Training Specialist, Quality First Academy

Southwest Human Development is seeking a Training Specialists to join the Quality First Academy (QFA) team. The role of the QFA is to provide data-driven, high quality professional development to early childhood development professionals in Arizona’s Quality First system and beyond. Through a comprehensive, integrated and collaborative learning model, QFA supports the ongoing development of core knowledge, essential skills, and required competencies that drive change and promote sustainability in child care centers.

Primary Duties:

• Work closely with other members of the QFA team to develop and facilitate high-quality, in-person and virtual professional development to First Things First/ Quality First Technical Assistance Professionals and system-wide supervisors
• Ensure professional development content and delivery is grounded in adult learning principles and demonstrate cultural responsiveness, integrating a lens toward advancing equitable outcomes within early education.
• Participate in the QFA Content Team as part of the content development process.
• Work alongside QFA team and evaluation team to utilize program data and constructive feedback for continuous quality improvement and planning.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of QFA professional development materials.
• Develop positive professional relationships with Quality First program consultants/coaches, program supervisors, the QFA evaluation team, QFA advisory teams, and the Quality First Director at First Things First.
• Statewide travel required, including overnights.

Education, experience and other qualifications:

• BA/BS in Early Childhood Education, Family Studies, or related field is required; MA is highly preferred
• A minimum of five years early childhood education experience; five years experience is preferred
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and skilled in reflective practice and developing and facilitating trainings
• Creative and engaging facilitation style with strong communication skills
• Experienced and comfortable providing innovative professional development via virtual platforms, such as Zoom, and ability to learn further skills
• Must have or have the ability to obtain Professional Development Instructor status on the Arizona Statewide Workforce Registry
• Strong team player
• Excellent written and oral language, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card OR must qualify for one

Southwest Human Development (“SWHD”) takes the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve very seriously. We strongly believe vaccination is a critical safety measure to protect each of us and the communities we serve. The COVID vaccinations have proven to be highly effective at protecting people from getting COVID-19 or from getting severely ill from it.

Compensation: DOE