Early Education Program Specialist
Organization: Starting Point
Department: Family Child Care
Reports To: Director, Family Child Care Systems
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Cleveland, OH (travel within region required)
Salary: $50,000-$55,000/year
Position Summary
Starting Point is seeking a knowledgeable and relationship-driven Early Education Program Specialist to support licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) in delivering high-quality early learning experiences.
This role provides coaching, technical assistance, and training to child care professionals to strengthen program quality, support compliance, and promote best practices aligned with Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards.
The ideal candidate brings strong interpersonal skills, expertise in child development, and a passion for supporting early childhood professionals through collaborative, strengths-based approaches.
Key Responsibilities
-
Plan and conduct technical assistance visits to support implementation of best practices across all aspects of early childhood programming and business operations
-
Model and share effective strategies, resources, and innovative solutions to address program challenges
-
Collaborate within the department to coordinate quarterly professional development and specialized trainings for child care professionals
-
Develop and deliver training aligned with:
-
Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards
-
Ohio Core Knowledge and Competency Standards
-
Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) training topics
-
Maintain accurate weekly documentation and reporting of activities
-
Participate in and/or facilitate evening and weekend events as needed
-
Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills & Competencies
-
Strong written and verbal communication skills
-
Excellent organization and time-management abilities
-
Ability to build trust and rapport with diverse child care professionals
-
Knowledge of Ohio child care licensing regulations and quality rating systems
-
Proficiency with technology including case management systems, Zoom, and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
-
Ability to apply evidence-based adult learning principles
Education & Experience
-
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required
-
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the early childhood field preferred
-
Experience training or coaching adult learners strongly preferred
Working Conditions
-
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
-
Availability for overnight statewide meetings or trainings
-
Valid Ohio driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation required
-
Must successfully complete Ohio Bureau of Criminal Background Check
Physical Requirements
-
Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer
-
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch as needed
-
Ability to drive to child care programs and external meetings
Direct Reports
None
Why Join Starting Point
Starting Point is committed to strengthening families, supporting early childhood professionals, and improving outcomes for children across our community. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to quality, collaboration, and impact.
