Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist - Limited Service

Overview

The Child Development Division (CDD) within the Department for Children and Families (DCF) is hiring an Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist. This position focuses on coordinating and integrating early childhood services across programs and agencies, coordinating the Special Accommodations Grant (SAG) program, and supporting the integration and alignment of CDD's inclusion efforts within and outside of the division. 

Key responsibilities associated with this position include: 

• Coordinate the implementation and evaluation of the SAG program in collaboration with the Specialized Child Care Administrator: 


• Review and score monthly grant applications, and document grant decisions 


• Provide regular communication and technical assistance to SAG applicants and grantees


• Collaborate with DCF's Grants and Contracts Unit to ensure timely execution of SAG agreements. 


• Provide on-going grant monitoring including tracking all SAG applications, agreements, invoices, mid-year and final reports, and grant-related spending. 


• Support SAG administration and reporting, including data collection and analysis via mid-year and final program reports, and completing required state and federal reporting


• Support SAG program continuous improvement efforts, including updating grant agreement materials, and improving the grant payment and invoicing process. 


• Ensure early childhood professionals are able to provide full access, participation, and support for children with disabilities, developmental delays, and/or learning differences in early childhood program settings statewide.  


• Support CDD's inclusion-related professional development efforts 


• Provide operational support for CDD's Specialized Child Care (SCC) programs, including monitoring support, communications, and required documentation  


• Support the provision of SCC professional development opportunities, including Basic Specialized Care (BSC) training and on-going, tiered, Advanced Specialized Care 


• (ASC) professional development opportunities to support continued growth and development in serving children. 


• Collaborate with the STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) program, Children's Integrated Services (CIS), and CIS Professional Development Coordinator to support high-quality inclusive practices and programming.  


• Co-manage the Seed and Sew grant program 


• Represent CDD on assigned statewide committees (i.e., Building Bright Futures (BBF) Vermont Early Childhood Strategic Plan Committees, Professional Preparation and Development Committee, SCC Coordinator quarterly meetings, etc.) 

CDD is housed in the Waterbury State Office Complex (WSOC) in Waterbury, Vermont. This is a hybrid position sitting within CDD's Child Care Quality and Capacity Team. This is a grant-funded limited service position; grant funding will expire on 12/30/26, but the position may be extended following the receipt of an additional grant.

As of July 12, 2026, the step 1 rate for pay grade 25 will be $31.54 per hour and the step 15 rate will be $49.45 per hour

Who May Apply

This position, Early Childhood and Afterschool Systems Specialist - Limited Service (Job Requisition #55254), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Helen Mattheis at [email protected].
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
 

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are primarily performed in both a standard office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. A variety of meetings and public hearings may require some evening work. Strong conflicting opinions on policy, program implementation and allocation of resources may be encountered.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in education, human services, public administration or related field.

Experience: Three year's of experience in education or human service organization, including one at administrative, consultative or planning level, preferably in child or family services.

OR

Education: Bachelor's degree in education, human services, organizational development, public administration or related human services field.

Experience: Five years experience as described above.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates who have some or all of the following experience and skills are preferred: 

• Expertise in early childhood, child development, human services, public administration, or related field.  


• Strong understanding of early childhood systems, including inclusion, quality improvement, and family engagement and support. 


• Experience in the provision of specialized services and support for children with disabilities, developmental delays, and/or learning differences. 


• Demonstrated experience with grant administration


• Strong organizational, collaboration, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously. 


• Excellent oral and written communication and relationship building skills


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.  

Special Requirements

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families


• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan


• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)


• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan


• Tuition Reimbursement


• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts


• Low cost group life insurance


• Incentive-based Wellness Program


• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer