Coordinator, Early Childhood Access and Opportunity

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

This position will be posted until filled. Initial review of applications will begin on November 17, 2025.  

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, the Coordinator provides leadership for the implementation of Pre-K expansion initiatives, Early Childhood Centers, and Blueprint for Maryland's Future Early Childhood Education Requirements. The Coordinator is responsible for collaborating with school-based and central office staff to coordinate early childhood registration and enrollment processes, providing leadership and training to program staff, and meeting federal, state, and local early childhood mandates, requirements, and Blueprint goals. Through collaboration with HCPSS stakeholders across offices, programs, schools, and partnerships, the Coordinator will ensure high-quality Pre-K experiences, enhance understanding of current Blueprint and early childhood requirements, and ensure compliance in the implementation of federal, state, and local early childhood initiatives. The Coordinator works in conjunction with other HCPSS stakeholders and partners in support of school readiness and equitable practices that support access to high-quality early learning experiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.

Education

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

Certification/Licensure

• Hold a current Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Professional Certificate or License in an MSDE licensure area at the time of application with any of the additional endorsements below:

  • Administrator I or II

  • Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, and Principal

Applicants who do not already possess the required licensure above may be considered if you are eligible through one of the pathways below:

• Hold a current MSDE Professional Certificate or License and complete all MSDE requirements for the Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, and Principal endorsement by the position effective date.

• Hold a current out-of-state or out-of-country educator certificate or license and possess five years of experience as an administrator in a PreK-12 setting.

• Hold a current out-of-state educator certificate or license and have completed both of the following:

  • An out-of-state program leading to administrator licensure

  • Earned a passing score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (Praxis 6990)

Experience

• Five (5) years of successful experience teaching, supervising, or evaluating early childhood programs.

• Three (3) years of experience in a leadership role or leading staff, programs, or projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood, elementary education, school administration, or a related field.

• Hold a current Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Professional Early Childhood Education certificate/license.

• Three (3) years of leadership experience at a district or system level that includes project management.

• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

• Three (3) years of experience collaborating with early childhood stakeholders and community partners.

• Two years (2) of grant management experience.

• Two years (2) of experience with school system budget management.

• Two (2) years of experience developing online professional learning modules (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, etc.), curriculum, and other resources using a variety of media.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Manages the daily operations to meet the requirements of Blueprint Pillar 1: Early Childhood Education.

• Coordinates the Maryland EXCELS and Accreditation process.

• Completes required reports and participates in local, state, and federal evaluations.

• Supervises and manages the daily operations of six staff members on the early child education central office team.

• Coordinates implementation of local Pre-K expansion initiatives including partnerships to support a mixed delivery model.

• Provides input on early childhood center expansion, new programs, and assists with development of related policies.

• Collaborates with other HCPSS offices and departments to facilitate the implementation of early childhood programs and services, in alignment with Blueprint, state, and local requirements.

• Maintains current knowledge and provides input on ongoing requirements of related federal and state legislation.

• Serves on various committees and acts as a liaison to HCPSS offices and community stakeholders, as needed.

• Provides direction to the Program Manager and collaborates with all HCPSS Judy Center Early Learning Hub staff and school administrators to evaluate program implementation and effectiveness.

• Works in conjunction with other departments and offices to implement requirements of Pre-K and early childhood programs and supports continuous program improvement efforts.

• Oversees the enrollment and registration processes for Pre-K and early admission to Grades K and 1.

• Provides input on budget-related development and decisions such as enrollment trend data and projections, staffing, and purchasing.

• Develops, submits, and provides management for related grants.

• Conducts evaluative observations of certified/licensed early childhood staff.

• Conducts interviews to identify candidates for early childhood education vacancies.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Extensive knowledge of effective early childhood programs and services, including the early care priority area of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, Pillar 1: Early Childhood Education.

• Thorough knowledge of current research of early childhood practices and methods for promoting school readiness.

• Knowledge of Maryland EXCELS and Accreditation quality monitoring processes for early childhood classes.

• Ability to work effectively with central office administrators, school-based administrators, teachers, instructional specialists, support staff members, community partners, and private providers to support the implementation of high quality, inclusive early childhood programs.

• Excellent planning, organizational, and management skills.

• Ability to prepare grants, reports, papers, and presentations that include data and analysis of progress.

• Ability to assess and determine program needs, professional development, and program implementation.

• Ability to co-plan and develop training, professional learning, and/or information sessions in collaboration with other offices, divisions, staff, and community stakeholders.

• Ability to manage staff and long-term projects, including goal setting, reflection, and project refinement/management.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

Working Hours

This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
 
Supplemental Application Questions

This position requires applicants to provide responses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application.

1. Please describe any project management experience you possess particularly in the area of early childhood education. Include up to two examples of specific projects you've managed, the teams involved, and the length of project implementation. Cite the specific position(s) in which you gained this experience.

2. Please identify any supervisory experience you possess including the position(s) in which you gained this experience as well as the number of direct reports you supervised.

3. Please describe your experience collaborating with early childhood stakeholders and community partners. Include up to two examples that highlight your collaboration and outcomes achieves. Cite the specific position(s) in which you gained this experience.

4. Please describe any experience you possess with grant management particularly in the area of early childhood education. Include in your response your role in the grant management process, the total grant funds allocated, and outcomes achieved. Cite the specific position(s) in which you gained this experience.

5. Please identify any experience you possess with school system budget management. Include in your response the total funds managed and cite the specific position(s) in which you gained this experience.

6. Please describe any experience you possess developing online professional learning modules (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, etc.), curriculum, and other resources using a variety of media. Cite the specific position(s) in which you gained this experience.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

Applicants may be required to complete a performance assessment prior to or during the interview process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position in the Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators-Administrators (HCASA). The current salary range for this position is in the Grade III lane on the School-Based Administrators/Central Office Administrators Scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCASA Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime. 

Telework Program

Under the HCPSS Telework Program, this position is eligible for hybrid work. Telework schedules will be determined by the department and/or supervisor. 

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee's annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sandy Saval at .  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.