Early Care and Education Specialist

Early Care and Education Specialist Location: Kansas City Metro Area Organization: Futures First Job Type: Full-time Compensation Base salary of $23.07 - $28.21 per hour, determined by qualifications and internal equity. The package also includes a comprehensive benefits plan. Benefits Offered Medical Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Vision & Dental Insurance Short-Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance 403(b) Retirement Plan with matching up to 2% Yearly 5% employer retirement contribution Personal Time Off (PTO) Rolling Paid Holidays (Instead of a fixed holiday schedule, employees may observe holidays that reflect personal, cultural, or religious beliefs.) Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid Model) Key Responsibilities Provide on-site coaching and support to early education providers in child care centers and family child care homes to strengthen developmentally appropriate practices, learning environments, and teacher-child interactions. Build strong relationships with early care and education providers to understand their needs, connect them with resources, and support continuous quality improvement. Utilize strength‑based coaching strategies, CLASS observations, curriculum tools, and assessments to help providers establish goals and implement effective improvement strategies. Develop and facilitate professional development opportunities for early education professionals based on community needs, agency contracts, and emerging best practices. Document coaching activities, track program progress, and collect evaluation data to measure successes, identify challenges, and support program improvement efforts. Collaborate with the Early Care and Education team and community partners to promote resources, coordinate services, and advance high‑quality early learning opportunities. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. At least three years of experience in the child care field. Bilingual fluency in written and oral English/Spanish preferred. Master’s in Early Childhood Education preferred. Training in CLASS, Creative Curriculum, High‑Scope, and Conscious Discipline preferred. Required Skills & Abilities Ability to provide coaching, feedback, and support using a strength‑based approach. Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in early childhood education. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with individuals and groups. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent time management skills. Ability to be flexible to adapt to different situations and priorities. Proficiency with Google Suite or related software. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people. Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations Futures First is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Nicole Benoit at View email address on click.appcast.io to discuss your needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr Futures First