Early Childhood Education Specialist

ICF is seeking an Early Childhood Education Specialist for the Quality Support Center to champion the PreK program's mission of delivering high-quality, accessible early learning opportunities for all children in the greater Philadelphia area. This role is dedicated to advancing continuous quality improvement, promoting inclusive practices, and supporting data-driven decision-making within the program. The Specialist will serve as a key resource to early childhood education providers, offering technical assistance, professional development, instructional coaching, and operational support. By fostering collaborative partnerships and maintaining a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Specialist will contribute to positive outcomes for children, families, and providers throughout Philadelphia.

PreK is the universal pre-kindergarten initiative, dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality, affordable early learning experiences. The program's mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, families, and communities by:

Expanding access to quality pre-K education for all eligible children

Elevating instructional standards and operational excellence among providers

Advancing equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness

Strengthening community partnerships and family engagement

Utilizing data to drive continuous improvement and accountability. This role requires up to 30% local travel within the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialized guidance and targeted support to PreK providers to elevate program quality, ensure compliance with established standards, and drive improvements in STAR ratings. Advise providers on the implementation of best practices that are directly aligned with PreK program priorities.
• Coordinate with a wide range of agencies, stakeholders, and community organizations to maximize the reach and impact of the PreK program. This includes working with city departments, advocacy groups, and educational partners to align services, share knowledge, and address systemic barriers to quality early learning.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate ongoing professional learning experiences for educators and staff, including designing and leading workshops, seminars, and individualized coaching sessions focused on advanced early childhood pedagogy, trauma-informed methodologies, and inclusive instructional strategies.
• Deliver expert coaching to classroom teachers and support staff, leveraging evidence-based frameworks to enhance instructional effectiveness, promote optimal child development, and cultivate positive, engaging learning environments.
• Support providers in strengthening program operations by offering expert advice on curriculum adoption, licensing and accreditation processes, and efficient resource management.
• Promote inclusive education by supporting providers in meeting the needs of all children, particularly those who are vulnerable or have special needs.
• Support provider staff in meeting credentialing requirements, participating in professional learning communities, and accessing career pathways in early childhood education.
• Lead training initiatives on trauma-informed practices, ensuring providers are fully equipped to support children who have experienced adversity and to create safe, nurturing educational spaces.
• Design and oversee tiered models of support tailored to meet the diverse needs of providers, deliver differentiated assistance and building capacity across all levels of expertise.
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with PreK providers through consistent site visits, constructive feedback sessions, and open, responsive communication. Motivate and empower providers to actively engage in program initiatives and ongoing quality improvement efforts.

Basic Qualifications :

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field; Master's
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, instructional coaching, or program administration.
• 2+ years of experience with Philadelphia/PA ECE, including strong knowledge of Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS and early learning standards
• 1+ years of expertise in adult learning, coaching methodologies, and quality improvement frameworks.
• 1+ years of experience with early childhood best practices, inclusive education, trauma-informed care, and quality improvement frameworks.

Professional Skills

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Child Development Associate, Certified Health Education Specialist) strongly preferred.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; experience with trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with partner agencies and community organizations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in data systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills; ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
• Organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Flexible, solution-oriented approach with a passion for supporting continuous learning and improvement.

Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$60,940.00 - $103,598.00

Pennsylvania Remote Office (PA99)