Early Learning Program Certification Representative

Are you someone who enjoys working with people and wants a career that truly makes a difference? As an Early Learning Program Certification Representative with the Department of Human Services, you help protect the well‑being of children across your region. This role brings you into direct contact with child care providers as you guide them toward safe and compliant practices. Your work supports the mission of high-quality early learning for all children.

This position inspects child care programs, reviews compliance with state requirements, and provides guidance to help facilities meet health and safety standards. The role supports early learning providers through evaluations, technical assistance, and certification activities.

• Public Assistance: Respond to inquiries from the public and providers and offer guidance about certification requirements.
• Compliance Reviews: Investigate facilities through scheduled, renewal, and unannounced inspections based on regulations and procedures.
• Certification
  
  Activities:
  
  Prepare reports, determine compliance, and complete documentation needed for certification decisions.
• Technical Support: Provide assistance to operators to help them meet regulatory expectations and maintain safe environments.
• Agency
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work with other offices and agencies on policy reviews, program initiatives, and child care standards.
• Program Support: Use computer systems and electronic tools to update records, prepare materials, and support inspection activities.

• Full‑time employment, 37.5 hours per week.
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 60‑minute lunch.
• You will have the ability to be home‑headquartered after six months on the job.
• You must be willing to travel frequently, including overnight. Travel expenses will be paid.
• Telework:
  You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:
  In some cases, the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.

• Two years of professional experience providing direct services to children and youth and a bachelor’s degree that includes 24 semester hours of college‑level courses in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, psychology, or human development; or
• An equivalent combination of professional experience and training, which includes one year of professional experience providing direct services to children and youth and 24 semester hours of college‑level courses in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, psychology, or human development.

• You must reside in or be willing to relocate to one of the following counties within the Northeast Region within the first six months of employment:
  Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, or Wyoming.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
• Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.