Head Start Collaboration & Family Support Services Specialist

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

• Promotes collaboration and coordination of federal, state, and local agencies as included in Section 642B (a)(1) of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, including alignment of curricula used in Head Start programs and continuity of services with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and, as appropriate, State early learning standards. 
• Oversees the preparation of an annual needs assessment and develop a strategic plan following the Head Start Collaboration Office priorities and objectives described in Section 642B(a)(1)(4)(B).
• Promotes and coordinate Head Start programs participation in the Division of Early Childhood quality initiatives.
• Provides grant management and technical assistance for Head Start State Supplemental and Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership grants.
• Provides guidance and technical assistance as it relates to Head Start participation in Maryland EXCELS, Maryland Accreditation, and other Office of Child Care initiatives.
• Provides technical assistance to the Intermediary and State partners with regard to applicable State policies and procedures for providing services and resources for families.
• Develops and delivers presentations on the Family Support Network and Expansion as detailed in the Blueprint legislation.
• Organizes and facilitates meetings and communicates with Family Support Services organizations such as Head Start, Patty Centers, Healthy Families Home Visiting, higher education, local and State agencies and the general public on family engagement and early childhood initiatives.
• Develops grant solicitation documents to secure high-quality services that align with federal and state goals and objectives and procurement procedures and monitors grants and contracts to ensure compliance with program specifications and fiscal requirements.
• Leads work of the education program/grant specialists in the full cycle of grants management.

1. Candidates may substitute two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.  The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

• Knowledge of Head Start initiatives, Family Support Centers, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, and Maryland’s early childhood education system.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws and policies as it pertains to education and grants, management. 
• Knowledge of compliance regulations governing Early Childhood education programs.
• Skill in applying Project management practices. 
• Skill managing and reconciling program budgets and associated invoicing functions.
• Skilled in developing and presenting complete statistical reports.
• Ability to support teachers and administrators.
• Ability to make sound recommendations on administrative, management and procedural practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships; ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.