Academic Support (Program Specialist, Learning to Grow, 0097774T and 0097775T)

University of Hawaii•Kane'ohe, HI

About The Position

Windward Community College’s Student Affairs unit is hiring an Academic Support Program Specialist for the Learning to Grow Project. The position develops research-based program materials, curricula, and publications focused on early childhood development, care, and learning. It supports dissemination, client participation tracking, individual educational coaching, and training for early childhood professionals. Coaching and training may take place in person or virtually, including off-campus and inter-island locations; some workshops may be scheduled on weekends. The specialist also contributes to program assessment and evaluation, maintains confidential client data, prepares reports, and builds collaborative relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and community partners. The position is temporary, with continuation subject to funding, position clearance, and program needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Elementary Education, Curriculum Studies, Social Work, or a related field, plus three years of progressively responsible professional experience in an educational or community setting caring for or working with children ages 0–5 and their families and/or early childhood professionals; or an equivalent combination of education and professional work experience.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in Early Childhood Education, including pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles, and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, theories, and systems associated with Early Childhood Education.
Ability to resolve a wide range of complex problems using creative reasoning and logic to identify causes and determine effective, innovative, and timely resolutions.
Ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing and verbally, and through reports and other materials.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Ability to operate a personal computer and use word-processing software.
Ability to conduct educational research, interpret literature on early childhood education best practices, and translate findings into practical recommendations for basic understanding.
Experience developing and disseminating written program materials, resources, and reports for diverse audiences, including sponsors, community partners, and legislative bodies.
Knowledge of Hawaii Department of Human Services Child Care Licensing Regulations.
Knowledge of early childhood accreditation standards, including NAEYC, NAFCC, and/or NECPA.
Ability to lift and transport up to 25 pounds of program materials, books, and similar items.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, or a related field.
Coursework credits in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university.
Professional certifications in early childhood curriculum, assessment, or classroom quality.
Experience writing and developing research-based early childhood publications and outreach material.
Leadership or management experience in an educational or community setting, such as a nonprofit working with child and family social services.
Experience training and coaching early childhood professionals and knowledge of adult learning strategies.
Familiarity with home-based child care settings and accreditation standards for Family Child Care Providers.
Experience with Google Workspace and Adobe software.
Experience with Zoom video conferencing software.

Responsibilities

Develop research-based program materials, curricula, and publications focused on early childhood development, care, and learning, using software such as Google Workspace and Adobe.
Assist in planning, implementing, and managing dissemination of program materials.
Monitor, implement, and update an electronic database to record and track client participation.
Prepare and sort materials, including newsletters, inserts, and children’s books, for mailing to clients.
Communicate with clients about program expectations and participation.
Prepare for and conduct individual educational coaching sessions for early childhood professionals on topics such as curriculum development, developmentally appropriate practices, and professional development plans based on accreditation quality standards.
Prepare and present training sessions and workshops for small groups and large audiences on early childhood licensing and accreditation quality standards.
Conduct coaching sessions and trainings in person and virtually, including at off-campus or inter-island locations as client needs require; trainings may include weekend hours.
Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and Program Manager, conduct program assessment, collect data, and evaluate client participation.
Make recommendations regarding program effectiveness.
Maintain confidential client data.
Assist in preparing reports for audiences including State and Government offices.
Participate in meetings with colleagues about developing program materials and training workshops.
Participate in professional development and stay current on early childhood education trends, issues, and professional best practices.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and community partners.
Represent the Learning to Grow Project at national and local meetings and conferences, as needed, including possible out-of-state locations.
Perform other duties as assigned.