POSITION TITLE: Quality Specialist STATUS: Exempt, FT GRADE: 3

DEPT/PROGRAM NAME: Youth and Family Potential SALARY: $ 52,500/yr

REPORTS TO: Quality Manager

SUPERVISES: N/A

SUMMARY:

The Quality Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the State Quality Rating Improvement System for DuPage, Lake and Kane Counties, increasing programmatic quality through a variety of methods and activities of care in childcare settings, with a priority of services being offered and provided to programs that serve children & families who receive CCAP support and who are of high need. The Quality Specialist assists and supports childcare centers in improving their programs to meet and exceed the state standards of quality childcare using the ExceleRate Illinois Quality Rating System. The Quality Specialist is active in the promotion of synergy across YWCA programs and in Racial Justice work.

COLLABORATES WITH: YWCA The Quality Specialist collaborates with: Coordinator – Quality & Training; CCR&R staff members; Consultants; childcare centers; family childcare providers; and other community agencies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Services: Support and advance program improvement efforts of home and center-based programs. Responsible for meeting all DHS contract deliverables and program outcomes associated with QRIS. Maintain current and knowledgeable understanding and application of the Quality Improvement Funds policies; DCFS licensing regulations for homes and center; related program business administration trainings; training tiers; and processes. Develop, recruit and coordinate program improvement cohorts to include trainings related to the ExceleRate. Provide additional education, outreach and technical assistance relating the Quality Rating. Coordinate and present Quality improvement Funds ExceleRate Orientation and related trainings.

Maintain and expand working knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the Quality Improvement Fund for ExceleRate. Develop maximum understanding of the larger implications of high quality child care on a child’s development and the role of a consultant.

Develop additional participation in the Quality Improvement Funds QRIS system; provide resources and updates of QRIS specific information to CCR&R and Community Partner staff. Serve as a liaison between program/providers, Community Partners and Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral (INCCRRA).

Collaborations & Community Engagement: Train for family child care associations. Collaborate with consultant team. Maintain involvement with other agencies to ensure that provider needs are met.

Professional Development: Expand knowledge of all aspects of the Quality improvement Funds. Achieve fifteen hours of professional development per year as required of ECS staff.

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: May be involved with other related projects and collaborations for the CCR&R and/or the agency.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires, for entry, from one to three years of experience in a child care setting as a family child care provider, center-based administrator, center-based teacher or teacher assistant or “Illinois Preschool for All” teacher. Experience is preferred with leadership and facilitation of trainings. Intermediate skills with MS Office and Outlook are required. The position requires the ability to work well both independently, and as a team member, with effective professional communication (written and spoken) are required.

The Quality Specialist should demonstrate the ability to support learners in the classroom, and the ability to present materials in an understandable manner.

Professional Training Required: IDHS Training requirements after hire include: 1) ExceleRate Orientation training 2) Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-R (ECERS-3) 3) Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale- R (IRERS-R) 4) Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale-R (FCCERS-R) 5) School Age Environment Rating Scale (SACERS) 6) Program and Business Administration Scale (PAS and BAS). Training in Program Improvement Planning is recommended. Current knowledge of Early Childhood and of issues relevant to the position is required. At least eighteen (18) hours of continuing education in the field is required annually.

EDUCATION REQUIRED: A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in child development or early childhood educations; Or A Bachelor’s degree in one of the following related field with a minimum of 18 hours in early childhood coursework (Child Psychology/Behavioral Sciences, Family Consumer Sciences, Social Work, Elementary Education, Child Welfare, Family Services, Psychology Sociology, Human Development.

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: Achieve certification as an approved trainer for the “Gateways to Opportunity Registry” within six (6) months of employment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Minimum two (2) years paid experience working in a child care setting as a family child care provider, center-based administrator, center-based teacher or teacher assistant or Illinois Preschool for All teacher.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment includes offices. The noise level is usually moderate. Movement requirements include walking, stooping, or kneeling. There may be a need to reach or to lift objects, such as packages or supplies. Communication needs include seeing, hearing, and speaking. While in the office, there will be periods of sitting, holding a telephone and using computers. Considerable local travel and time outside of the office are required to visit current and prospective community partners, governmental entities, etc. Reasonable accommodations will be made for an incumbent to meet the essentials responsibilities of the position.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm this position may require work on some evenings and weekends. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.