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POSITION SUMMARY: The Project Developer guides the planning, design, and startup of the Ounces Birth to Three Center Based Training Initiative. In collaboration with the Senior VP of Programs and the Center-Based Training Manager, the Project Developer will create and initiate a unique model of training & technical assistance designed to systematically transform the practice at infant-toddler programs from child care to early education standards.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Senior Vice President for Programs; operates in close collaboration with the Center-Based Training Manager, the Director of Grantee Support Services, and the IBTI Director.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:

• Conduct a one-year planning phase to gather stakeholder input and build collaboration toward the goal of increasing the level of quality in infant/toddler child care programs.
• Define and engage a pilot target audience of programs for our training and technical assistance.
• Create a menu and curricula of program development strategies, with an emphasis on family engagement as well as continuity of care & primary care approaches.
• Expand the cadre of qualified, birth-to-three experts to deliver ongoing training and technical assistance to programs.
• Build the capacity of our trainers so that they have the comprehensive skill set needed to successfully help programs deliver high-quality early childhood experiences.
• Develop a demonstration classroom, modeled after the Educare Center, exhibiting best practices in infant-toddler child care.
• Determine measurable indicators to support an evaluation of our efforts to improve program quality in early childhood centers serving infants and toddlers.
• Identify strategies to build the quality of the center-based 0-3 workforce over the long term.
• Document the program development process of the Initiative.

EDUCATIONAL AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRMENTS:

• Masters degree in infant development, social work, human services, counseling, family studies, with related field with 10 years experience in management/leadership positions, involving supervision, staff development, and program administration.
• Advanced training/post-graduate work in infant studies/infant mental health and/or adult learning.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Experience working with diverse staff and populations.
• Have a working knowledge of organizational theory and practice, program design development, consultation, training and adult learning methods.
• Experience working with teachers, young children and their families in a center-based program environment.
• Knowledge and experience with the implementation of continuity of care and primary caregiving.
• Knowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices for 0-3.
• Knowledge of effective family engagement practices; exposure to research-based parent-education models desirable.
• Experience training and/or supervising 0-3 teachers
• Knowledge of Early Head Start Performance Standards and Illinois QRS system.
• Knowledge and experience using center-based quality measurement tools, including the ITERS desirable.
• Ability to design and facilitate an effective planning process.
• Ability to work independently off-site and collaboratively in a team environment to coordinate program development, training, and technical assistance activities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Must be able to manually operate and use a computer and other office equipment
• Must understand, and interpret city, state and federal standards and regulations
• Must be able to travel independently and alone to local and statewide program sites, which may not be handicap accessible and may include climbing stairs.
• 20% travel in the Chicago metropolitan area and statewide.

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