Introduction
The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population - students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

*This is a Re-Post. If you applied for this position prior there is no need to apply again as your application will be considered.*
GRADE

State Salary Grade 21
Salary Range: $78,749.00 - $126,912

*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.*
LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201
Main Purpose of Job

The Judy Center Program Specialists serve as a technical specialist providing specialized outreach, intervention, compliance monitoring, and/or curriculum development, consultation, advice, and technical assistance in a birth through adult basic education initiative related to Maryland's comprehensive statewide assessment programs. These employees provide technical guidance as a member of internal and external work teams. Effectively implement the Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Education Enhancement Grants (Judy Centers) to align with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and oversee the expansion of Judy Center sites from FY24- 30. Review competitive and continuation grants submitted by Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) for state requirements and quality to approve and issue funding. Work with the Judy Center Program Manager to ensure that the MSDE Judy Center budget is expended in a timely manner and in accordance with grant requirements and finance regulations. Provide on-going technical assistance and program support to Judy Centers statewide both virtually and in person. Serve as the MSDE Judy Center liaison to collaborate and coordinate programming with LEAs, divisions within MSDE, and public and private organizations.

POSITION DUTIES

Serves as the technical specialist for implementing the Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Education Enhancement Grants (Judy Centers) providing oversight to expand Judy Center sites from FY24- 30 and align with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.

• Travels to Judy Center sites across the State to monitor and provide technical assistance and program improvement.
• Document visits with comprehensive reports.
• Monitors and evaluates all programmatic activities and fiscal spending of the Judy Center sites operated by local boards of education and provides strategic guidance and practice-based coaching for Judy Center staff.
• Conducts professional development for Judy Center staff based on their needs and challenges as they occur. Defines and tracks the key performance indicators for established component standards through routine monitoring.
• Develops corrective action plans when necessary and closely monitors the progress of Judy Center sites and recommends State-approved performance measure goals for Judy Center grant-funded programming that aligns with The Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
• Ensures that grant funds are used to serve children ages birth through five years of age and their families within a school's catchment area and that centers provide comprehensive early care and education services to promote continuous improvement toward child development and school readiness.
• Provides technical assistance to local school systems regarding the intent in designing and operating Judy Center sites that align with the intended Judy Center model, assuring that funded programs meet State-approved goals and objectives.
• Approves and monitors budgets, amendments, reporting, and expenditures for Judy Center grants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Master's degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Four years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, an education program. Experience with Early Childhood school readiness programs, early childhood programs, Judy Centers and Head Start, Early Head Start is preferred.
Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's Degree with 6 years of the specified content experience to satisfy the Minimum Qualifications noted above.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Knowledge of multigenerational approaches for families and children, especially those from the most historically underserved communities.
• Knowledge of data systems.
• Knowledge of Judy Center operation and purpose of the 12 Component Standards.
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and practices of grants management and financial appropriations
• Knowledge of financial practices and budget analysis for education programs.
• Skilled in presenting accurate and concise reports and interpreting policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ability to provide technical assistance for grant management.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships; must be able to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume . The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.
If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.
Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.
Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.
Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.