Child Care Consultant

Mid-Sioux Opportunity - Fort Dodge, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Fort Dodge, IA

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Child Care Resource Program is seeking a dedicated and passionate Child Care Consultant to join our team in improving the quality of child care across Iowa. This full-time position is primarily telecommute-based, covering the counties of Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Wright, and Webster. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early childhood education or a related field, and will be responsible for providing on-site and virtual consultation, practice-based coaching, and technical assistance to various child care providers, including non-registered Child Care Homes, Child Care Development Homes, Licensed Child Care Centers, and Preschools. As a Child Care Consultant, you will play a crucial role in promoting inclusive and culturally-appropriate child care policies and services. You will be expected to meet the regional expectations and performance measures set by the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) program. Your knowledge of the Department of Human Services (DHS) rules and regulations for Child Care Development Homes and Licensed Child Care Centers will be essential in assisting with the registration of Child Development Homes and ensuring compliance with child care regulations. In addition to providing consultation and coaching, you will assist child care businesses with applications for Child Development Home, Child Care Assistance, and Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K), ensuring that all submissions are accurate and timely. Reporting any allegations of child care abuse, neglect, or non-compliance to the appropriate authorities will also be part of your responsibilities. This position requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and a commitment to maintaining professional behavior and confidentiality in all interactions.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site consultation, evidence-based coaching and technical assistance to non-registered Child Care Homes, Child Care Development Homes, Licensed Child Care Centers and Preschools.
• Promote the use of inclusive and culturally-appropriate child care policies and services.
• Meet CCR&R regional expectations and performance measures.
• Assist with the registration of Child Development Homes and ensure compliance with DHS rules and regulations.
• Assist child care businesses with Child Development Home, Child Care Assistance and Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K) applications, ensuring 100% accuracy in submissions.
• Report allegations of child care abuse, child neglect and non-compliance to DHS.
• Report non-compliance with child care regulations to the Iowa Child Care Complaint Hotline.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education with Early Child Endorsement, Child and Family Services or closely related field.
• Excellent computer, organizational and office skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities and follow directions.
• Maintain professional behavior, attitude, and confidentiality.
• Ability to display cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to respond positively to change.
• Must have valid driver's license, insurance and reliable transportation, and maintain a good driving record.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in child care consultation or coaching.
• Knowledge of child care quality improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with Iowa's child care regulations and resources.