training, coaching and quality improvement.
*Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with diverse populations
*YMCA Team Leader or Multi-Team/Branch Leader certification preferred.
*CPR and First Aid certifications may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PROGRAM SPECIALIST OF EARLY EDUCATION:

*Provides and conducts onsite support to the development of assigned early learning centers, providing coaching and       guidance to the early learning teams specific to educational curriculum, quality standards and student portfolios. 
*Evaluates centers for educational curriculum, teacher strategies and provides support for advancing the academic       success of all programs. 
*Assesses and monitors early learning programs for alignment and compliance to AZ-DHS licensing standards, Quality *First standards and YMCA best practices.
*Supports centers in setting and monitoring SMART goals utilizing center assessments and quality improvement plans. 
*Completes coaching documentation and follow-up support for onsite visits.
*Serves as the lead coordinator of the Teaching Strategies platform to include Tadpoles (parent communication),       Creative Curriculum (curriculum development) and Teaching Strategies Gold (student portfolios). 
*Manages association floating and substitute teacher providing supervision, staff schedules and center placements.
*Serves as part of the early learning grant management team, ensuring all grant data and required components for       funding sources are captured and implemented into programs. 
*Represents and promotes the YMCA in the local community and develops positive working relationships with other  organizations, businesses, and governmental entities. 
*Serves as a member of YMCA management and supports the overall objectives of the YMCA. 
*Performs other duties as assigned.
*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.