Senior Childcare Specialist (#12620, Grade 22)

Under direction, performs the full range of professional childcare work involving childcare program quality, staff training and development, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement activities for childcare programs and facilities. Develops, implements, and evaluates quality assurance processes, staff development initiatives, training programs, and operational standards to support high-quality childcare services.

Conducts classroom observations, program reviews, compliance assessments, licensing readiness evaluations, and accreditation support activities. Monitors childcare programs and facilities for compliance with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations, departmental policies and procedures, health and safety requirements, and established childcare standards. Assists Childcare Center Directors and childcare staff in identifying corrective actions and implementing quality improvement activities.

Provides training and technical assistance to childcare staff regarding Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations, departmental policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, child development practices, and childcare program operations. Assesses training needs and coordinates professional development, staff training, and compliance-related activities.

Assists in the development and implementation of departmental, divisional, and operational goals, objectives, procedures, standards, and quality improvement initiatives and provides technical expertise and recommendations to the Childcare Program Coordinator regarding program quality, staff development, compliance, and continuous improvement activities.

Works collaboratively with Childcare Center Directors, childcare staff, community organizations, childcare providers, school systems, regulatory agencies, and departmental personnel to identify needs and plan, assist, monitor, coordinate, and evaluate childcare programs and activities. Participates in departmental, divisional, and other assigned committees, workgroups, and task forces.

Work results directly affect the well-being of individuals, i.e., children and parents/guardians, and contribute to the accuracy, reliability, and acceptability of childcare services offered and serve the public by promoting safe, effective, and high-quality childcare programs. Contacts are with childcare staff, children and parents/guardians, community groups, childcare providers, accreditation organizations, regulatory agencies, and departmental personnel to provide information and explain procedures or requirements, coordinate activities, and answer questions regarding childcare quality, training, compliance, and child development programs and activities; requires skill and tact to ensure that child and parent/guardian needs are met.

Work involves responsibility for completion of assignments as an individual contributor and technical resource to childcare staff and management and may be highly confidential or highly sensitive. Work consists of actions requiring analysis of data or situations; evaluation of childcare operations, compliance activities, training programs, and classroom practices; and information on which to act is obtained through research, investigation, observations, assessments, and other methods to ensure high accuracy. Information must be developed, classified, and analyzed to determine significance.

• Conducts quality assurance reviews of childcare programs, classrooms, and facilities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and best practices. 
• Performs classroom observations and program assessments to evaluate curriculum implementation, child development activities, and overall program quality. 
• Provides training, coaching, and technical assistance to childcare staff on licensing requirements, childcare regulations, departmental policies, and best practices in early childhood education. 
• Monitors compliance with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations, health and safety requirements, accreditation standards, and departmental policies and procedures. 
• Assists childcare centers in preparing for licensing inspections, accreditation reviews, audits, and compliance assessments. 
• Identifies opportunities for program improvement and recommends corrective actions to enhance quality, safety, and service delivery. 
• Assists in the development and implementation of departmental, divisional, and operational goals, procedures, standards, and quality improvement initiatives. 
• Coordinates and facilitates staff training, professional development, and compliance-related activities. 
• Collects, analyzes, and maintains records and documentation related to program quality, training, compliance, and evaluation activities. 
• Research childcare regulations, industry trends, and best practices to support continuous improvement efforts. 
• Participates in departmental, divisional, and other assigned committees, workgroups, and special projects. 
• Collaborates with childcare staff, families, community organizations, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to support childcare program objectives. 
• Prepares reports, recommendations, presentations, and other materials related to childcare quality, training, and compliance activities.
• Hours and work locations may vary based on operational needs and assigned responsibilities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

1. 21 years of age.
2. Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or any related field.
3. Two (2) years of experience working with groups of children in a licensed early childhood program.
4. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
5. In accordance with Code of Maryland (COMAR) 13A.16 Child Care Centers, meets the requirements for directors of preschool centers; including Child Care Centers, Preschool Centers, School Age Centers, and/or Combined Preschool and School Age Centers.
6. Pass Commission medical examination.
7. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position of assignment.