Child Care Quality Program Administrator

The Child Development Division (CDD) within the Department for Children and Families (DCF) is hiring a Child Care Quality Program Administrator. This position leads the Child Care Quality and Capacity Unit (CCQC) in strengthening Vermont's early childhood and afterschool workforce. They will focus on designing, implementing, and evaluating professional development systems, aligning credentialing and career pathways, and collaborating with key partners to ensure a high-quality, well-supported workforce.

Specific responsibilities associated with this position include:

* Improve and strengthen Vermont's early childhood and afterschool professional development system
o Develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to support the early childhood and afterschool workforce, including training, credentialing, and career advancement.
o Develop and implement high-quality systems that cultivate qualified child care professionals, focusing on equitable access, competency, and career pathways.
o Provide leadership for key early childhood workforce programs.
o Collaborate with partner organizations to align program offerings and credentialing pathways.
o Analyze workforce data and trends to inform policy recommendations and continuous quality improvement efforts.
o Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of grant programs supporting early childhood professional development efforts.
o Support the development of equity and accessibility-related policies and practices.
o Provide technical assistance to professional development partners.
o Engage in continuous quality improvement for professional development-related programs.

* Support the integration of early childhood and afterschool workforce strategies with broader child development, education, and economic development goals.

o Coordinate with the CDD Licensing Unit and Children's Integrated Services team to support child care providers in meeting professional development requirements.
o Represent CDD on relevant committees, task forces, and workgroups.

* Manage and oversee the Child Care Quality and Capacity Unit
o Provide day-to-day supervision, support, and coaching.
o Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team culture aligned with CDD's mission and values.
o Support staff professional development.
o Ensure timely and effective internal communication, project tracking, and workflow coordination.
o Promote accountability within the unit.

CDD is housed in the Waterbury State Office Complex (WSOC). This is a hybrid position that can work remotely for up to four days weekly. The CCQC team also has in-person meetings and events in Waterbury; a successful candidate should have a reliable way to get to Waterbury as needed for these activities.

This position, Child Care Quality Program Administrator (Job Requisition #53093), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact dawn.rouse@vermont.gov
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Duties are typically performed in a standard office setting based at the Child Development Division in DCF, Central Office. Work related travel may require private means of transportation. Duties may include representing the department at public meetings and legislative hearings. Duties, responsibilities and certain assignments may require work outside of the normal work schedule.

Bachelor's degree or higher in early childhood development, early education or in a related human service field AND two (2) years or more of professional level experience in public administration, human services administration, or early childhood program administration.

Note: Early childhood programs is defined as licensed or registered community-based child care programs, Head Start (center based) programs, parent/child centers or other facilities, whose major focus is developmentally beneficial early care and education services.

Supervisory experience

* Experience in early childhood or afterschool education, including experience with workforce development or professional learning systems.
* Knowledge of state and national early childhood and afterschool workforce systems, career ladders, and professional competencies.
* Experience managing or supporting grants.
* Experience preparing programmatic reports.
* Experience working collaboratively with diverse partners and stakeholders.
* Excellent communication, facilitation, and project management skills.
* Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
* Familiarity with data systems and tools for workforce tracking and evaluation.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
* Deep understanding of and experience with Vermont's early childhood systems (Apprenticeship, STARS, Northern Lights, SPARQS, T.E.A.C.H.)
* Knowledge of the Power to the Profession framework, NAEYC Professional Standards, and similar workforce initiatives.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.