Reporting directly to the Early Learning Program Coordinator, the Child Care Aware Specialist provides resources and support to child care programs enrolled in the WA State Early Achievers Quality Recognition and Improvement System through coaching and training.

Assignment:
This position will work full-time, year-round and serve the ESD 112 Service region (Southwest Washington). The position also requires acriminal history check and fingerprint check through the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), proof of MMR immunization, a health exam and TB test prior to starting.

First review of applications will be March 2, 2026

Essential Function:

1. Manage a caseload of providers, conduct site visits and formal observations to mentor and engage in reflective practice with child care providers, both in person and virtually, to facilitate growth and quality improvements.
2. Provide group facilitation with child care providers and community members to support understanding of concepts and tools that reflect quality early learning and how to apply knowledge to practice.
3. Assist providers in reaching specific program goals and milestones and monitor individual and overall child care program progress.
4. Maintain records, track data, and prepare reports on program services.
5. Maintain provider, family, and child confidentiality.
6. Recruit and orientate licensed center and family child care providers to participate in Early Achievers.
7. Support providers to increase technology skills related to systems used for continuous quality improvements.
8. Recognize high, and low, quality interactions, instructional support and environments.
9. Participate in Coach framework fidelity checks.
10. Understand and explain all components of Early Achievers recognition process to programs.

Other Functions:

1. Uphold the Vision, Values and Commitment to Professionalism of the ECE Department at ESD 112.
2. Attend internal and community meetings, events, and professional development.
3. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Education, Human/Social Services or Family Studies, Child Development, Education, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; OR an Associate's degree in any of the above and two years of experience working in early learning; OR a High School diploma or GED and four years of experience working in early learning.
2. Experience working in a child care/early learning setting.
3. Experience in Microsoft Office and database entry and/or management.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience working with child care licensing regulations.
2. Experience in the rules and regulations governing Early Achievers.
3. Experience in data collection and evaluation processes.
4. Bilingual.

Working Conditions:

1. Travel across Southwest Washington as needed.
2. Frequent sitting, stooping, bending, and lifting to 30 pounds.
3. Physical environment may include office setting, remote office setting, licensed early learning center and family home child cares, or community work sites.
4. Extended and/or flexible hours as necessary. 

Employment Requirements:

1. Successful completion of a criminal history check and fingerprint check through the Department of Children, Youth and Families.
2. Required to complete a Bachelor's degree within four years of hire date.
3. Tuberculosis test to meet state health requirements.
4. Health Exam.
5. Proof of MMR vaccination or exemption.