Program Specialist

Reports to: Director of Operations
Division: U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes Association (CDHA)

Role Summary

The Program Specialist oversees a caseload of up to 25 Childhood Development Homes (CDH) serving children 6 weeks–12 years. You’ll provide referrals, training, coaching, and compliance monitoring so every home delivers safe, developmentally appropriate, and standards-aligned care.

Key Responsibilities:

Family Referral & Support

• Interview parents/guardians, match families to approved CDH providers, and connect families to health and social services as needed.

• Support clear enrollment communication and a positive family experience.

Provider Training, TA & Coaching

• Develop and deliver training, technical assistance, and consultation for CDH providers and staff.

• Model developmentally appropriate practice; promote NAFCC-aligned quality.

• Encourage continuing education, including the U-LAUNCH: YOU Early Learning Academy and the U-LAUNCH: Virginia Childhood Development Credential (VCDC).

Home Approval, Visits & Quality Monitoring

• Conduct approval visits per CDHA standards; ensure compliance with Virginia Family Day System requirements.

• Complete monthly visits (at least one unannounced per quarter) to each assigned home.

• Document observations, complete feedback reports, and support continuous quality improvement.

• Review menus and provide guidance aligned with USDA CACFP.

Compliance & Program Operations

• Ensure adherence to VDOE regulations, NAFCC criteria, USDA CACFP, Virginia Subsidy requirements, and CDHA SOPs.

• Maintain accurate records, training documentation, and timely reports.

• Assist with investigations and follow-up on complaints per policy.

• Support recruitment/retention initiatives, public relations, and lending-library recommendations.

• Collaborate with leadership on fees, subsidies, incentives, and parent contracts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related field.

• Acceptable: Associate’s in Human Services/Education (or equivalent) and 2 years’ supervised experience in a childcare center, residential children’s facility, nursery school, family day home, or similar program.

• Working knowledge of:

  • CDHA Handbook, Family Day System operations, and certificate of association requirements

  • Developmentally appropriate curriculum and state-approved standards

  • USDA CACFP meal patterns and child nutrition

  • Mandatory reporting and prevention of child abuse/neglect

• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle for home visits.

• Ability to speak/read/write English and demonstrate strong interpersonal, coaching, and documentation skills.

• Ability to pass pre-employment physical/immunizations, be free from communicable disease, and successfully complete required background checks.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Frequent standing/walking; bending, stooping, kneeling; lifting up to 40 lbs; floor sitting; stair climbing during home visits.

• Regular driving of personal vehicle to CDH sites.

• Work occurs in homes, offices, training rooms, and community settings with normal safety precautions.

• May require evenings/weekends to meet provider/family schedules.

Schedule & Travel

• Full-time; field-based with routine regional travel for home visits and trainings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

How to Apply

Please download the application and email it with your education credentials to cdha@ulaunchit.com.
Subject line: Program Specialist – [Your Full Name]
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