Educational Specialist

Employment Status: Full-Time

Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday

Work Arrangement: Hybrid — approximately 70% office/field and 30% remote

Salary: $24.73–$30.22 per hourPOSITION SUMMARYQueens Childcare Network (QCCN) is a program of Queens Community House (QCH) that supports licensed family-based childcare providers and the children and families they serve throughout Queens. The Educational Specialist provides educational coaching, technical assistance, and professional development to QCCN-affiliated family-based childcare providers. The Specialist supports providers in implementing play-based, developmentally appropriate, and NYCPS-aligned curriculum and instructional practices for children from infancy through age five. This position works closely with the Education Director, Family Support staff, Health Monitors, community partners, and other QCH staff to promote high-quality early childhood education and positive outcomes for children and families. The Educational Specialist will regularly travel throughout Queens to conduct provider visits and must be comfortable working in office, field-based, and remote environments. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESProvider Coaching & Curriculum Support Provide ongoing educational coaching and technical assistance to up to 17 affiliated licensed family-based childcare providers, with approximately two coaching visits per provider each month. Support providers in implementing play-based, mixed-age, developmentally appropriate, and NYCPS-aligned curriculum for children from infancy through age five. Provide individualized feedback based on provider needs, observations, program goals, and children's developmental needs. Model and reinforce effective teaching strategies, positive guidance, classroom management, and child engagement practices. Assist providers in adapting activities and learning environments to support children with diverse developmental abilities and learning styles. Share educational resources, materials, and strategies that strengthen program quality and children's learning experiences.

Child Observation & Documentation: Assist providers with child observation and documentation processes and support the use of observation data to inform lesson planning. Review lesson plans and provide feedback to strengthen alignment with developmentally appropriate practices and applicable NYCPS expectations. Maintain accurate records of coaching visits, observations, provider participation, and follow-up activities. Document coaching and educational support in accordance with the NYCPS Early Childhood Framework for Quality (EFQ) and applicable program requirements. Identify areas requiring additional support and communicate recommendations to the Education Director.

Professional Learning & Development: Coordinate and facilitate monthly professional learning and development sessions for QCCN-affiliated providers. Assist with developing training materials, presentations, activities, and resources based on provider needs and program priorities. Encourage participation in required and recommended professional development opportunities. Attend NYCPS trainings, QCCN meetings, conferences, workshops, and other professional development activities as assigned.

Collaboration & Community Partnerships: Collaborate with the Education Director, Family Support staff, Health Monitors, and other QCH/QCCN staff to address provider, child, and family needs. Participate in interdisciplinary discussions regarding child development, family needs, and available resources. Maintain relationships with community partners, including organizations providing mental health, developmental, special needs, and other supportive services. Connect providers and families with appropriate community resources and referrals. Participate in outreach, community engagement, and program activities as needed.

Communication & Administrative Responsibilities: Maintain an organized schedule of provider visits, coaching sessions, meetings, trainings, and administrative responsibilities. Communicate professionally and consistently with providers, colleagues, families, supervisors, and community partners. Complete required reports, forms, data entry, and other documentation accurately and within established deadlines. Attend and actively participate in weekly QCCN team meetings. Contribute to program evaluation, quality improvement, and other agency initiatives. Maintain confidentiality of child, family, provider, and program information. Utilize Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, and other technology platforms to perform job responsibilities. Maintain a reliable remote work environment, including consistent internet access and a private workspace. Travel throughout Queens for on-site provider visits and other program responsibilities. Follow QCH and QCCN policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of QCCN, QCH, and organizational needs.

Required: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Infant/Toddler Studies, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field. Experience teaching or working with children ages five and younger. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood learning. Ability to complete required PETS Clearance and any other required background clearances.

Preferred: Bilingual English/Spanish skills, including verbal, reading, and written communication. Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Infant/Toddler Studies, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field. Experience working in family-based childcare, center-based childcare, preschool, infant/toddler programs, or other early childhood education settings. Experience providing coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, or professional development to early childhood educators..CORE COMPETENCIESEarly Childhood Expertise: Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice. Coaching & Mentoring: Ability to establish trusting relationships and provide constructive, supportive feedback. Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds.

Organization: Ability to manage multiple provider relationships, schedules, documentation requirements, and competing priorities. Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external community partners. Cultural Responsiveness: Commitment to respecting and supporting diverse children, families, and childcare providers. Technology: Comfort using virtual communication, documentation, data entry, and Microsoft Office tools. Professionalism: Demonstrates reliability, accountability, discretion, flexibility, and sound judgment. WORK ENVIRONMENT & REQUIREMENTSThis is a hybrid position requiring regular work in office, field, and remote settings. The position requires the ability to: Travel throughout Queens for scheduled provider visits. Work directly with family-based childcare providers in their childcare settings. Work remotely using video conferencing and other technology platforms. Attend in-person meetings, trainings, and professional development activities. Manage multiple priorities while meeting established program deadlines. Maintain confidentiality when working with children, families, providers, and program records.

Salary: $24.73–$30.22 per hour