Job Location: This position will be located at 205 Jefferson St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Why you’ll love this position: The goal of the Office of Childhood is to ensure Missouri’s children can have success at every stage and to do so, quality is essential. People who educate and care for children need programs that support their efforts to increase quality and provide children with the best opportunities for success. Quality Programs focuses on efforts to equip child care professionals with essential supports to help children thrive.
- Possess understanding and knowledge of the principles and practices of early childhood education and early childhood special education and the practical application for effective programs.
- Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures for early learning programs, including quality programs and school readiness.
- Serve as the Coordinator for the office on required Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B/619 meetings.
- Responsible for the development of Department rules and regulations affecting early learning programs.
- Promote access to high-quality early learning opportunities.
- Coordinate the development and implementation of fiscal, data, compliance, and program practices for early learning programs.
- Coordinate early childhood education activities including the Missouri Early Learning Standards, Kindergarten Entry Assessments, Kindergarten transitions, and curriculum approval.
- Promote the use of least restrictive environment practices and inclusive settings.
- Assist the Program Manager with preparation and review of budget information for early learning programs and the development and implementation of strategic planning, goals and action steps for early learning programs.
- Serve as the office representative to committees and/or advisory boards pertaining to early learning.
- Responsible for the supervision of those assigned to the Preschool section.
- Collaborate with others within DESE and across other departments to develop a system of age three to grade three education, including early literacy programs.
- Demonstrate regular, reliable, and engaged attendance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:• Bachelor’s degree in special education, early childhood education, child development, social/human services, human development and family studies, or other related field from an accredited four-year college or university with three or more years of work in the field of special education, early childhood education, child/human development, social/human services or a related field.
OR• Five or more years of professional experience in special education, and possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant. The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .