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Job Title:  

Professional Learning Specialist

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000000626

Number of Openings:

0

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$44,998.81-$59,143.37

Job Description:

Closing Date: July 24, 2026

Salary Range: $44,998.81 - $59,143.37- Salary is commensurate with education and experience

Location: Remote- While this position is remote, occasional travel to the Atlanta office (2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) and other locations is required.

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, provides leadership and support for training and Relationship-Based Professional Learning (RBPL) initiatives for both internal DECAL staff members and external stakeholders.  Supports all aspects of RBPL, including the development and implementation of coaching and technical assistance models, as well as professional learning communities in designated regions statewide.  Also serves as subject matter expert and development lead for trainings on adult learning theories, training skills, RBPL, and other topics as needed. Reliable attendance is an essential function of this position; consistent availability to work scheduled appointments and adhere to reporting deadlines is required.

Job Responsibilities

Advances the department's relationship-based professional learning and training initiatives by applying nationally and regionally recognized professional learning, mentoring, and coaching models, strategies, and techniques; and promotes an understanding of relationship-based professional learning principles with colleagues and participants in agency initiatives.

Collaborates with internal and external partners on the development and implementation of research-based methods for RBPL, including, but not limited to, professional learning communities, mentoring, and coaching models, to increase the knowledge and competency of early childhood educators in a variety of settings.

Serves as an anchor and lead trainer/developer on selected RBPL training and Training for Trainers (TFTs), including, but not limited to adult learning theories, training and presentation skills, coaching, mentoring, and professional learning communities.

Serves as an anchor and lead trainer/developer on selected content training and TFTs, including, but not limited to instructional practices, GELDS, director trainings, and early learning subject areas (e.g., math, language and literacy, social emotional development).

Conducts on-site quality assurance visits to ensure trainers’ fidelity to content and quality of training delivery statewide.

Conducts on-site fidelity visits of the implementation of RBPL and training models statewide.

Supports Quality Rated strategic goals and initiatives by providing training, technical assistance, and support to internal and external partners, including, but not limited to, Child Care Resource and Referral staff, Peer Support Network Ambassadors, Quality Rated staff, and early childhood educators.

Lends knowledge and expertise in training, adult learning, and RBPL strategies to other DECAL divisions to support staff and program development.

Serves as lead on assigned Professional Learning Special Projects, including, but not limited to, planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Utilizes knowledge of adult learning principles to inform the development of professional learning opportunities for the state’s early childhood educators.

Supports the creation and maintenance of relevant peer support networks, including, but not limited to Quality Rated, DECAL Staff, Approved Trainers and Entities, and CCR&R staff.

Serves as a member of DECAL’s Professional Learning Unit and supports the work of other team members as needed.

Works collaboratively with other state agencies, including, but not limited to the Technical College System of Georgia, the University System of Georgia, and the CCR&R network to advance all RBPL and training initiatives.

Studies, evaluates, and, as appropriate, recommends the adoption of new training and RBPL methods.

Conducts or participates in the development, review, revision, interpretation, and/or implementation of policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines.

Leads and facilitates the work of designated task forces and/or committees.

Prepares monthly and quarterly reports as specified by federal grant requirements.

Conducts speaking engagements and presentations as assigned.

Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Technical Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Specialized training and knowledge in the areas of adult learning, technical assistance, coaching, professional learning communities, and child development and early learning

Extensive skills in providing training and RBPL in early childhood settings

Proven skills in using data for continuous quality improvement

Ability to multi-task and prioritize work, often under tight deadlines

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Physical Requirements and Performance Aptitudes

Requires close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading and visual inspection.

Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification.

Occasionally stand or walk for long periods; moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

Requires the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication.

Requires the ability to speak clearly. 

Requires the ability to hear and understand at a normal conversational level.

Requires the ability to occasionally continuously stand or walk for long periods; regularly requires bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and moving items or materials occasionally of moderate weight up to 30 pounds.

Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

Requires a full range of hand and finger motion for data entry purposes.

The worker must have a valid Georgia driver’s license, insurance coverage, and have the ability to drive for extensive periods as needed.

Entry Qualifications

High school diploma/GED and four (4) years of program management experience; or two (2)

years of experience required at the lower level Education Prgm Spec 1 (EDP030) or position

equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Adult Learning, or a closely related field AND Three years of related experience

Specialized training in coaching, technical assistance, and/or professional learning communities

Extensive experience designing and delivering professional learning for the early learning workforce

Experience with or knowledge of Georgia’s Child Care Resource and Referral system

Experience with or knowledge of Georgia’s Quality Rated System and the Environmental Rating Scales

Bright from the Start:  Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is a family-friendly employer, offering flexible work schedules (at supervisory discretion) and a comprehensive compensation package, to include healthcare, retirement, 401-k match, and elective options for health and life insurance, dental and vision.  Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.  A background check will be completed upon hire, which may consist of any of the following: criminal history, credit history, employment history, educational records, IRS records, and driving records.

 If you are an individual with a disability who may require assistance or other reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the selection process for this position, you may contact our HR department at 678-879-2993. Due to the volume of submissions received by this office, information concerning application or interview status cannot be provided in writing, over the phone, or in person. Only those qualified candidates who are selected for an interview shall receive notification upon the filling of this vacancy.  All applicants who submit a complete application package will be considered but may not necessarily receive notification or an interview.  A complete application package includes both a cover letter and a resume.  The job posting may be subject to being closed at any time without notice.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university AND Four years of related experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.