Professional Development Specialist

Description *Position will support Lake & Marion County* JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance 403(b) plan with 5% employer match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Long-term & short-term disability insurance Employer-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous paid time off Career development Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Professional Development Specialist for HS is responsible for creating and implementing staff training; supporting staff professional development goals; and providing technical support for educational programs to increase the professional development of teaching staff and support staff that results in improved learning outcomes of staff and children. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Professional Development & Adult Learning Implement education program goals set forth by the AVP of Education and the ECS Director of Professional Development. Collaborate with the Manager of Professional Development to analyze curriculum and assessment data and make recommendations for future implementation and staff development. Create and facilitate education content for the implementation of annual preservice. Create and facilitate education content for the implementation of the annual HS teacher training calendar. Prepare all education training materials for pre-service and teacher trainings. Ensure all training adheres to best practices that are grounded in adult learning theory and are aligned with NAEYC best practices and Head Start Performance Standards. Support the process of procuring training venues. Prepare purchase orders for training materials and tuition reimbursement. Create and facilitate courses in Canvas to support the HS New Staff Training Plan. Facilitate trainings in large groups. Travel to sites as needed to provide small group trainings and to provide technical support to center managers, teachers, and staff. CDA Program Implement the CDA program to increase teacher credentials, improve overall program quality, and meet grant-specific requirements. Provide technical assistance that includes portfolio development, candidate observations, and teacher feedback for the CDA program. Provide technical assistance to teachers for the CDA renewal process and provide information needed and technical assistance for all CDA candidates to apply for the National CDA credential. Learning Environment Support Obtain and maintain CLASS Observer certification in Infant, Toddler, and PreK. Obtain and maintain CLASS Trainer certification in Infant, Toddler and PreK. Provide CLASS certification training and support to early learning professionals. Assist in the evaluation of classrooms using CLASS, ITERS, ECERS, VPK and other classroom monitoring tools as needed. Training Documentation Document education training hours and issue CEU certificates in the Child Plus System and ensure compliance with IACET and HS requirements. Monitor professional development (DCF, CDA, college, etc.) of HS teaching staff to ensure job credential requirements and annual training requirements are met. Support new staff with meeting the requirements of the DCF 45-hours. Document education credentials for staff into Child Plus once certification, degree, etc. has been obtained Ensure Tuition Agreement forms are completed accurately in accordance with policies and procedures. Monitor Program Information Report for staff education on a monthly basis. Monitor to ensure that all staff have an individual professional development plan in place according to HS Policies and Procedures. Work with Child Care Partners to enter professional development plans into Child Plus. Professional Duties Collaborate with all ECS Departments to integrate services into overall program goals and initiatives to promote the school readiness of children. Support best practices in the implementation of trauma-informed care. Provide timely and professional communication to ECS staff, private providers, community partners, and professional organizations. Ensure a 24-hour response time during working business hours for missed phone calls and emails. Update calendar daily with events and a task list. Attend required workshops and in-service trainings and keep informed of current trends and new professional techniques through participating in professional workshops, conferences and seminars and by reading professional journals and publications, training and workshops/conferences related to early childhood development to increase knowledge of best practices. Advocate on behalf of Episcopal Children's Services Head Start/ Early Head Start and children and families involved in the program. All other duties as requested to maintain the success of ECS. (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.) ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP This position reports to the HS Manager of Professional Development. Requirements EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelors and 5+ years related experience in early childhood required; master’s degree in ECE or related field preferred; Bilingual in Spanish preferred 3 years of experience in a childcare setting preferred 3 years of experience teaching adults and facilitating large group trainings preferred SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of early childhood and adult learning strategies Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards Knowledge of National CDA curriculum, requirements, and procedures Knowledge of DCF training requirements Knowledge of CLASS assessment tool Knowledge of Child Plus system and Program Information Reporting Knowledge of IACET accreditation requirements Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold assessment Ability to facilitate large group trainings Ability to build and establish mentoring relationships Ability to work independently with little direct supervision Ability to use data for development of educational plans Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing CERTIFICATIONS Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy) Completion of 15 clock hours of professional development annually CDA Professional Development Specialist required (may be obtained after accepting the position) Teacher certification preferred Teaching Strategies Gold reliability certification preferred CLASS Observer certification preferred CLASS Trainer certification preferred Advanced Communities of Practice certification preferred ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Works in early childhood classroom, adult classroom, and office settings Travel to multiple sites is requiredSome out-of-town travel, including nights and weekends required ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS Typical physical & mental demands; Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping, and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, copier, and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with others. (Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability) Background Requirements A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust. To learn more about the system used to conduct these checks, you can use this link - #J-18808-Ljbffr