The North Central Texas Council of Governments is seeking an Early Childhood Specialist to join the Workforce Development department. The purpose of the Early Childhood Specialist is to provide on-site, mentoring, coaching, and technical support to contracted Early Learning Programs in their pursuit of obtaining Texas Rising Star (TRS) status. The Early Childhood Specialist will work in partnership with regulated Early Learning Programs, that are either center or home based, ensuring and supporting quality programs within the Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas 14 county region. The Early Childhood Specialist will facilitate adult education and support activities on various topics to early care and education professionals from diverse backgrounds. The Early Childhood Specialist will act as a liaison with external agencies.

Some responsibilities include:

• Conducts mentoring and technical assistance to Early Learning Programs in the TRS program to assist with improving the quality of care provided. Models developmentally appropriate practices to directors and staff.
• Demonstrates effective communication techniques when working with other adults, including common language, active listening skills, explanation of jargon, and reflective listening.
• Serves as a liaison with external agencies and internal program staff related to high quality learning initiatives by attending meetings and/or events; coordinate and/or participate in stakeholder meetings with program partners; serve on workgroups at the local and state level; participate in special projects as needed.
• Assists in the selection, preparation, and distribution of materials on child development, parenting, challenging behaviors, and developmental milestones to promote high quality childcare.

The ideal candidate possesses the following attributes and skills:

• Has excellent oral and written communication skills, with an emphasis on the ability to convey accurate and concise points.
• Ability to write reports and narratives, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
• Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the agency.
• Receives General Direction: Work is non-standardized and varied and requires the incumbent to produce expected results and meet deadlines by following general procedures.
• Work requires analysis and judgment in accomplishing diversified duties. Requires the exercise of independent thinking within the limits of policies, standards, and precedents.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university - in early childhood education, child development, special education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, or family consumer science ora Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education, child psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, or family consumer science with at least 12 credit hours in child development.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in a full-time early childhood classroom experience in a childcare setting.
• Preferred knowledge of the Texas Rising Star Certification Guidelines and experience in mentoring and/or assessing for the TRS program.

Officing:

• The position is required to be performed in-person at the Early Learning Program location and will follow the Agency's schedule for office presence with the opportunity for occasional remote work.

Benefits:

• Flexible work schedules- Based on performance, job duties, and business requirements, hybrid work environment, may include remote work opportunities
• Health- We provide an outstanding package of health and life benefits for employees, with coverage availablefor their families. We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as basic and optional life, long term disability,and flexible spending accounts. Our Full-Time employee health coverage is paid for 100%.
• Retirement- Full Time employees participate in the (401a) Retirement Plan offered through MissionSquare by payroll deduction with employer match at 12%.
• Work-Life Balance- At NCTCOG we want you to achieve a balance between your work and your home life. You'll receive vacation days, holidays, and personal days to use as you choose.
• Professional Development- We view employees as our most valuable resource and promote the professional development of each individual. At NCTCOG employees receive the support and resources to reach their full potential. Opportunities includetuition reimbursement, paid membership in professional organizations, anda wide range of t

FLSA: Exempt


Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer/program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other classifications covered under federal, state, or local laws. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Background Check & Drug Testing:
All selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks include national criminal background check, employment history, motor vehicle record check, social security verification, education verification, and other elements as needed. NCTCOG is committed to a safe and drug free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping NCTCOG safe and drug free. In order to receive an offer of employment from NCTCOG, selected candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background check and drug screening.

E-Verify:
The North Central Texas Council of Governments participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

Job postings are kept open for a minimum of 10 calendar days and may close anytime thereafter at the discretion of the hiring manager.