Certification Referral Coach

Job summary

The Certification Referral Coach works under the general supervision of the STARS Manager, to assist ECE programs who have been referred by DHS Certification for regulatory and/or supervision issues. The position will oversee the implementation of required professional development and technical assistance for these referrals. The position will work with STARS Coaches to implement supports to prevent Certification issues. The position requires frequent travel throughout all counties served in all ELRC regions.

The Certification Referral Coach holds and demonstrates a strong belief in the mission and vision of the Keystone STARS program and all CCC programs. This description is an outline of job duties, tasks, and functions and is not exhaustive and/or all-inclusive and is subject to change.

Summary of job responsibilities

Maintains a thorough understanding of and ability to interpret STARS standards in keeping with OCDEL policies and guidelines.

Maintains a thorough understanding of the Childcare Certification Regulations

Develops and maintains positive, productive, and professional relationships with certified early childhood programs.

Provides Coaching, training, targeted technical assistance, and referrals to other agencies to programs who need support as identified by OCDEL Certification and STARS Management. Areas of support could include Certification Regulations, Supervision, DAP, Classroom Management, Business Practices, and/or other supports as requested.

Develops and monitors individualized improvement plans based on the Certification Referrals to help ensure continual progress towards meeting the LIS; informing programs of available resources such as trainings or other consultants.

Works with STARS Manager to determine appropriate prioritization strategies.

Maintains frequent regular communication and collaboration with STARS Quality Coaches and other STARS staff regarding progress and needs of providers currently receiving services.

Designs an infrastructure of supports (e.g., resource library, mentors, resource lists, outside trainer and TA list) that meet the needs of ECE professionals in all ELRC regions. Distributes resource materials to meet the specific needs of the programs.

Coordinates scheduling and delivery of PD events as requested.

Plans and leads info sessions and professional development on Certification related topics.

Maintains frequent contact and communication with programs assigned through email, telephone calls, and visits.

Works collaboratively with OCDEL Certification staff, Program Quality Assessors, Infant Early Childhood Mental Health, Pre-K Counts, and other partners to provide coordinated services to programs.

Maintains current and accurate records using the PA Registry and internal spreadsheets and completes assigned reports on a timely basis.

Actively works to maintain awareness of current national, state, and local trends and changes in early education and school-age care needs.

Represents CCC on identified state committees and workgroups.

Represents CCC at AEYC, PACCA, conferences, and other provider organizations/groups & community events; networks with other agencies and works collaboratively with Community Groups

Attends seminars, trainings and conferences related to Keystone STARS or Certification

Attends and participates in agency, department, and other meetings.

Promotes and supports the mission, values and goals of Community Connections for Children, Inc. maintaining high performance standards.

Core Competencies

Practices curiosity, openness, presence (aspects of the coaching mindset)

Self-Awareness of how to show up as a leader.

Willing to utilize reflection to grow as a member of the team and as a leader.

Wiling to grow and develop in the coaching & technical assistance skillsets.

Ability to foster team building and to work effectively in various roles on a team.

Deep understanding of the daily operations and challenges of early care and education and school age programs

Ability to understand, analyze, and make recommendations for systems improvement.

Extensive knowledge of PA early education system, including Certification requirements, Child Care Works, PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start State Supplemental Assistance Program, Early Intervention, and others.

Knowledge of early childhood mental health issues and supports, child development, developmentally appropriate early childhood education, PA’s Early Learning Standards, STARS Standards, CQI, grant processes, and ability to effectively communicate this information to programs by utilizing a coaching model.

Ability to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) and work productively with a diverse population of internal and external clients.

Excellent communication skills, including telephone etiquette, listening skills, and the ability to respond sensitively and empathetically to the needs of others.

Ability to prioritize among competing demands effectively and appropriately.

Ability to independently plan, organize, and complete assigned work correctly and professionally within specified time frames.

Ability to take initiative and work independently and be a good team player.

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to excel at details and work under pressure.

Understanding of confidentiality issues and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all working relationships.

Demonstrates a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and adherence to CCC’s DEI policy statement.

Demonstrates a commitment to safety and compliance.

Exhibits sound decision making.

Ability to work collaboratively with providers to support efforts to maintain Certification regulations.

Ability to work effectively with others including CCC staff, providers, OCDEL, PA Key, PDE, ELRCs, PDOs, and community partners.

Ability to handle a high volume of providers in a professional manner with a focus on providing excellent customer service.

Ability to enter, manipulate and retrieve data in PA Registry, PELICAN, and Excel

Proficient computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations (MSOffice preferred)

Ability to input, access, manipulate, and retrieve information from a computer, use a mobile phone.

Ability to travel independently, with a reliable form of transportation, throughout CCC’s service area in Pennsylvania. Occasional overnights

Normal physical demands associated with work in an office environment, including lifting, bending, and carrying.

Minimum qualifications and experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, as defined by the PA Keys to Quality Career Pathways

PQAS Certified Instructor preferred (must obtain within three months of start if not current at time of hire)

Three years related experience in early care and education.

Experience at a Keystone STARS facility strongly preferred.

Bilingual preferred

Work schedule

Rotation Schedule: Weeks 1, 2, 3 – 40+ hours/week Mon. – Fri.

Week 4 – 30+ hours/week Mon. – Thurs.

Some evenings and weekends

CCC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, all terms and conditions of employment will be carried out without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or family status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal law except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• York, PA 17401: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in York, PA 17401