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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
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.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.
Coaching and Apprenticeship Support
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.
Quality Improvement and Technical Assistance
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.
Community and Professional Learning Coordination
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.
Partnership and Grant Alignment
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.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
There are no supervisory duties in this position.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust
Occasionally lift up to 25
Manual dexterity for handling office
Frequent driving in all weather conditions throughout Marion, Polk and Yamhill
Ability to utilize problem-solving, resourcefulness, and creative thinking with minimal direct
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Indoor, office work environment with frequent interruptions and
Working with coworkers/clients over the phone, using video conferencing tools and in-person.
Occasional noise and distractions in work
Frequent on-site support at participating apprenticeship
Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.
**Enrollment in the Central Background Registry is beneficial if you are even considering working with children in the State of Oregon, since it will be required before you can start a position. Enrollment is free and it is recommended that you start now as the process can take time. Start enrollment online at: oregonearlylearning.com
MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities, or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.
**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.
If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.