Early Learning Workforce Specialist - Child Care Resource and Referral

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

About The Position

The Early Learning Workforce Specialist provides coaching, technical assistance, and professional learning support to early childhood educators participating in apprenticeships, quality improvement, Preschool Promise, supporting infants and toddlers, and career advancement initiatives. This position bridges CCR&R's Apprenticeship Program, Quality Improvement Supports, and Preschool Promise to build a sustainable, equitable early learning workforce across Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. The Specialist partners with early learning programs, apprentices, and educators to support skill development, apprenticeship completion, and high-quality early learning environments that align with state and federal standards. This position will be located in Marion County.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Child & Family Studies, Social Work, or related field, or step 10, or higher on the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) and Master Trainer status or ability to achieve within one year.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Early Childhood education or related programs.
Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 0-5.
Experience in instructional coaching, reflective supervision, and adult learning methodologies.
Familiarity with equity centered, trauma-informed, and inclusionary practices.
Proficient in the use of computers and related information technologies (e.g., Google Workspace/Microsoft Office, virtual training platforms, early childhood data systems).
Interpersonal, Organizational, and data-tracking skills.
Ability to travel throughout Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties and occasionally work evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

Provides coaching to Early Childhood apprentices and educators using evidence-based frameworks.
Creates coaching plans with clear teaching-practice goals; conduct regular observations and provide strengths-based feedback.
Facilitates reflective practice and classroom application of skills; schedule and deliver on-site and virtual coaching to support Every Child Belongs.
Supports educators with Oregon Registry advancement, professional development planning, and credential attainment.
Assess and supports Early Learning programs in implementing Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) strategies.
Provides technical assistance on best business practices and program management, curriculum implementation, inclusionary practices and family engagement.
Uses data to inform quality improvement and technical assistance to report on outcomes that strengthen Early Learning systems and workforce capacity.
Coordinates, recruits and facilitates participation in professional development groups such as Focused Child Care Networks, Communities of Practice and cohorts among early learning educators and program directors
Designs and delivers professional learning opportunities in-person, virtually, and asynchronously incorporating adult learning principles.
Develops and distributes professional communications and resource materials.
Supports program evaluation, data collection, and reporting to demonstrate impact.
Participates in professional learning and training aligned with DELC and MWVCAA standards.
Interprets and applies licensing requirements, NAEYC standards/competencies, and other grant requirements.
Collect and analyze program/teaching‑practice data to inform coaching, CQI & TA to demonstrate outcomes, and support system improvement.