Education Specialist

ICF is seeking an Education Specialist for PreK to Kindergarten Transition to support the Quality Support Center. This vital role will advance high-quality, equitable early childhood education across Philadelphia by providing technical assistance, professional development, instructional coaching, and targeted support to early learning providers, children, and families. The Education Specialist will ensure seamless, developmentally appropriate transitions from PreK to Kindergarten, and their work will be guided by the mission, commitments, and goals of the PreK program in collaboration with the Office of Children and Families (OCF).

Through evidence-based, inclusive, and collaborative approaches, this position will contribute to strengthening the city's early learning landscape.

PreK is the universal pre-kindergarten initiative, dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality, affordable early learning experiences. The program's mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, families, and communities by:

Expanding access to quality pre-K education for all eligible children

Elevating instructional standards and operational excellence among providers, advancing equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness, strengthening community partnerships and family engagement. Utilizing data to drive continuous improvement and accountability. This role requires up to 30% local travel within the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Key Responsibilities:

* Provide comprehensive on-site and virtual technical assistance to PreK providers, with a focus on fostering continuous quality improvement, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and guiding effective implementation of the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS framework.

* Develop, deliver, and evaluate targeted professional development programs and individualized instructional coaching for early childhood educators, prioritizing trauma-informed methodologies, developmentally appropriate pedagogical strategies, and inclusive practices that address the varied learning needs of all children.

* Design, lead, or coordinate specialized training initiatives for providers and staff in trauma-informed care, cultivating classroom environments that are safe, nurturing, and responsive to the complex needs of children, particularly those impacted by adversity or trauma.

* Facilitate access to community-based resources by connecting families and providers with Early Learning Resource Centers, comprehensive health and wellness services, and evidence-based family engagement programs to strengthen holistic support systems.

* Strategically develop and operationalize transition frameworks, including customized plans, toolkits, and events, to ensure seamless and developmentally appropriate progression from PreK to Kindergarten, with a strong emphasis on effective communication and collaboration among families, early learning providers, and receiving elementary schools.

* Lead initiatives to enhance provider engagement and build organizational capacity, supporting increased STAR ratings, regulatory compliance, and the advancement of instructional quality and effectiveness across early learning settings.

* Empower families and communities by providing expert guidance and resources to navigate the PreK to Kindergarten transition process, fostering informed participation and continuity of learning experiences.

Basic Qualifications:

* Bachelor's and Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field

* Minimum of 5 years' of direct experience in early childhood education, with demonstrated expertise in instructional coaching, professional development, or program quality improvement.

* 2+ years in experience with Philadelphia/PA ECE, including strong knowledge of Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS and early learning standards

Professional

Skills:

* Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; experience with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.

* Ability to collaborate effectively with partner agencies and community organizations

* Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.

* Proficiency in data systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

* Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills; ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.

* Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

* Organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

* Flexible, solution-oriented approach with a passion for supporting continuous learning and improvement.

* Relevant certifications (e.g., Child Development Associate, Certified Health Education Specialist) strongly preferred.

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