University of Missouri-Columbia Hiring for Early Childhood Quality Specialist – Southeast Region at Kansas City, MO  Full Time

Center for Family and Policy Research

The University of Missouri Center for Family and Policy Research is located within the Department of Human Development and Family Science. The Center was established in 1997 to serve as a resource for the development of effective public policies relating to children, youth, and families, with a focus on integration of research, policy, and practice. This position is part of a $3.2 million dollar grant that was recently awarded to the University to support childcare providers across the state within Mizzou’s Child Care Collaborative Network. More information about the Center for Family and Policy Research can be found at

The Early Childhood Quality Specialist will visit and work with childcare providers in the Southeast region to develop individualized goals, conduct trainings, and provide coaching and modeling of best practices to improve their quality of care. The Specialist will also administer program quality assessments. The Southeast region includes the following counties: Jefferson, Washington, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, St. Francois, Iron, Madison, Reynolds, Shannon, Wayne, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Scott, Oregon, Ripley, Butler, Stoddard, Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, and Dunklin.

For the Southeast region, we will be hiring at least one Specialist for each of the following services:

• Home Childcare Programs

Responsibilities:

• Schedule and implement on-site consultation and coaching with childcare providers
• Distribute materials to improve childcare program quality
• Administer program quality assessments
• Participate in trainings for on-site consultation and coaching methods
• Establish and maintain certification to administer program quality assessments
• Conduct trainings with childcare providers
• Select and disseminate resources to improve the quality of childcare

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of computer technology (MS Office, Zoom)
• Data entry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Work collaboratively and independently to deliver services

Use of a personal vehicle is required. Applicants must reside in the region of the state where the services will be provided. For this position, a candidate must reside in one of the following counties: Jefferson, Washington, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, St. Francois, Iron, Madison, Reynolds, Shannon, Wayne, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Scott, Oregon, Ripley, Butler, Stoddard, Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, or Dunklin.

Salary range: $18.46 per hour. This is a grant funded position. As such, the salary is non-negotiable.

Grade: GGS-007

University Title: Child Development Associate Sr

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Approximately 40 hours per week, flexible hours. This position will travel between worksites throughout the region on a daily basis. Visits to the regional office may be required on occasion; the regional office is located in New Madrid, Missouri. Occasional evening and weekend work, as well as onsite meetings in Columbia, Missouri may also be required.

An Associate’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 months of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• An Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Family Studies, Child Development, Social Work, or a closely related field.
• At least two (2) years of professional experience in the area of early childhood development or possess a Family Child Care Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience working with children in a childcare setting.

The position will remain open until it is filled. The review of applications will begin immediately.

Travel for this position is eligible for university reimbursement.

Final candidates must pass child abuse/neglect and criminal background screenings.

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

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In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

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