Assessment Specialist

Summary

VTAEYC is looking for an Assessment Specialist to join a team of passionate Early Childhood Educators in early July, 2026. The Program Assessment Specialist serves the Vermont System for Program Access to Resources for Quality Supports (SPARQS). Using a strong background in Early Childhood Education settings and a deep understanding of Vermont’s early childhood landscape, the Assessment Specialist will be skilled in providing objective classroom observations, technical assistance, and high-quality professional development to support programs engaged in continuous quality improvement within Vermont’s Quality Recognition System (QRS), STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS). Using direct experience with STARS standards and CLASS (CLassroom Assessment Scoring System), the Assessment Specialist will deliver actionable feedback that strengthens instructional practice, program quality, and outcomes for young children.

Duties

Conduct Assessments

• Independently plan and conduct confidential, timely, valid, and reliable observations and scoring using the state-approved assessment tool for regulated ECE programs, ensuring fidelity and professionalism throughout the process.
• Proactively initiate and manage program outreach clearly communicating the assessment purpose, process, and expectations while exercising sound judgment and leadership in preparing programs for success.
• Autonomously coordinate, schedule, and confirm assessment timelines with program leadership, setting clear expectations and ensuring seamless follow-through.
• Author post-assessment feedback reports for educators and program directors, providing clear, actionable insights that strengthen instructional practice, and advances overall program quality.
• Offer and independently facilitate virtual follow-up meetings to review assessment results, guide interpretation of data, answer questions, and support program leaders in identifying next steps for continuous improvement.

Technical Assistance

• Provide High-Level Technical Assistance: Independently deliver phone and virtual consultation to all types of regulated ECE programs, exercising professional judgment to tailor guidance, address complex challenges, and support continuous quality improvement.
• Facilitate Data-Driven Professional Development: Analyze statewide assessment scores to identify priority trends, then strategically design, schedule, and lead targeted professional development sessions that respond to emerging needs and strengthen instructional practice.
• Serve as a Strategic Resource to Peer Networks: Act as a knowledgeable and trusted leader within peer-to-peer networks, providing expert consultation, fostering professional dialogue, and strengthening collective capacity across the field.

Data and Reporting

• Analyze & Interpret Regional Scoring Trends: Conduct ongoing analysis of regional assessment data to identify patterns and regional scoring trends, translating findings into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for leadership and policy alignment.
• Lead Internal Data Share-Outs to Inform Strategy: Proactively convene and guide internal data presentations and strategic discussions, synthesizing key findings and elevating insights to shape broader SPARQS strategy, planning, and resource allocation decisions.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Passion for Early Childhood Education

• Demonstrate commitment to VTAEYC’s mission and model professionalism and empathy in all interactions.
• Apply deep ECE knowledge to inspire program participants and guide program improvement.
• Stay current on research, policy, and best practices to inform strategic recommendations.

Time Management, Autonomy and Initiative

• Independently manage schedules, site visits, reporting, and follow-up activities with minimal oversight.
• Prioritize competing demands while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Plan travel, assessments, and professional development efficiently to maximize impact.

Trusted Relationship Builder

• Build and sustain strong, professional relationships with educators, program leaders, and partners.
• Navigate challenging conversations confidently and solutions-oriented.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align technical assistance, training, and strategic initiatives.

Strategic Communication and Presentation Skills

• Deliver clear, compelling presentations and trainings across diverse program settings.
• Communicate assessment results and statewide trends with clarity and professionalism.
• Tailor messaging to meet the needs of varied stakeholders, fostering understanding and action.

Data Literacy & Systems Leadership

• Analyze assessment and MyTeachstone data to identify regional trends and actionable insights.
• Support programs in using data systems effectively and accurately.
• Translate data into recommendations that inform professional development and regional strategy.

Requirements

EDUCATION & TRAINING

• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience leading early childhood education programs (such as a director, assistant director, instructional coach, mentor, or a family child care educator who has taken on leadership in their VECN)
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience preferred. (i.e. level IV on the Career Ladder, consistent with minimum qualification for pedagogical leadership in the Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession) 
• Knowledge of Vermont’s early childhood education systems and program quality standards and resources
• Experience with data systems and use of technology
• Training will be provided in the use of state approved assessment tool

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Flexible work location within Vermont: work from home or work out of VTAEYC’s shared office in Washington County. 
• Hours: Monday through Friday. Position may require evening and weekend work to meet the scheduling needs of the ECE workforce
• TRAVEL: Extensive weekly travel in-state is required; out-of-state travel is likely needed annually. Mileage reimbursement provided.

Benefits

• Generous Employer Funded Health Plan or Health Reimbursement Account
• Vision, Dental, Dependent Care
• Life, Short and Long Term Disability
• Flex Office Stipend
• Mileage Reimbursement 
• Employer Funded Retirement Savings Account
• Generous vacation and paid time off

About Us

About VTAEYC

The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) advances excellence and equity in early childhood education as the state’s largest membership organization for early childhood educators and is the state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. As a nonprofit organization formed by a grassroots effort 50+ years ago and now with nearly 700 members, VTAEYC offers advocacy, workforce development, professional development and other resources to its membership and others in the early childhood education field. VTAEYC aims to meet the needs of today’s early childhood education workforce and create a stronger, more equitable early childhood education system for the future.