Program Development Specialist

Job Title:Training and Technical Assistance Program (TTAP)

Program Development Specialist (PDS)

Job Description:

Position Goal: AIM HIGH, a program funded by the State of New Mexico, Children, Youth and Families Department, Office of Child Development is a statewide initiative to improve the quality and increase the capacity of child care services. The Program Development Specialist position is responsible for the case management of registered and licensed early childhood programs who voluntarily participate in the AIM HIGH Program.

General Function: The Program Development Specialist is responsible for all phases of the AIM HIGH Program including organizing and conducting meetings, facilitating the development and attainment of program goals, providing technical assistance, and making regular on-site visits to participating programs. Must be able to document all activities.

Requirements: Candidates with a Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field will be given preference. A minimum of an Associate degree that includes satisfactory completion of all four core early childhood courses and demonstrated experience in the field of early care and education is mandatory.* A minimum of four years experience as a lead teacher and/or direct experience in an early childhood setting and at least one year experience in the administration of early childhood programs, including the supervision of staff is required. Must have knowledge of best practices, current research and policy in the field of early care and education. Must be knowledgeable about the content and administration of the environmental rating scales used in the AIM HIGH Program. Must be able to work as a member of a complex team of experts. Must have demonstrated project management success, knowledge of system and organizational design and development, and problem-solving skills. Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Work with eight to twelve AIM HIGH Programs.
  2. Assist in the development of program goals for each participating program.
  3. Provide necessary and appropriate written resource materials to assist programs in goal attainment.
  4. Travel on-site to participating program sites to provide technical assistance. Provide good role-modeling with interactions between caregiving adults and children.
  5. Determine the financial support that is feasible for the program to meet stated goals.
  6. Periodically review the progress of the program and make necessary changes as activities are modified, expanded, or terminated.
  7. Attend all required training and professional development opportunities for the AIM HIGH Program.
  8. Use AIM HIGH Essential Elements and the state approved environment rating scales when working with participating programs.
  9. Conduct joint visits with CYFD Child Care Services Bureau, Licensing Unit, when required.
  10. Document and complete all reporting requirements for each program.

* If a TTAP program does not have a pool of candidates that meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the Office of Child Development must be notified. The Office of Child Development may waive the minimum requirements.