04/13/2011 41315

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM REGIONAL MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional, administrative and regulatory work directing the inspection and certification of early learning child care facilities within an assigned geographic region for the Department of Public Welfare.

An employee in this job plans, organizes and directs the inspection, certification and monitoring of early learning child care facilities including child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes. Work includes authorizing the approval of certificates of compliance or registration for early learning child care facilities; overseeing the implementation of corrective action plans resulting from inspections or complaints; and coordinating with local government officials and public and private agencies, organizations and service providers to ensure the availability of quality early learning child care services and compliance with early learning program regulatory requirements. Work also involves ensuring technical assistance is provided to current and prospective early learning child care providers; ensuring complaints involving child care facilities are thoroughly investigated including suspected cases of child abuse; and overseeing the implementation, application and review of policies, procedures, and regulations governing early learning child care facilities. Supervision is exercised over Early Learning Program Certification Supervisors and clerical personnel. Work is performed under the general administrative direction of the Director, Bureau of Certification Services, and is reviewed through conferences, reports and program objectives and outcomes.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes and directs the inspection, certification, and monitoring of early learning child care facilities to ensure regulatory compliance.

Interprets rules and regulations governing the operation and certification of early learning facilities for the public, other agencies and stakeholders.

Coordinates with local government officials, public and private agencies, and service providers to improve the quality of and access to early learning child care facilities.

Reviews, analyzes and recommends revisions to policies, procedures, and regulations regarding early learning child care facility certification regulations and other programs that impact the operation of early learning child care facilities.

Directs the investigation and resolution of complaints regarding early learning child care facilities and required follow-up corrective action, including negative sanctions.

Directs and coordinates the joint investigation with regional children and youth agencies and other appropriate officials on cases of suspected child abuse involving early learning child care facilities.

Recommends and coordinates with other departmental offices in referring substantiated reports of child abuse in early learning child care facilities and other cases involving criminal action to appropriate authorities.

Reviews recommendations by subordinates regarding the issuance, denial, renewal, or revocation of certificates of compliance and registration of early learning child care facilities.

Approves certificates of compliance or registration for early learning child care facilities.

Prepares and forwards recommendations concerning denial or revocation of certificates for early learning child care facilities to higher level management.

Conducts or participates in meetings with local planning groups, businesses, and community leaders regarding the expansion of early learning child care services and quality initiatives.

Prepares reports and recommendations regarding early learning program services, operations and other relevant issues for the Bureau Director.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of child development programs designed to meet the needs of children and youth.

Knowledge of social and economic issues affecting children and youth.

Knowledge of interview techniques used to obtain information from individuals.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of data collection and analysis.

Ability to analyze and interpret written information.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of experience as an Early Learning Program Certification Supervisor;

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Five years of professional experience providing direct services to children and youth, two years of which were in a supervisory capacity, and a bachelor’s degree that includes 24 semester hours of college level courses in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, psychology, or human development;

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An equivalent combination of professional experience and training including three years of professional experience in providing direct services to children and youth, two years of which were in a supervisory capacity, and 24 semester hours of college level courses in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, psychology, or human development.