Initiative Quality Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY  

The Initiative Quality Specialist supports the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County's mission to improve outcomes for children by advancing quality initiatives, professional development, coaching, and CLASS observations. This role serves as a bridge between assessment, coaching, and continuous quality improvement by partnering with early childhood educators and program leaders to strengthen teaching practices, support initiative implementation, and promote high-quality learning environments. The specialist divides responsibilities between conducting classroom observations, providing individualized coaching and technical assistance, and supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ELCHC quality initiatives 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Quality Initiatives Support 

• Support the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of ELCHC quality initiatives, projects, and grant-funded programs. 
• Build and maintain positive relationships with providers, directors, educators, and community partners participating in quality initiatives. 
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to participating programs to support successful implementation of initiative requirements and quality improvement goals. 
• Monitor program participation, implementation fidelity, progress, and outcomes through data collection, documentation, and reporting. 
• Analyze initiative, classroom, and program data to identify trends, measure outcomes, and recommend continuous improvement strategies. 
• Support recruitment, engagement, and retention efforts for quality initiatives and professional development opportunities. 
• Collaborate across departments and with external partners to ensure alignment of quality initiatives with organizational goals and strategic priorities. 
• Assist with planning, coordination, facilitation, and evaluation of trainings, workshops, Communities of Practice, events, and other professional learning opportunities. 
• Maintain accurate records, participant tracking systems, reports, and required documentation related to assigned initiatives 

Classroom Observations & Coaching 

• Conduct 50% of the total number of SRPA/VPK program assessments using approved assessment tools, including the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), in accordance with Division of Early Learning requirements and established protocols. 
• Maintain reliability and certification requirements for assigned assessment and observation tools.  
• Complete observation reports, documentation, and data entry accurately and within established timelines. 
• Participate in quality assurance activities and reliability calibration processes to ensure consistency and accuracy of observations. 
• Provide individualized coaching, technical assistance, and professional development support to educators and program leaders. 
• Analyze observation results, program data, and identified needs to establish professional growth goals. 
• Monitor progress through ongoing coaching cycles, follow-up support, and continuous feedback. 
• Model best practices, instructional strategies, and quality improvement techniques as appropriate. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

None. 

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in early childhood education, social services, or other closely related field 
• Ability to exemplify our Core Values daily 
• Proven ability to connect with a diverse population 
• Knowledge of Best-In-Class Customer Service techniques  
• Minimum 3 years of experience in an early learning environment 
• Experience and/or knowledge of the CLASS tool, preferred 
• Knowledge of the Florida Administrative Code, especially as it relates to quality initiatives and School Readiness Health & Safety requirements 
• Certification in COP and Coaching from college or university program preferred 
• Experience in providing training and/or coaching various groups of individuals, preferred 
• Intermediate organizational, analytical, project management, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills 
• Intermediate skills using technology and software including but not limited to database systems and Microsoft Office products 
• Successful completion of the level 2 background screening standards as set forth in s. 435.04, F.S.  
• Valid Florida’s driver license and the ability to drive a passenger vehicle 

Physical Activity/ Work Environment 

• Work Environment: This job operates in a general office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers/fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently interacts with staff, vendors, and the general public in person and via telephone and email.  
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit for prolonged periods of time, at a desk, utilizing a computer and reviewing online and paper documents. The employee will also be required to lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.