Quality Counts Coach and Assessor Program Director

The Quality Counts Coach and Assessor Program Director provides strategic leadership, oversight, and administration of the Quality Counts quality improvement system and all associated program components. This position is responsible for directing quality enhancement initiatives for early childhood education programs, including licensed child care centers and family child care homes, while ensuring fidelity to quality standards, assessment systems, coaching models, and continuous quality improvement practices.
The Program Director supervises Quality Counts staff, oversees coaching and assessment activities, manages program implementation, develops policies and procedures, monitors outcomes and data, and cultivates collaborative partnerships to strengthen early childhood quality across participating communities. This role serves as a subject matter expert in early childhood quality improvement systems and remains informed on emerging research, best practices, state and national policy trends, and evidence-based coaching methodologies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of all Quality Counts program operations, including coaching, assessment, data collection, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Quality Counts Coaches and Assessors and other assigned program staff.
• Coordinate and oversee quality improvement supports for licensed child care facilities and family child care homes.
• Ensure fidelity and implementation of quality assessment tools and coaching practices.
• Collect, analyze, synthesize, and report program outcomes and data to stakeholders, funders, leadership, and governing bodies.
• Develop, implement, and communicate program policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Lead strategic planning efforts to strengthen and expand program reach and impact.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with community organizations, state agencies, consultants, and early childhood stakeholders.
• Monitor trends, research, policy developments, and best practices related to quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS), coaching, and early childhood education.
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts through data-informed decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, contractual obligations, and program standards.
• Coordinate staff training and professional development activities.
• Promote positive relationships with child care providers and serve as a trusted resource for participating programs.
• Represent the organization in community meetings, professional networks, and statewide initiatives related to early childhood quality.

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, Education, or a closely related field. Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in coaching, technical assistance, quality improvement, or professional development within early childhood education settings.
• Minimum two (2) years of direct supervisory experience, including staff oversight, performance management, mentoring, and training responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience working with both licensed child care centers and family child care homes.
• Extensive knowledge of research-based coaching principles and continuous quality improvement methodologies.
• Experience utilizing and interpreting quality assessment tools, including:
  • CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System)
  • ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale)
  • FCCERS (Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale)
  • ITERS (Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale)
• Training and/or reliability certification in Environment Rating Scales preferred.
• Strong understanding of child care quality standards, child development principles, and early childhood best practices.
• Knowledge of child care systems, policy issues, and quality rating and improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use findings to drive program improvement.
• Demonstrated leadership, relationship-building, and strategic planning abilities.
• Proficiency with technology and data management systems.

• Experience managing grant-funded programs.
• Knowledge of South Carolina early childhood systems and quality initiatives.
• Experience with coaching models, professional learning systems, and continuous quality improvement frameworks.
• Experience building cross-sector partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

• Ability to travel regularly to child care facilities, family child care homes, meetings, and community partner locations.
• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift materials and equipment up to 25 pounds when needed.