VLS Training Specialist

Job Title:

VLS Training Specialist

EHE | Human Sciences Administration

The College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) at The Ohio State University is looking for a Training Specialist to support the Virtual Lab School team within the Department of Human Sciences.

The Virtual Lab School (VLS) addresses a critical need for an easy to navigate online professional development and resource system that empowers professionals to build their knowledge and skills around research-based practices in child care and youth development. Supported by an extensive repository of professional development videos, research-based content, and relevant, interactive learning materials, the VLS simulates the enriching learning experiences found in university lab school settings.

Our mission is to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and practices of professionals serving children, youth, and families by delivering accessible, high-quality learning experiences grounded in research and real-world application. We value collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and diverse perspectives that enhance the quality of our work and the communities we serve.

Position Description

The VLS Training Specialist will be responsible for designing, developing, and delivering high-quality professional development training for a variety of audiences, including early childhood educators, family child care providers, coaches, program leaders, and administrators. Reporting to the Associate Director of Professional Development and Training, this role plays a critical part in ensuring that VLS training experiences reflect the latest research, evidence-based practices, and principles of adult learning.

The VLS Training Specialist will be responsible for developing engaging in-person and virtual trainings on topics aligned with developmentally appropriate practice, the latest in child development research, practice-based coaching, effective leadership, and supporting adult learners. In addition, this role will contribute to the continuous improvement of the Virtual Lab School website by reviewing, updating, and creating research-informed online learning content that remains current, relevant, and accessible.

Through these efforts, the VLS Training Specialist will help strengthen the professional knowledge and effectiveness of the early care and education workforce serving military-connected children and families.

Position Environment

The VLS Training Specialist reports to the Associate Director of Professional Development and Training. The position is also an active team member and works closely with the VLS Content Lead and other Content Specialists. This position will work with child, family, and youth programs serving the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is an opportunity to build and maintain a training platform to better serve teachers, trainers, and program directors working in the military child-care system.

This position will work from Bevis Hall on the university’s West Campus at least 2 days per week, and most weeks may be able to work remotely 3 days to support flexibility and collaboration.

Qualifications

The selected candidate for this position will have demonstrated success in several areas, including:

• Master’s degree in early childhood education, youth studies, child development, education, human development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Extensive professional experience working in early childhood education, child care, preschool, school-age and youth, or related learning environments.
• Demonstrated experience developing professional development or training content for adult learners in child and youth programs.
• Experience delivering…