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Description

ICF is seeking an Education Specialist for PreK to Kindergarten Transition to support the Quality Support Center. This vital role will advance high-quality, equitable early childhood education across Philadelphia by providing technical assistance, professional development, instructional coaching, and targeted support to early learning providers, children, and families. The Education Specialist will ensure seamless, developmentally appropriate transitions from PreK to Kindergarten, and their work will be guided by the mission, commitments, and goals of the PreK program in collaboration with the Office of Children and Families (OCF). Through evidence-based, inclusive, and collaborative approaches, this position will contribute to strengthening the city’s early learning landscape.

PreK is the universal pre-kindergarten initiative, dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality, affordable early learning experiences. The program’s mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, families, and communities by:

Expanding access to quality pre-K education for all eligible children

Elevating instructional standards and operational excellence among providers, advancing equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness, strengthening community partnerships and family engagement. Utilizing data to drive continuous improvement and accountability. This role requires up to 30% local travel within the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Provide comprehensive on-site and virtual technical assistance to PreK providers, with a focus on fostering continuous quality improvement, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and guiding effective implementation of the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS framework.

+ Develop, deliver, and evaluate targeted professional development programs and individualized instructional coaching for early childhood educators, prioritizing trauma-informed methodologies, developmentally appropriate pedagogical strategies, and inclusive practices that address the varied learning needs of all children.

+ Design, lead, or coordinate specialized training initiatives for providers and staff in trauma-informed care, cultivating classroom environments that are safe, nurturing, and responsive to the complex needs of children, particularly those impacted by adversity or trauma.

+ Facilitate access to community-based resources by connecting families and providers with Early Learning Resource Centers, comprehensive health and wellness services, and evidence-based family engagement programs to strengthen holistic support systems.

+ Strategically develop and operationalize transition frameworks, including customized plans, toolkits, and events, to ensure seamless and developmentally appropriate progression from PreK to Kindergarten, with a strong emphasis on effective communication and collaboration among families, early learning providers, and receiving elementary schools.

+ Lead initiatives to enhance provider engagement and build organizational capacity, supporting increased STAR ratings, regulatory compliance, and the advancement of instructional quality and effectiveness across early learning settings.

+ Empower families and communities by providing expert guidance and resources to navigate the PreK to Kindergarten transition process, fostering informed participation and continuity of learning experiences.

Basic Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field

+ Minimum of 5 years’ of direct experience in early childhood education, with demonstrated expertise in instructional coaching, professional development, or program quality improvement.

+ 2+ years in experience with Philadelphia/PA ECE, including strong knowledge of Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS and early learning standards

Professional Skills:

+ Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; experience with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.

+ Ability to collaborate effectively with partner agencies and community organizations

+ Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.

+ Proficiency in data systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

+ Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills; ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.

+ Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

+ Organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

+ Flexible, solution-oriented approach with a passion for supporting continuous learning and improvement.

+ Relevant certifications (e.g., Child Development Associate, Certified Health Education Specialist) strongly preferred.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO (https://www.icf.com/legal/equal-employment-opportunity) policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email  [email protected]  and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about  workplace discrimination righ t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the  Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at  [email protected] . We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

**Pay Range** - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$60,940.00 - $103,598.00

Pennsylvania Remote Office (PA99)