Quality Assurance Officer

Job Code:13-1151

Salary: $34,174.40 - $69,264.00

Status:  Exempt

Department: Education Division 

Location: ELC

Reports To: ELC Program Manager

Telecommute: Limited

Fleet: No

Mandated Reporter: Yes

Background: PL 101-630

Summary: The Early Learning Center (ELC) Quality Assurance Officer is responsible to monitor, evaluate, and ensure program compliance with applicable federal, state, and tribal regulations, standards and policies. 

The Quality Assurance Officer assists the Program Manager in the planning, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of program operations with a child-centered approach to ensure that the SRMT ELC meets or exceeds all program quality benchmarks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 

• Ensure that all children feel safe and are safe in the program setting at all times
• Ensure all Teachers, Teacher Aides, substitutes and other ELC staff understand and acknowledge OCFS and/or OHS Mandated Reporter/Hotline responsibilities and understand and acknowledge the SRMT ELC Mandated Reporter Policy
• Adhere to all policies and standards as dictated by Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Personnel Policies, NYS OCFS Child Care Licensing Regulations, including the ELC Behavior Management Plan, the Serious Incident Policy, the Mandated Reporter Policy, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and PL 102-477 regulations
• Maintain accurate records of ELC staff credentials, certifications, trainings, background checks and other items necessary for internal and external program audits, and to comply with all applicable Federal, State and Tribal licensing and policy requirements
• Responsible for accuracy and completeness of volunteer and enrolled student files according to NYS Licensing Regulations and Head Start Program Standards.
• Coordinate with HR to track renewal deadlines for background checks and ensure all necessary staff documents and credentials are properly maintained in each employee’s official HR file
• Conduct weekly Progress Report meetings with Health & Safety Coordinator, Child Care Supervisor, and Head Start Supervisor.
• Provide support to Child Care Supervisor and Head Start Supervisor onboarding new hires to ensure compliance; assist supervisors with staff check-in to evaluate teacher fitness for continued child supervision
• Review and update internal policies and procedures to reflect current regulations and best practices
• Monitor adherence to policies related to child supervision, incidents, nutrition, health, special needs assessments, and family engagement
• Conduct classroom audits and provide feedback to Head Start and Child Care supervisors to ensure the quality of care and education meets standards.
• Prepare reports for internal review and external audits
• Ensure Program Manager is aware of all meeting outcomes in a timely manner
• Identify areas for improvement and provide guidance and resources for implementation
• Collaborate with all staff and volunteers to implement Best Practices in early childhood education
• Ensure educational standards and goals are met, developed, and updated, and ensure all staff are trained on these updated standards
• Assist Program Manager in developing and implementing a continuous quality improvement plan
• Formulate training policies and schedules according to the guidelines established by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), the Office of Head Start (OHS), and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make adjustments as necessary
• Develop and implement a Quality Assurance Program that includes addressing audit findings, conducting regular internal audits of all programs, and monitoring Plans of Corrective Action
• Investigate and gather information to improve program quality and efficiency
• Ensure the Policy Council and Parent Committees meet as required, documentation and minutes are recorded, and files are maintained
• Foster a climate of respect and integrity
• Exhibit a friendly and courteous manner when dealing with colleagues, parents, and community members
• Other related duties as assigned

Mandated Reporter: Must receive appropriate mandated reporter training prior to having contact with children in a job-related capacity and receive annual Mandated Reporter training in compliance with OCFS and OHS regulations.

Supervisory Responsibilities: There are no supervisory requirements for this position.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Education and/or Experience: 

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and
  • Minimum three (3) years of experience in policy management and/or operational oversight of a licensed Child Care facility.

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check prior to employment.