Head Start Early Childhood Specialist Manager

ICF

. Co-lead a team of Early Childhood Specialists .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia • United StatesLead💰 $81,499 - $138,549 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in early childhood education and development, with a strong focus on training, technical assistance, and quality assurance systems. Proven ability to lead teams, implement professional development, and utilize data for informed decision-making.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Early Childhood EducationTraining and Technical AssistanceQuality Assurance SystemsData AnalysisProgressive Supervision

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementCoachingCurriculum ImplementationTeacher-Child InteractionsFamily EngagementAssessmentData ReportingField ObservationsPerformance EvaluationProfessional Development

Soft Skills

CommunicationTeam LeadershipAdaptabilityFacilitationCoaching

Certifications & Qualifications

CLASS Observer CertificationCLASS Trainer Certification

Industry Keywords

Head StartEarly Childhood ProgramsSchool ReadinessTechnical AssistanceFederal Office Initiatives

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Co-lead a team of Early Childhood Specialists
Provide one-on-one management and supervision of Early Childhood Specialists
Coordinate with the TTA management team to plan training and technical assistance for grantees
Implement a comprehensive quality assurance system for TTA and contract deliverables
Provide ongoing supervision, oversight, and coaching to Early Childhood Specialists
Develop and implement professional development for EC Specialists across early childhood education, coaching, curriculum implementation and fidelity, teacher-child interactions, family engagement, child and family outcomes, assessment, and data analysis
Review recipient TTA reports for accuracy and ensure timely submission
Use, report, and present TTA data to improve service quality and responsiveness
Conduct at least two field observations of Early Childhood Specialists during each performance period
Communicate with Area Office staff to coordinate support, messaging, and prioritization of technical assistance
Participate in national, regional, and state work groups and meetings
Provide direct TTA to grant recipients as requested
Support emerging Office of Head Start initiatives and priorities
Attend quarterly meetings in the Federal Office in Washington, DC

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of a BA or BS degree in early childhood education/development, education leadership, or related field from an accredited university or college
7+ years of experience, including 3 years providing training and technical assistance to Head Start or other early childhood programs related to school readiness
3+ years of progressive supervision/management and staff development
1+ year of experience coaching staff
1+ year of experience developing, implementing, and managing/improving projects, including implementing QA systems
1+ year of experience using data to inform decision making
1+ year of experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to varied audiences using multiple formats, including virtual
1+ year of experience communicating orally and in writing, adapting to various audiences and formats
Valid driver's license and successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Records check
Maintain CLASS Observer and/or Trainer Certifications as required
Ability to travel extensively, up to 50% of the time, to assigned programs across the United States

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable accommodations for disabilities, disabled veterans, and sincerely held religious beliefs
Equal opportunity employment
Nationwide remote work arrangement
Quarterly meetings in Washington, DC
Support for accommodation-related application needs