JOB SUMMARY

*Telework Within Minnesota and flexible hours options are available. Employees that live 50 miles or less from their primary/principal work location and live within the State may telework more than 50% with approval. * Employees may telework outside the state of Minnesota if they live in a state bordering Minnesota and live 50 miles or less from the primary/principal work location.
The Early Learning Scholarship Pathway 1 Specialist provide comprehensive oversight and coordination between multiple early learning programs to maximize resources that will increase access to high quality early childhood education opportunities to families of underserved populations, thus ensuring young children are well supported as they transition to kindergarten and beyond. Included in this work is coordinating alignment with other public funds such as voluntary prekindergarten (VPK)/school readiness plus (SRP), school readiness, Head Start/Early Head Start, and most significantly, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). The incumbent will support, and lead efforts as determined that enhance the early learning system.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership, technical expertise, and coordination of monitoring activities for local administrators and the statewide central payment administrator regarding Pathway I early learning scholarships.
• Provide leadership, technical expertise, and coordination of activities in the monitoring of the Early Learning Scholarship Pathway I program, including family application processes, early care and education program requirements related to administering early learning scholarships and the invoicing and payment process.
• Support continuous quality improvement of the Early Learning Scholarship program to ensure the program meets the needs of children, families and early care and education programs and administrative responsibilities work in support of those needs.
• Direct temporary projects, short and long term, as directed by supervisor and scholarship coordinator.
• Provide leadership, guidance and technical expertise related to monitoring of Pathway I implementation to support programmatic and policy alignment between the Early Learning Scholarship Program and the Child Care Assistance Program to simplify and streamline access to high quality early care and education for children and families, and program implementation for early care and education programs

*TO FACILITATE PROPER CREDITING, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR RESUME CLEARLY DESCRIBES YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE AREAS LISTED AND INDICATES THE BEGINNING AND ENDING MONTH, DAY AND YEAR FOR EACH JOB HELD.*

Four (4) years of experience in an early childhood, public policy or related education or human services field that demonstrates the following:

• Knowledge of state and federal early childhood policies including Early Learning Scholarships, Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Head Start and/or related funding streams.
• Experience working with children, families and/or communities representing populations that experience inequitable opportunities based on race, geography and/or dis/ability.
• Experience with training, technical assistance or supporting internal/external stakeholders.
• Experience with policy or program management and/or implementation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience implementing programs or policies according to state or federal statute.
• Experience with continuous quality improvement using data (qualitative and/or quantitative) to improve programs or policies.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

It is the policy of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that the individual selected for this position successfully complete a background investigation prior to employment, that may include the following components:

• Reference check
• Criminal Background check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need

THE WORK YOU’LL DO IS MORE THAN JUST A JOB.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership, technical expertise, and coordination of monitoring activities for local administrators and the statewide central payment administrator regarding Pathway I early learning scholarships.
• Provide leadership, technical expertise, and coordination of activities in the monitoring of the Early Learning Scholarship Pathway I program, including family application processes, early care and education program requirements related to administering early learning scholarships and the invoicing and payment process.
• Support continuous quality improvement of the Early Learning Scholarship program to ensure the program meets the needs of children, families and early care and education programs and administrative responsibilities work in support of those needs.
• Direct temporary projects, short and long term, as directed by supervisor and scholarship coordinator.
• Provide leadership, guidance and technical expertise related to monitoring of Pathway I implementation to support programmatic and policy alignment between the Early Learning Scholarship Program and the Child Care Assistance Program to simplify and streamline access to high quality early care and education for children and families, and program implementation for early care and education program