The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach works with the early learning providers in Montgomery County who care for children ages infant to school age. The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach assists providers in achieving and maintaining the Keystone STARS standards. The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach provides coaching practices that align as closely as possible with best practices in coaching management coupled with the reality that caseload counts must be differentiated to serve the providers who serve children identified as the most vulnerable, including those children receiving Child Care Works and/or those with IFSPs/IEPs. The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach encourages providers to advance and achieve STAR levels through continuous quality improvement (CQI). The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach supports programs in identifying technical assistance and professional development needs that best fulfill the program's CQI needs. The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach works with early learning providers to help them identify program strengths and opportunities for growth to improve and enhance the quality of their programs. The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach works with providers to assist them in improving their programs, educating and training staff and offering the best possible environment for the children served in their programs. The STARS Specialist/Quality Coach works diligently with ELRC staff to offer providers the tools they need to succeed. This position requires travel to early learning providers located in Montgomery County. Educate early learning providers, community partners and stakeholders about the Keystone STARS program and the performance standards. Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with early learning providers and school-age providers. Work with Certification in cases of regulatory referral to educate early learning staff on the use of health and safety practices; assist them in improving the use of health and safety practices. Work with early learning providers to develop and implement an improvement plan as necessary when regulatory deficiencies occur; Directors and staff will be involved in correcting areas of deficiency as applicable. Work with early learning providers and staff to complete required training modules, assist them with the Career Pathway Placement and work with them to keep their PD Registry Profiles current. Work with providers to improve staff retention, staff motivation and in obtaining beneficial, affordable training opportunities. Manage a caseload of approximately 75-90 early learning providers at various STAR levels. Record and document all provider contact in PELICAN and the QRIS system timely; update and maintain provider data in PELICAN and the QRIS system as necessary. Review and maintain Coaching Dashboard in the PD Registry. Supply educational materials for Keystone STARS providers as necessary. Refer providers for and assist in providing technical assistance and informal training as needed. Inform early learning providers about STARS financial awards; assist providers in completing grant applications and award applications when necessary. Ensure early learning provider compliance with grant requirements. Provide counseling and training to early learning staff and inform them of professional development and funding opportunities. Assist providers in attaining goals and encourage movement in the STARS levels. Create Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plans that are meaningful to providers. Assist providers to choose to work on indicators that align with their goals. Work with providers to implement the targets for movement and maintenance. During CQI visits to programs working toward a STAR 2 level, the Quality Coach will: Support each program through the STAR 2 evidence-gathering process. Support each program through the QRIS System including the Career Profile, QRIS document uploading and designation system. Support each program in conducting a self-assessment using an evidence-based observation instrument that best meets the program's needs and goals. Provide guidance in the creation of a CQI Plan with goals and action items to support program improvement. Review evidence of meeting STAR 2 program standards prior to submission on the online portal. At STAR 2 (EC 2.1) and above, programs begin their journey in CQI planning by creating a required CQI Plan that: Support each program through the STAR 2 evidence-gathering process. Support each program in conducting a self-assessment using an evidence-based observation instrument that best meets the program's needs and goals. Provide guidance in the creation of a CQI Plan with goals and action items to support program improvement: Is informed by annually conducted internal assessment using an approved program observation instrument (POI).

Is updated annually to:

Remove goals that were successfully met or deemed no longer relevant. Add new long term and short-term goals. Indicate progress in meeting previous CQI Plan's goals. Includes actions items to support overall quality improvement. Includes goals for increasing staff qualifications. Includes goals beyond minimum requirements and actions steps under the program's Child Care Facility

COVID-19

Health and Safety Plan. Review evidence of meeting STAR 2 program standards prior to submission on the online portal. For programs working toward the STAR 3 and 4 levels, the Quality Coach will: Support each program through the STAR 3 and 4 evidence-gathering process. Support each program in selecting and conducting a self-assessment using an evidence based tool that best meets the program goals. Provide guidance in creating a CQI Plan with goals and activities to support program improvement: Is informed by annually conducted internal assessment using an approved program observation instrument (POI).

Is updated annually to:

Remove goals that were successfully met or deemed no longer relevant. Add new long term and short-term goals. Indicate progress in meeting previous CQI Plan's goals. Includes actions items to support overall quality improvement. Includes goals for increasing staff qualifications: Includes goals beyond minimum requirements and actions steps under the program's Child Care Facility

COVID-19

Health and Safety Plan. Pre-designate programs for appropriate STAR levels and complete a referral to the Keystone STARS Designator for renewals or designation visits. Be cognizant of changes in fields of early learning and school age care. Complete and submit all required reports accurately and timely. Attend any meetings, events, trainings or conferences as required by the PA Key/OCDEL or ELRC 17. Promote the Keystone STARS program, be prepared to speak about the program and its requirements when the opportunity arises. Comply with all directives, communications, policies and notices received from the PA Key and OCDEL. Protect the confidentiality of all client information, provider information and Commonwealth information. As an ELRC employee of the County of Montgomery, the Keystone STARS Specialist/Quality Coach must agree to comply with applicable federal and state laws. Other duties as needed and/or assigned by the ELRC Administrator or Keystone STARS Coordinator. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Minimum 3 years' experience working in an early learning facility.

EXPERIENCE

Knowledge and understanding of DHS regulations for early learning providers. Experience working in an early learning program or in the early learning field. Knowledge and understanding of Keystone STARS program, regulations and requirements. Knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood Education and Child Development. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and data entry software. Computer literacy and knowledge of specific software packages and search engines. Highly organized, self-motivated. Knowledge of basic business practices; Excellent organizational skills and time management skills. Ability to multitask, detail-oriented. Ability to complete tasks within an allotted time frame. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.