The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

EEC provides services for more than 275,000 children each day through a mixed-delivery system that includes public, private, nonprofit and for-profit preschools, child care centers, nursery schools, preschools operating within public and private schools, Head Start programs, out of school/after school programs, and independent and system-affiliated family child care homes. EEC is responsible for licensing early education and care and out-of-school time programs throughout the Commonwealth and for administering child care financial assistance to low-income families with children ages birth to 13 years. In addition, EEC provides support for information and referral services, inclusive programming for children with special needs, parenting and family support, and professional development opportunities for thousands of educators in the early education and out-of-school time fields. In its broadest role, EEC also serves as a source of information to more than one million families in Massachusetts.

Central to EEC’s mission is a goal of ensuring families have access to high quality programs across the state. Massachusetts has some of the highest quality licensing standards and a long history of providing supports to programs in participating in the state’s quality improvement system. In response to a validation study, planning for a redesign of the quality system had begun and then, with the challenges presented by COVID, EEC paused participation in Quality Rating and Improvement System. Moving forward, the agency is revisiting the planning work that had been done to complete a full redesign of the quality system.

The Director of Quality Improvement is responsible for coordinating the completion of the quality system redesign and managing a staff of four regionally assigned program quality specialists in supporting programs locally in quality building activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Overall management of the Program Quality Unit and its development and implementation of a system of program quality in Massachusetts. This includes supervision of staff, setting direction for the ongoing development of the quality system, monitoring and measuring progress, providing direction and oversight of supports offered to all early education, public preschool and out of school time programs interested in and/or involved with EEC’s quality support systems, integration with all divisions of EEC, and communication both internally and with external stakeholders.

Research: Having a working knowledge of current research into early education and out of school time program quality, particularly quality practices and measurement tools that have been shown to predict positive child outcomes, different quality system structures for both support and accountability and experience with the implementation of evidence-based quality improvement practices.

Development of Standards and Policies: Management of the process for the ongoing development of the MA quality system based on research findings, public feedback, efficacy of use and EEC’s capacity to support growth in quality across all program types. This work will require the development and on-going adjustment to quality standards, coordination with the teams managing the program support systems and the development of policies for clear expectations and verification processes. Guidance materials will also be developed and updated to ensure programs understand ongoing quality supports.

Providing Supports: Programs engaged, or planning to engage, in quality improvement will require supports that enable them to understand, participate in and advance through a planned program of quality improvement. This work is multifaceted and requires knowledge and awareness of the needs of the early education and out of school time community, development of information and resources to support program growth and supervision of the staff and skill in providing ongoing technical assistance and referral supports to programs.

Communication: With the management of staff, engagement of EEC leadership, collaboration with partnering agencies and inclusion of stakeholders in the on-going development, management, and integration of the quality system in Massachusetts a high degree of communication at every level is required. This communication must be two-way in nature; both gathering input as well as expressing the plans for and direction of the QRIS over time.

Other duties, as assigned.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Five years of experience in an agency that serves young children 0-5 years of age.
• A thorough understanding of the educational and care needs of young children and the programs and supports that provide the foundation for young children in their development as of lifelong learners.
• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, or a related field
• Knowledge of early childhood and out of school time and Pre-K-Grade 3 education systems
• Experience providing coaching, training and technical assistance support to program leaders and/ or educators around improving practices
• Experience training others to provide technical assistance to program leaders
• Experience using classroom observations tools, curriculum frameworks and other tools that support early education and out of school time quality improvement
• Knowledge of the needs of the early education and care service population.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, early care and education, agencies and organizations involved in early care and education, and family support/education;
• Knowledge of adult learning theories, including training techniques, curriculum design and delivery
• Ability to interpret the Department’s policies and procedures to the legislature, provider agencies, and advocacy groups.
• Ability to review and analyze data and research on early education and care trends.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in person, in written communications and over the telephone
• Ability to work on multiple tasks and/or projects concurrently
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and commitment to being part of a learning organization.
• Ability to set priorities and identify and implement strategies.
• Ability to facilitate and support team building activities.
• Ability to interpret statistical data correctly and draw sound conclusions.
• Ability to anticipate and analyze difficult situations and take appropriate actions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form. Extensive skills using computers and Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point programs;
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail;
• Skilled in problem-solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and team building.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mas.gov.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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