Description
Overview
The Early Education Division at the Agency of Education (AOE) is seeking an Education Programs Coordinator II to serve as a subject matter expert and statewide leader for Vermont's Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) systems under Act 166. The person in this role is responsible for analysis, planning, and coordination of multiple regulatory frameworks, including Act 166, State Board of Education Rule Series 2600 (Prekindergarten Education), the Agency of Education's Education Quality Standards, and the Agency of Human Services Child Development Division Child Care Licensing Regulations. Collaboration with other state organizations, including the Child Development Division and Building Bright Futures, is a key part of this role. The goal is to ensure coherence across systems while maintaining compliance with state statute and advancing a high-quality, equitable prekindergarten system.
Responsibilities include:
- Program Leadership and Administration
- Serve as the statewide program expert for Vermont's UPK system, managing and advancing initiatives that support access to high-quality prekindergarten education aligned with the Vermont Early Learning Standards.
- Provide support in the implementation and continuous improvement of UPK systems.
- Program Approval and Compliance Oversight
- Oversee and approve all initial and renewal UPK applications, ensuring compliance with State Board rules and educator licensing requirements.
- Verify application components across multiple data systems and regulatory requirements, including educator licensure, program standards, and required assurances.
- Administer approval determinations for prequalified UPK programs.
- Monitoring and Accountability (ACIS)
- Investigate compliance issues, issue corrective actions, and, when necessary, revoke program approval status in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to programs, school districts, and families to support compliance and continuous improvement.
- Visit private and public prekindergarten programs to identify model programs.
- Educator Licensing and Workforce Support
- Administer and approve provisional licensure pathways for educators in private UPK programs, in coordination with educator licensing authorities.
- Support workforce stability and advancement by facilitating pathways to licensure and maintaining compliance with educator requirements.
- Technical Assistance, Guidance, and Professional Learning
- Develop and disseminate technical guidance, policy documents, and compliance resources for educators, administrators, and programs.
- Design and deliver professional learning opportunities to support system-wide understanding of requirements and evidence-based practices.
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Analyze and interpret state and national data related to prekindergarten access, quality, and outcomes.
- Contribute to required legislative reports, including Vermont's annual UPK report.
- Review and apply findings from national reports (e.g., NIEER) to inform state policy and program improvements.
This position, Education Programs Coordinator II - Universal PreK (Job Requisition #54781), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Pat Fitzsimmons at pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Work is generally performed in a standard office setting, but significant travel may be anticipated for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal work schedule may be required. There may be considerable interaction with a variety of publics and strong differences of opinion may be encountered.
Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in education, public administration, or related field AND five (5) years or more at a professional level education, program development, or leadership role in a public or private educational institution.
OR
Three (3) years or more as an Education Programs Coordinator I with the State of Vermont.
Master's degree.
Special RequirementsSome positions may have certification requirements or other special requirements.
Total CompensationAs a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.Apply on company website