Infant Toddler Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Infant Toddler Specialist (Coach & Trainer) is a field-based professional responsible for providing individualized coaching, consultation, technical assistance, and professional development to licensed child care programs serving children from birth through age three. Working collaboratively with family child care providers, child care centers, Early Head Start programs, and community partners, the specialist promotes continuous quality improvement through evidence-based coaching practices, including Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) and Facilitated Attuned Interactions (FAN).

The Infant Toddler Specialist supports programs in strengthening responsive caregiving practices, improving infant and toddler learning environments, advancing Maryland EXCELS quality ratings, pursuing accreditation, and implementing state and local quality improvement initiatives. This position maintains a caseload of assigned programs, facilitates an Infant and Toddler Community of Practice, develops individualized quality improvement plans, delivers professional development, and serves as a trusted resource to Baltimore City's early childhood community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Provide individualized coaching and technical assistance to child care providers serving infants and toddlers using evidence-based coaching practices.

• Conduct on-site and virtual coaching visits, classroom observations, reflective coaching conversations, and Communities of Practice to support continuous quality improvement.
• Support programs in strengthening responsive caregiving practices, social-emotional development, learning environments, curriculum implementation, family engagement, and inclusive practices for children birth through age three.
• Guide providers in advancing Maryland EXCELS participation, accreditation efforts, licensing compliance, and other state and local quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop individualized Quality Improvement Plans and professional development goals in partnership with participating programs.
• Facilitate engaging professional development workshops, Communities of Practice, technical assistance, and parent education aligned with MSDE Core of Knowledge requirements and infant/toddler best practices.
• Promote the implementation of nationally recognized infant and toddler practices, including the Zero to Three Critical Competencies, CLASS and Healthy Beginnings Framework.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with child care providers, community organizations, state agencies, and other early childhood partners.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of coaching activities, provider progress, and service delivery within the MCCRN Data System and other required reporting systems.
• Assist with outreach activities, conferences, newsletters, recruitment efforts, and special projects that promote high-quality infant and toddler care throughout Baltimore City.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and maintain trainer approvals, coaching competencies, and certifications as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

·         Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, education, special education, child development, or a closely related field.

·         Completion of a 3-credit (45 clock hour) course in Child Development

·         Completion of a 3-credit (45 clock hour) course on Curriculum/Methods and Materials for Infant/Toddler.

EXPERIENCE:

Required:

·         Minimum of five (5) years of experience in an early childhood education setting, licensed child care center, family child care program, Early Head Start, Head Start, or Pre-K program.

·         Minimum of three (3) years of experience working directly with children from birth through age three.

Preferred:

·         Experience providing coaching, mentoring, technical assistance, or professional development to early childhood educators.

·         Successful completion of the Zero to Three Critical Competencies Training of Trainers (TOT).

·         Experience supporting Maryland EXCELS, accreditation, or other quality improvement initiatives.

 SKILLS:

·         Strong knowledge of infant and toddler development and developmentally appropriate practices.

·         Knowledge of Maryland's early childhood systems, licensing regulations, Maryland EXCELS, and quality improvement initiatives.

·         Excellent verbal, written, organizational, facilitation, and presentation skills

·         Experience using data management systems to document services, monitor progress, and generate reports

• Ability to establish collaborative relationships with child care providers, families, community partners, and colleagues
• Ability to analyze program quality and develop effective improvement strategies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Canva, and other technology platforms used for coaching and professional development
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and travel throughout Baltimore City

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While normal business hours are 8:00/9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (depending on time of arrival). 

This position is primarily field-based and requires regular travel throughout Baltimore City, as well as time in the office for meetings, planning, and administrative responsibilities. Evening and occasional Saturday hours are required to facilitate professional development, Communities of Practice, outreach activities, and other events. Work schedules are adjusted to maintain a standard 35-hour work week.

 The Child Care Resource Center coaching team partners with early childhood professionals to strengthen program quality, build educator capacity, and improve outcomes for children and families through coaching, training, technical assistance, and quality improvement services.