Quality Assurance Specialist

Characteristics of Work This is a full-time position that involves professional work to ensure effective compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards through ongoing monitoring of data from all service areas. Performs work by implementing and maintaining an ongoing quality assurance and performance process to measure, evaluate, and assure the quality and performance of the Head Start program according to the Office of Head Start Review Monitoring and the Head Start Performance Standards. Maintains a thorough knowledge of Head Start. Work is performed under the supervision of the President/CEO or designee. The most important aspect of the work involves monitoring child assessment software, ongoing monitoring plans, COPA, and maintenance of children's files and health records. Qualifications A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with two (2) years of experience in Head Start/Early Head Start program operations. Knowledge of community action agencies; comprehensive knowledge of the federal Head Start Program, rules and regulations, policies and procedures related to Head Start Performance Standards; experience in monitoring, mentoring or coaching, data integration/analysis, community outreach, and programmatic reporting; demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of independence, initiative, tact, and judgment; and ability to communicate effectively. Essential Functions These essential functions include but are not limited to, the following. The Agency may identify and include additional essential functions.   Monitoring Develop and implement procedures for ongoing monitoring of HCHRA Early Head Start and Head Start grantee programs/centers. This will ensure that all operations effectively comply with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), DCFS regulations, state requirements, other regulatory standards, and local goals and objectives. It will also ensure that appropriate interventions are addressed in a timely manner. Monitor and ensure compliance with internal and federal regulations, HSPPS, and childcare licensing standards and rules. Conduct assigned on-site coordinated compliance monitoring reviews and program quality assessments to determine whether the program being monitored complies with internal and state regulations. Identify program quality deficiencies and recommend support, professional development, and quality improvement planning to ensure program quality standards are met. Work in conjunction with the Service Area Specialists and Center Administrators to ensure program compliance and quality through ongoing, consistent review, monitoring, and follow-up. Ensure timely submission of the verified documents and reports to the President/CEO and Head Start Director. Performs daily examinations of program functions, systems procedures, and policies as they relate to all service areas. Conduct mock CLASS and ECKERS assessments/monitoring visits to ensure that center services are provided in accordance with Performance Standards and assessment criteria. Monitors child's application data, attendance, health and medical deadlines, and expiration dates in Galileo. Assist in organizing and implementing requirements pertaining to compliance with Head Start regulations, including the ongoing and Annual Head Start Self-Assessment Process, the development of the Quality Improvement Plan, the development of the Head Start Program Plans, and the implementation of activities related to our tri-annual Head Start Federal review. Issues timelines to correct areas of weakness, non-compliance, and deficiencies. Input in-kind contributions in Galileo and make monthly reports available to the Head Start Director. Assist in overseeing the submission of accurate information for the Head Start Program Information Report (PIR). Review and maintain files for all in-kind contributions. Make requisitions, order and monitor classrooms and office supplies. Ensure and monitor all program inventories. Work collaboratively with Head Start staff toward achieving or exceeding the Head Start and Early Childhood Program Performance Standards. Attend training, meetings, conferences, etc., for professional growth and development. Record Keeping and Reporting Issues reports of all findings weekly and provides systematic follow-up to all program functions; provides detailed reports that indicate areas of weakness, non-compliance, and deficiencies according to OHS Review protocol standards and performance evaluation standards. Responsible for collecting and compiling information for the required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for each program year to assess staff training and program improvements needed and follow up to ensure goals and objectives identified are met. Maintain accurate, current records and documents. Additional Responsibilities Performs other duties and assignments as directed by the President/C.E.O. or designee.

Created: 2025-06-05