CHILD CARE SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Every regulated family child care home and center-based program depends on someone who can translate developmental milestones into daily practice. A Child Care Specialist holds that function: assessing children's social, emotional, and physical progress against recognized frameworks such as the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and ensuring the environment meets state licensing standards set by agencies like the Department for Children and Families (DCF). The role spans direct work with children and structured coaching of parents and providers. Not classroom instruction, but ownership of the quality assurance and developmental support layer that runs beneath it.

As the Child Care Specialist, you are responsible for observing, documenting, and supporting children's developmental progress while coaching parents, providers, and aides toward practices that meet state regulatory requirements. You operate across program sites, reporting to a Child Care Director or Program Director, and serve a caseload that includes enrolled children, their families, and, in some assignments, the family child care home providers supplying licensed capacity in the region.

Career Impact: Specialists who earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a KY Trainer Credential while in this role build a documented professional record that qualifies them for program supervision, training coordination, and specialist-II advancement within county and state systems.

Business Impact: Children enrolled in programs staffed by qualified specialists score measurably better on ASQ developmental screenings, directly affecting a program's compliance standing with Head Start performance standards and state licensing renewals.

Growth Opportunity: The path from Child Care Specialist to Child Care Specialist II or Family Support Coordinator is well-mapped in public and nonprofit systems, with scope expanding from direct caseloads to grant research, policy recommendation, and multidisciplinary team leadership.

• Assess children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development using standardized instruments to identify needs and inform individualized activity plans.
• Design and facilitate developmentally appropriate activities aligned to each child's documented progress and family goals.
• Coach parents and family child care home providers on positive parenting practices, health and safety standards, and early learning curriculum techniques.
• Monitor program environments for compliance with applicable DCF licensing requirements and Head Start performance standards.
• Document all child observations, provider interactions, training sessions, and referral actions accurately within required recordkeeping systems.
• Coordinate referrals to ancillary services including tutoring, mental health support, and community resource agencies when developmental or behavioral concerns are identified.
• Deliver and evaluate training sessions for providers and staff on topics including curriculum planning, learning environment setup, and family engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with clinical staff, multidisciplinary teams, and community partners to align services and share progress updates on enrolled children and families.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of experience working directly with infants, toddlers, or preschool-age children in a licensed or regulated early childhood setting.
• Familiarity with state child care licensing requirements and applicable federal program regulations, including Head Start performance standards.
• Ability to administer and interpret developmental screening tools such as the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) or equivalent instruments.
• Demonstrated skill in written documentation including case notes, training records, and compliance reports.
• Proficiency in standard office software and the ability to navigate electronic recordkeeping platforms.
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for home visits and site travel.

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or state-recognized trainer credential such as a KY Trainer Credential.
• Prior experience in a Head Start, Early Head Start, or ECEAP program environment.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish or another language spoken by the local family population served.
• Experience supervising aides, volunteers, or junior staff within a child care or early education program.

• ASQ or equivalent screening completion rate across active caseload, reflecting developmental documentation coverage.
• Provider compliance rate with DCF or equivalent state licensing standards following specialist site visits.
• Training session delivery count per quarter, measuring professional development outreach to providers and staff.
• Referral-to-service connection rate, tracking how often identified needs result in confirmed ancillary service enrollment.
• Recordkeeping accuracy rate, assessed through director audit of case notes and training logs.
• Typical tools: developmental screening platforms (commonly ASQ Online); case management and recordkeeping systems (commonly ChildPlus or equivalent); video conferencing (commonly Zoom or Teams).

• Base Salary Range: $36,000 to $52,000 annually, varying by region and program funding source
• Bonus: Uncommon in nonprofit settings; some county roles offer modest performance-based increments
• Equity: Not applicable for this role type
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; typically employer-subsidized for full-time staff
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; government and Head Start programs often include additional paid holidays
• Common Perks: Continuing education reimbursement, professional credential support, mileage reimbursement for site visits

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a criminal background check and child protective services registry check is required as a condition of employment for all candidates. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations during the hiring process should notify the hiring team at any point. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States before the start of employment.

The Child Care Specialist owns the full cycle of family child care supply development, recruiting new home providers, delivering one-on-one technical assistance, and facilitating professional development sessions to raise the quality of care across the region. Reporting to program leadership and working alongside community partners, this role builds the provider network that expands care options for families served by the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, contact, and recruit new family child care home providers to build the supply of family child care options for families.
• Work with community partners to develop recruitment strategies and maximize collaborative recruitment efforts.
• Visit providers in their home to offer one-on-one support.
• Deliver technical assistance and individualized goal setting, including getting started consultations, health and safety, curriculum planning, learning environment, family engagement planning, and business and record-keeping practices.
• Deliver assistance through on-site visits or virtually through video conferencing, email, phone, or text.
• Coordinate and implement travel within the region, state, and nationally as necessary.
• Link providers to community resources and supports.
• Design, implement, and facilitate training sessions with family child care providers to improve quality of care through professional development.
• Facilitate a family child care community of practice for new and potential providers, focusing on business strategies and professional development topics.
• Set up systems to identify, contact, and recruit unregulated providers or other interested persons to become regulated in-home providers.
• Assess barriers to becoming a quality family child care home and connect with community partners to provide available resources.
• Connect providers with state programs and agencies, including the Child Care Assistance Program and the Child Care and Adult Food Program.
• Respond promptly to provider inquiries or requests over email, phone, or on-site.
• Organize, attend, and participate in meetings, events, or other identified activities, including evening and weekend events.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, child development, or related field.
• KY Trainer Credential, or willingness to earn one upon hire.
• Previous experience teaching in an early childhood setting.
• Experience in supervision, management, or coaching.
• Previous experience working in the early care and education field, with preference for experience in or with family child care.
• Knowledge of infant and toddler health and safety licensing requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and basic data systems, including internet navigation.
• Skills in collaboration and community partnerships.
• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required; local travel is required.

Embedded within an early childhood program serving economically disadvantaged families, the Child Care Specialist delivers individualized educational instruction based on assessed social, intellectual, emotional, nutritional, and physical needs of enrolled children. Working closely with parents, volunteers, and aides, this role shapes child outcomes by maintaining a safe learning environment and supporting family engagement through programs such as Head Start and Parent Education.

Core Functions

• Provide educational instruction to meet the needs of children enrolled in an early childhood program.
• Assess the social, intellectual, emotional, nutritional, and physical needs of children, and develop child- and adult-directed educational activities based on assessed needs.
• Direct students, volunteers, and aides, discuss progress of children with parents, and respond to expressed parental concerns.
• Design individualized educational materials.
• Work with economically disadvantaged families through programs such as Head Start and Parent Education.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and replenish when necessary.
• Implement child care licensing requirements and child care regulations.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
• Keep written observations of interaction between parents and children regularly.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding child and parent information.

Qualifications & Experience

• 45 college quarter hours in early childhood development, education, or special education.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Previous experience with early childhood education.
• Previous experience with Head Start, ECEAP, Early Head Start, or a low-income population.
• Ability to manage time and multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to write and speak effectively in English.
• Ability to complete required reports accurately, including timesheets, attendance, and meal counts.
• Ability to maintain professional and ethical boundaries with families, staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Tactful and diplomatic interpersonal relationship skills.

Reporting to clinical staff, the Child Care Specialist delivers age-appropriate care and programming for children residing within a substance use treatment program while their mothers undergo treatment. Partnering with multidisciplinary clinical teams, this role supports children's social, emotional, and developmental progress and contributes to family stability by providing parenting guidance and facilitating therapeutic activities.

Primary Duties

• Assist in ongoing age-appropriate curriculum development and implementation for the prevention program.
• Develop and facilitate developmentally appropriate activities for children of residents within the program.
• Supervise and monitor child safety during structured and unstructured activities.
• Instruct and role model basic skills and concepts, including sharing, taking turns, cooperation, and emotional regulation.
• Monitor emotional, behavioral, developmental, and academic progress of children and communicate with mothers concerning needs and progress, making referrals for tutoring or ancillary support services as needed.
• Complete Ages and Stages Questionnaire assessments with mothers and children.
• Maintain clinical records and correspondence concerning children and ensure compliance with all confidentiality procedures.
• Maintain contact with outside agencies and consult information resources as necessary for the continuing development and improvement of the childcare programming component.
• Provide positive support and guidance to adult residents regarding child development and positive parenting, and observe parent and child interactions as needed.
• Arrange and plan monthly pro-social therapeutic trips and activities for children and mothers.
• Assist in conducting mother-child and family therapeutic sessions in conjunction with clinical staff.
• Participate in regular consultations with clinical staff concerning mother and child relationships and the needs of children.

Skills & Qualifications

• Specialized knowledge of early childhood development, including children's social, emotional, and physical development and milestones.
• Knowledge of positive parenting practices and ability to model these practices.
• Knowledge of substance use and mental health disorder treatment programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to calmly and effectively multitask.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations of children, adults, and families.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to initiate and maintain contacts with social service, vocational, and educational programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with children and adults.

Sitting at the intersection of program policy and direct service delivery, the Child Care Specialist II leads subject matter expertise across specialty areas such as disabilities, health, or education, overseeing technical assistance, compliance monitoring, and grant development to strengthen child care programs. Operating across multidisciplinary teams and governmental partners, this role builds the program infrastructure and staff capacity that ensures children's needs are met at the community level.

Duties

• Assist in developing, enhancing, and assessing programs.
• Recommend changes to local policies and procedures.
• Assess needs and develop, deliver, and evaluate training programs.
• Oversee delivery of technical assistance provided to providers, parents, centers, and the community.
• Coordinate services with other governmental programs and community organizations.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop plans to best meet children's needs.
• Review research and demographic data for official reports.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislation, best practices, and performance measures.
• Update systems and resources to match current program strategies.
• Monitor programs for compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Assist in researching and writing grant proposals and seeking innovative funding sources.
• Oversee a program site and manage services within that site.
• Supervise other professional and support staff within the program area.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, psychology, social work, or a closely related field.
• Master's in Public Health or Health Administration.
• Five or more years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and children up to age five.
• Experience working effectively with families from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methodology of the assigned area of accountability.
• Extensive knowledge in a particular area of expertise.
• Ability to keep current on the latest theories of early childhood development and education.
• Ability to manage projects and supervise others.
• Ability to assess, deliver, and evaluate training.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

A key member of the child development program team, the Child Care Specialist delivers structured training, maintains certification in First Aid and CPR, and contributes to joint program operations to support a quality child care environment. Collaborating across staff, faculty, and the broader community, this role builds professional competency through ongoing participation in required coursework, practicum experiences, and at least 20 clock hours of training annually.

Functions

• Maintain certification in First Aid training and CPR.
• Assume an equal share of joint housekeeping responsibilities.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings.
• Plan and implement staff training as requested.
• Participate in recommended training programs, conferences, courses, and other aspects of professional growth.

Experience & Qualifications

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or 12 or more semester credit hours of child development coursework.
• 240 clock hours of field experience or cooperative education working with young children in a licensed child care center.
• 5 or more practicum and laboratory experiences associated with recent child development coursework.
• Prior employment or volunteer experience working with young children in an informal learning setting such as in-home or center-based after-school, tutoring, or summer camp programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills to deal with parents, children, staff, faculty, students, and the community.
• Ability to relate to and work effectively with staff and young children.
• Ability to be flexible and adjust to varied situations.