ELRC 19 LEAD KEYSTONE STARS QUALITY COACH

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Keystone STARS Quality Coach is a leadership role within the Keystone STARS program, providing advanced coaching, technical assistance, and system-level support to early care and school-age practitioners across the ELRC 19 region. Utilizing the Keystone STARS Performance Standards and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) framework, the Senior Quality Coach guides providers toward sustained quality improvement and upward movement within the STARS system.

In addition to managing a caseload of practitioners, this senior role serves as a subject-matter expert, mentor, and strategic partner—supporting complex cases, regulatory referrals, and STAR level advancement. The Senior Quality Coach plays a key role in strengthening cross-system collaboration, supporting grant and award utilization, contributing to regional planning efforts, and promoting best practices in early childhood education and school-age care.

This position reports to the ELRC 19 Keystone STARS Manager and is based at the CCIU, 455 Boot Rd, Downingtown, with frequent travel and scheduled office time throughout the ELRC 19 region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advanced Quality Coaching & Technical Assistance

• Manage a caseload of early care and education and school-age practitioners, including programs with complex needs or higher STAR level goals.
• Lead providers through advanced Continuous Quality Improvement processes aligned with Keystone STARS Performance Standards.
• Interpret and apply STARS standards at a high level, providing strategic guidance that supports sustainable quality outcomes.
• Serve as a primary resource for upward STAR level movement, including STAR 3 and STAR 4 advancement.

Leadership & System Support

• Serve as a subject-matter expert on Keystone STARS policies, procedures, and system updates.
• Support the STARS Manager by mentoring new or less-experienced Quality Coaches, as assigned.
• Assist in the development, coordination, and delivery of region-wide targeted professional development initiatives.
• Participate in program planning, quality improvement initiatives, and continuous system enhancement efforts.

Professional Development & Community Engagement

• Design and deliver targeted Professional Development and Technical Assistance aligned with STAR level movement goals and regulatory referrals.
• Coordinate and facilitate communities of practice and learning networks for practitioners.
• Deliver presentations and outreach activities that promote Keystone STARS participation and quality improvement.
• Collaborate with partners, including Certification, PQA, OCDEL, IU, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants, and ELRC staff.

Grants, Data, and Reporting

• Provide advanced support to practitioners in accessing Keystone STARS grants, awards, and financial resources.
• Work collaboratively with Grants Specialists and processing partners to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation using QRIS, PELICAN, and internal tracking systems.
• Analyze data trends and prepare reports to inform management, partners, and system planning.
• Assist with STAR designations, audits, grant generation, and closures as needed.

Continuous Learning & System Awareness

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in early care and school-age systems, regulations, and best practices.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance expertise and leadership capacity.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Advanced knowledge of Keystone STARS regulations, performance standards, and quality improvement practices
• Strong expertise in early childhood education and school-age best practices and emerging trends
• Demonstrated ability to provide high-level coaching, consultation, and strategic guidance
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and public speaking skills
• Ability to mentor peers and contribute to team development
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and reporting skills
• Proven ability to manage complex caseloads and competing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships across systems
• Proficiency with database management, tracking, and reporting systems in a human services environment

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• A combined minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience working with the Keystone STARS Performance Standards, or any equivalent combination of acceptable training, education, professional experience in early care and education, school-age programs, or human services, is required.
• Demonstrated experience in quality improvement, technical assistance, or coaching roles.
• Strong knowledge of early care and school-age systems, public funding, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with inter-agency collaboration, outreach, and system-level coordination is required.
• Experience with budgets, business plans, or financial planning strongly preferred.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Early Childhood Education. 
• Master’s degree preferred.

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.