Position Summary: Educational First Steps (EFS) is seeking a knowledgeable and dynamic Assessor & Trainer with a strong background in early childhood education. This role is responsible for conducting classroom assessments, supporting data-driven decision-making, and facilitating high-quality instructional training to early childhood educators. The ideal candidate will be skilled in using assessment tools, analyzing data, and providing professional development aligned with accreditation and quality improvement standards. The Assessor & Trainer will embody and uphold Educational First Steps' core values of joy, collaboration, trust, growth, and equity in every facet of their work. 

Position Duties & Responsibilities: 

Assessment & Accreditation Support: 

• Conduct in-house assessments correlated to the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) Manual and NAEYC standards. 

• Utilize classroom assessment tools such as CLASS, IHA (In-House Assessments), and other industry-standard frameworks to evaluate early childhood environments. 

• Provide constructive feedback and coaching based on assessment findings to improve instructional quality and learning environments. 

• Ensure assessments and recommendations align with EFS’s mission and core values, fostering trust in the assessment process. 

• Maintain a strong understanding of Texas Rising Star (TRS) standards to support quality improvement efforts. 

• Travel regularly to childcare centers and hub locations to conduct assessments and deliver on-site training. 

Training & Professional Development: 

• Design and facilitate professional development training on early childhood education (ECE) topics, aligned with best practices and accreditation standards. 

• Facilitate training across multiple modalities: in-person, virtual, and self-paced platforms. 

• Serve as a Master Trainer/Registered Trainer on TECPDS, ensuring compliance with state and national requirements. 

• Coach and support educators in implementing quality improvement strategies based on assessment outcomes. 

• Promote a culture of growth by delivering high-quality training and mentorship. 

Technology & Software Utilization: 

• Utilize various platforms to support training, assessment and data entry:  

• Litmos- Learning management, course creation and training delivery  

• Free Agent- Assessment data entry and storage  

• Hatch- Early childhood assessment and digital learning tools 

• CLASS- Observation and assessment of teacher-child interactions  

• Microsoft Office Suite- Reporting, data analysis, and documentation  

Data Understanding & Analysis: 

• Enter and manage data assessment in Free Agent system. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessment results, training participation and progress. 

• Collaborate with internal teams to analyze trends and identify targeted support opportunities and training. 

• Ensure data collection and reporting align with equity, ensuring fair and accurate representation of all childcare centers. 

• Leverage data from platforms such as Litmos, Hatch, CLASS, ASQ, TRS, and grant-related assessments to guide decision-making. 

Event & Conference Coordination: 

• Assist with planning of professional development events, including workshops, summits, and networking events for early childhood professionals. 

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful events. 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Master’s degree preferred in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field. 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, professional development, and training. 

• Master Trainer/Registered Trainer on TECPDS preferred  

• Strong knowledge of NAEYC accreditation standards and National Accreditation Commission (NAC) guidelines. 

• Experience conducting assessments using CLASS or other instructional frames and quality rating tools. 

• CLASS Observer certification and experience preferred 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and open to learn other platforms needed to perform this role  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information effectively. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. 

• Demonstrates Commitment to Growth in early childhood education and continuous learning. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience coaching and mentoring early childhood educators. 

• Familiarity with Texas Rising Star (TRS) standards and early childhood quality rating systems. 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required. 

Core Competencies for All EFS Staff:  

• Mission-Focused: Deep rooted passion for ensuring children have access to high quality early childhood education opportunities.  

• Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.  

• Collaborator: Understands the roles and contributions of all members of the team and community stakeholders; and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.  

• Results-Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals that align to creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for greater impact.  

• Brand Steward: Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the organization.  

Additional Requirements: 

• Has a valid Texas driver's license and proof of current auto insurance. 

• Ability to travel locally to childcare centers and training sites as needed. 

• Must be able to conduct observations in active early childhood classrooms. 

• Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual training sessions as required. 

• Passes an agency-administered, comprehensive background check satisfactorily.  

• Has access to reliable transportation to travel throughout the metroplex. 

Equal Employment Opportunity: Educational First Steps is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. Employment decisions are not based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (which includes pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, citizenship status, genetic information, age, disability, political belief, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, or any other unlawful basis.  

 Working Conditions: This position may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, working at a computer, and speaking on the phone. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.