Tribal Child Care Technical Assistance Specialist (Remote)
(Job Number: 1800001127)
Job Description:
ICF seeks an experienced American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) TA Specialist to provide high quality training and technical assistance (T&TA) that improves the capacity of AI/AN early childhood programs, especially AI/AN Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) grantees, as part of the National Center on Tribal Early Childhood Development technical assistance team. The NCTECD TA Specialist will primarily support AI/AN CCDF grantees in implementing high-quality, comprehensive early care and education services that also meet grantee goals for successful implementation of the recently released CCDF Final Rule which describes how the CCDBG Reauthorization Act applies to Tribes (support can also include working with Head Start/Early Head Start programs where the Tribe/Grantee has both CCDF and Head Start funding). The over 260 AI/AN CCDF Grantees are geographically diverse and provide early care and education services to children and families that are culturally responsive and respectful of tribal sovereignty. These grantees operate programs that reflect the diversity of languages and traditions that exist in AI/AN cultures.
The National Center on Tribal Early Childhood Development provides T&TA to support AI/AN CCDF grantees in the implementation of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 as well as the adoption and implementation of early care and education program best practices, systems, and infrastructure in tribal communities.
The ideal candidate will have both a background and experience in Child Development or Early Childhood Education with extensive knowledge of the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) regulations and CCDF program implementation. The NCTECD TA Specialist will provide T&TA to AI/AN CCDF grantees which includes coordination the ACF Office of Child Care Regional Offices, as well as with Region XI Head Start T&TA, coordination with Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships T&TA, and coordination with the other National Centers as part of the ACF Early Childhood Training and Technical Assistance System. Specialists will provide professional-level expertise and T&TA to promote and support, the successful implementation of CCDF programs and empower grantees to implement high-quality child care for AI/AN children and their families.
The ideal candidate will have experience with providing culturally respectful engagement strategies, as well as culturally responsive and appropriate resources and materials tailored to the unique needs of tribal communities.
This position is home-based and will involve extensive travel within home state and clusters of states where the candidate is assigned.
Key Responsibilities:
Work closely with the ACF Office of Child Care Regional Offices, ACF Early Childhood Training and Technical Assistance System National Centers, Child Care State Capacity Building Center, and Office of Head Start Region XI, as appropriate.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree
5+ years of demonstrated experience in the field of early childhood education.
5+ years of experience offering training and technical assistance within early care and education.
Knowledge of Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) regulations, Head Start performance standards, and all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
Ability to maintain up to date knowledge of current early care and education program implementation promising practices, especially culturally responsive and appropriate program practices, including knowledge of child development practices and research based early childhood quality methods and approaches.
Understanding of developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant practice in early childhood education and the ability to support its use in successful implementation of AI/AN CCDF grantee’s program goals.
A background and experience in early childhood services working with children and families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
Experience within American Indian and Alaska Native federally recognized tribes and Native communities.
Preferred Experience/Skills:
Experience in a leadership position within a Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)/Head Start Program.
Experience providing training at State, Regional, or National Meetings and technical assistance to individual organizations preferred.
Experience at state and/or national level with policies, early care and education regulations, and systems, particularly the implementation of the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) and/or other state early learning programs.
Experience with content knowledge related to CCDF Final Rule implementation, development of the CCDF Tribal Plan Preprint, as well as tribal child care licensing, subsidy administration, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS), child assessment, and other early childhood programs and initiatives.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision making capabilities.
Deep understanding of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Native language revitalization and/or Tribal language and culture program knowledge
Adobe, GoToMeeting & Skype Business Experience a Plus+
Professional Skills:
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision making capabilities.
Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as outside clients and vendors.
Please refer to our National Center on Tribal Early Childhood Development Overview flier for more information on our National Center: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/centers/national-center-tribal-early-childhood-development
ICF offers an excellent benefits package, an award winning talent development program, and fosters a highly skilled, energized and empowered workforce.
ICF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. (EOE – Minorities/Females/ Protected Veterans Status/Disability Status/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity)