Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Specialist (Child Care Specialist II)

This position oversees the education and comprehensive services provided by community-based childcare sites to children and their families enrolled in the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) program. Provides virtual and on-site coaching and technical assistance, to ensure VPI sites' compliance with VPI requirements, to early childhood educators in the areas of curriculum implementation, child assessments and screenings, adult-child interactions, engaging learning environments, family engagement, VQB5 processes (including CLASS observations), and professional development for teachers. Supports VPI sites in guiding VPI teachers, children, and families through the transition to kindergarten. Works with VPI site directors and teachers to ensure effective support for children with disabilities and challenging behaviors and dual-language learners. Supports VPI sites with financial processes, such as identifying program purchasing needs and creating and submitting VPI invoices. Documents the provision and tracking of all services to children, their families and early childhood professionals in VPI community-based programs. Works under the supervision of the Child Care Specialist III.

Note: Position requires flexibility in scheduling, including some evening and Saturday hours.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, psychology, social work, or a closely related field; plus two years of experience in day care administration, early childhood education, or related human service administration.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and a Child Protective Services Registry check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Additional Work Schedule Requirements: Position requires flexibility in scheduling, including some evening and Saturday hours.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PreK Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) certified observer.
• Experience working with a diverse population.
• Experience providing on-site technical assistance, mentoring, and/or coaching for early childhood professionals.
• Experience working with early childhood professionals in an early childhood program, center and/or family child care home.
• Experience in the following areas: Assess program curriculum and environments to implement quality improvements; mentor or coach early childhood professionals; create quality improvement plans for early childhood programs; use project management software; develop and present professional development workshops or courses.