04/13/2011 43601

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM CERTIFICATION REPRESENTATIVE

DEFINITION: This is professional and specialized field work inspecting,certifying, and monitoring early learning child care facilities within an assigned geographic area for the Department of Public Welfare.

An employee in this job is responsible for the inspection, certification, and monitoring of child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes to ensure that they meet certification standards and are operated in accordance with legal requirements and departmental rules and regulations. Work involves conducting on-site inspections and evaluations of facilities for compliance with state and Federal requirements and for the purpose of recommending approval, renewal, or revocation of certificates of compliance or registration. Work includes investigating complaints received from parents, other agencies and the
general public regarding early learning child care facilities. Work also involves conducting orientation training for prospective facility operators; explaining the rules, regulations, policies, and certification requirements governing early learning child care facilities; and providing technical assistance to early learning child care facility operators regarding regulatory requirements and correction of violations noted during inspections. Work is performed with a high degree of independence under the general supervision of an Early Learning Program Certification Supervisor and is reviewed for conformance with statutes, regulations
and departmental standards and policies through direct review of work and conferences.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Reviews applications for child care center and group child care home certificates.

Recommends approval, renewal, or revocation of certificates of compliance and registration for early learning child care facilities.

Monitors and reviews the operation of early learning child care facilities for compliance with state and federal requirements.

Schedules and conducts on-site inspections of early learning child care facilities.

Evaluates the progress of early learning child care facilities in correcting regulatory violations.

Conducts orientation sessions for prospective operators of early learning child care facilities.

Advises representatives of organizations and individuals on the applicable rules and regulations governing the operation and certification of early learning child care facilities.

Receives and reviews incident reports submitted by early learning child care facilities.

Participates in joint investigations with other state and county officials relating to complaints and suspected cases of child abuse in early learning child care facilities.

Investigates the validity of a complaints regarding early learning child care facilities by gathering information from and conducting interviews with local, county and state agency staff, early learning child care facility staff, witnesses, involved parties and the complainant.

Analyzes pertinent data and evidence gathered as a result of investigating complaints to determine whether the allegation is verified.

Determines appropriate actions needed to resolve verified regulatory violations and makes recommendations regarding pursuing further action, including certificate revocation or non-renewal.

Determines appropriate actions needed regarding verified illegal operation of an early learning child care facility, including cease and desist actions, fines and injunctions.

Provides testimony, as required, at administrative hearings, litigation proceedings, civil court hearings, or criminal court trials involving substantiated complaints, child abuse, and criminal activity.

Provides testimony at appeal hearings regarding certificates which have been denied, revoked or not renewed.

Prepares narrative and statistical reports concerning certification and monitoring activities.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, 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.

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 professional experience providing direct services to children and youth 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, which includes one year of professional experience providing direct services to children and youth and 24 semester hours of college level courses in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, psychology, or human development.