Early Learning Specialist

Educational Service District 105•Yakima, WA

About The Position

The Early Learning Specialist provides coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to family support staff across early learning programs to strengthen family engagement, partnerships, and program service delivery. The position supports effective implementation of eligibility, recruitment, enrollment, data management, and recordkeeping practices in accordance with program requirements. Working collaboratively with staff in school districts, child care centers, and family child care homes, the specialist promotes consistent practices, builds staff capacity, and supports high-quality services for children and families. The role promotes equitable, culturally responsive, and family-centered practices; supports professional development and individualized staff assistance; monitors family files, records, reports, and data; and helps connect families with community resources and referrals. Work takes place in offices, school districts, child care centers, and family child care homes, with regular activities across the ESD 105 service region and occasional travel elsewhere in Washington State.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, psychology, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may substitute, as determined by ESD 105.
At least three years of professional experience in early childhood education, family support services, family engagement, or a closely related field, including experience supporting children and families in early learning or community-based programs.
Experience providing coaching, mentoring, training, or technical assistance to adults in educational, family support, or related service settings.
Experience implementing culturally responsive, inclusive, and strengths-based practices with children, families, and diverse communities.
Successfully complete and maintain current Washington State DCYF background check clearance, including fingerprinting and portable background check requirements as applicable.
Maintain an active DCYF MERIT profile, including a STARS ID and required employment and qualification records.
Provide documentation of tuberculosis testing or clearance and measles, mumps, and rubella immunization or immunity in accordance with applicable DCYF requirements.
Knowledge of family engagement principles, family dynamics, and the needs of children and families experiencing economic, cultural, or linguistic barriers.
Knowledge of Washington State early learning programs, including ECEAP standards, eligibility, recruitment, enrollment, and family support requirements.
Knowledge of community resources, family support services, and referral systems that promote family well-being and children's development.
Knowledge of culturally responsive practices, adult learning principles, and effective coaching and professional development strategies.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Effective coaching, mentoring, facilitation, and training skills to support adult learning and professional growth.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills, including managing multiple priorities and program deadlines.
Proficiency with computer applications, data management systems, and technology used for documentation, reporting, and communication.
Ability to provide effective coaching, technical assistance, and constructive feedback that strengthens staff performance and program practices.
Ability to build and maintain collaborative, culturally responsive relationships with staff, families, early learning providers, and community partners.
Ability to interpret and apply program standards, policies, and procedures while supporting accurate documentation and compliance.
Ability to identify staff development needs, adapt support strategies, and promote consistent, high-quality family engagement practices.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities and program needs.
Ability to travel to assigned work locations and attend required meetings, trainings, and program-related activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Washington State ECEAP, Head Start, or other publicly funded early learning programs.
Experience supporting eligibility, recruitment, enrollment, family engagement, and program documentation requirements.
Experience applying adult learning principles to coaching, mentoring, professional development, or technical assistance.
Experience supporting children with disabilities and their families, including familiarity with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Experience developing partnerships with community organizations and connecting families with appropriate resources and services.
Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to family support staff across ECEAP and other assigned early learning settings.
Promote equitable, culturally responsive, and family-centered practices that recognize family strengths, respect diverse backgrounds, languages, and traditions, and foster trusting partnerships.
Collaborate with family support staff, subcontractors, the ESD 105 ECEAP team, and other specialists to ensure consistent implementation of Family Engagement and Partnership Principles, program standards, and service expectations.
Assess staff development needs and design, coordinate, and deliver professional development, resources, and individualized support.
Monitor the accuracy, completeness, and timely submission of family files, program records, reports, and data; identify concerns and provide guidance and follow-up.
Support family engagement and outreach, including home visits, community recruitment events, and other program-related activities.
Assist family support staff in identifying family needs, accessing community resources, coordinating referrals, and developing partnerships.
Perform other related duties as assigned.