Early Learning Professional Development Lead, National Center on Head Start Early Learning, Health and Family Engagement

ICF•Reston, VA

1d•$119,323 - $202,850•Remote

About The Position

ICF is actively searching for a highly qualified early childhood education leader to serve as the Early Learning Professional Development (PD) Lead within the National Center on Head Start Early Learning, Health, and Family Engagement (ELHFE). The Early Learning PD Lead will play a pivotal role in guiding and managing a team of Early Learning PD Specialists in delivering comprehensive, high-quality, evidence-based professional development to Office of Head Start (OHS) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Specialists as well as Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) recipients. This position is responsible for ensuring that all training initiatives align with and support the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), and current OHS priorities, including high-quality instruction, coaching systems, curriculum implementation, disabilities services, and school readiness for children from birth to age five. The ideal candidate for the Early Learning Professional Development Lead position is a dedicated and forward-thinking educator with a demonstrable commitment to improving early childhood outcomes. This professional possesses comprehensive knowledge of Head Start standards and expert-level understanding of adult education best practices, enabling them to develop and deliver impactful, engaging, and culturally responsive professional development initiatives. They are proficient in leading and mentoring a team of Early Learning PD Specialists, fostering professional growth, and ensuring integrated, high-quality training. The candidate demonstrates strong collaborative abilities while remaining effective in remote and independent work settings. Additionally, they consistently seek ongoing learning opportunities and uphold excellence throughout all aspects of program execution. The Early Learning PD Lead reports directly to the Professional Development Coordinator and works closely with the Integrated Services Coordinator. This role also collaborates extensively with PD teams across Family Engagement and Health, supporting integrated and consistent messaging throughout the TTA system. This is a remote, home-based position, requiring up to 50% travel for center events, partner meetings, conferences, and other relevant activities.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, or a closely related field is required.
7+ years of experience delivering or managing professional development or technical assistance within early learning systems or Head Start programs.
5+ years of supervisory or staff mentoring experience, with an emphasis on supporting performance growth.
5 years of demonstrated knowledge of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), evidence-based instructional strategies, and workforce development in early childhood education.
1+ years of experience delivering training to diverse audiences in early childhood education, in both virtual and in-person settings.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and project management tools such as Smartsheet is essential.
5 years of expertise in adult learning theory, with substantiated success in its practical application.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Strong relationship-building skills with internal teams and external partners.
Ability to work effectively in a virtual environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
Demonstrated experience working with the Head Start TTA system.
Experiencing supporting AIAN or MSHS programs.
Fluently bilingual (Spanish).

Responsibilities

Coordinate Professional Development Initiatives: Lead planning, coordination, and execution of early learning PD activities for Regional TTA Specialists and HS/EHS recipients, ensuring alignment with HSPPS, ELOF, and OHS priorities.
Lead and Mentor PD Specialists: Supervise a team of Early Learning PD Specialists by providing targeted coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to strengthen facilitation skills, deepen expertise in early learning content, and enhance effectiveness in virtual delivery.
Ensure Quality and Responsiveness: Review and approve session plans, agendas, presentation materials, and tools to guarantee quality, accuracy, consistency, and the integration of culturally and linguistically responsive practices in all professional development offerings.
Deliver Engaging PD Sessions: Provide professional development directly through virtual, hybrid, or in-person formats—including workshops, learning series, and communities of practice—participating in national and regional events as needed to support Head Start and Early Head Start staff.
Align Regional Support: Collaborate with Geo-Regional Offices and TTA teams to respond to presentation requests and align training support with regional professional development plans and identified needs, fostering consistency and relevance across the system.
Integrate Evidence-Based Practices: Ensure that all early learning professional development reflects evidence-based approaches, including curriculum implementation, adult-child interactions, practice-based coaching, inclusive practices, and support for dual language learners.
Promote Cross-Domain Collaboration: Work closely with Health and Family Engagement PD Leads to integrate cross-domain content, supporting comprehensive services and coordinated approaches in professional development delivery.
Advance Quality Improvement: Participate in piloting and field testing professional development strategies and materials, utilizing participant feedback and data to inform ongoing quality enhancements and effectiveness.
Maintain Documentation and Reporting: Track professional development activities, ensure accurate documentation, review, contribute to, and provide feedback on required reports and deliverables related to early learning PD efforts.
Stay Informed on Emerging Practices: Continuously update knowledge of emerging research and best practices in early childhood education and instructional leadership, applying new insights to enhance professional development resources and approaches.