The following information is a summary of the Great Start to Quality Assessment Specialist position, for the full position description, click HERE.

Great Start to Quality is Michigan’s tiered quality rating and improvement system; a quality continuum with supports for unlicensed subsidized providers and licensed and registered early learning and development programs to achieve higher levels of quality.

Licensed and registered programs, should they choose, receive supports and services that may move them up a five level scale, where Level Five is the highest level.  Access to the online Great Start to Quality STARS platform affords programs access to:

• Self-assessment against the quality standards
• Quality improvement plan, developed from the self-assessment scores
• Consultation from a quality improvement specialist to support achieving and maintaining higher levels of quality for those programs serving children with high need.
• Published quality Star levels on Great Start CONNECT beginning in fall 2012.

Programs with a preliminary self-assessment score at Level Four or Level Five can request an independent Assessment Specialist to complete the appropriate (infant and toddler, preschool, or family) Program Quality Assessment® (PQA®) and to validate a programs’ online Self-assessment Survey.

Great Start to Quality Assessment Specialists who utilize the PQA® are expected to achieve and maintain inter-rater reliability above 80 percent. A contractor will be sought with high expertise in the administration and reporting of the PQA® to assure that Assessment Specialists for Great Start to Quality continue to meet this level of inter-rater reliability.

There are immediate openings for Great Start to Quality Assessment Specialists to support programs in the regions indicated above.

Position specifications:

• The Assessment Specialist shall operate at all times as a contract employee for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. 
• Individuals shall provide own transportation and all equipment and supplies necessary to fulfill the terms of this Agreement including, but not limited to, a laptop computer, printer, and general office supplies.
  The contract term is based on fiscal year ending September 30, 2012.  The contract may be renewed at the option of both parties.
• Compensation for service equals $300 per assessment completed in a 90 mile radius or $350 per assessment completed over a 90 mile radius.

Application Process:
The application process for the Great Start to Quality Assessment Specialist positions will require successful candidates to move through three rounds of screening and assessment:

• Candidates selected to participate in round one will be scheduled for a telephone interview.
• Candidates selected to participate in round two will complete an online test for rater reliability via administration of the Pre-school Program Quality Assessment ® (PQA®).
• Candidates selected to participate in round three will complete an in-person panel interview.

If you are interested in this position, click HERE to complete an application.  Please submit the following documentation with your completed application:

• Transcript or diploma reflecting completed Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field; or transcript(s) documenting education in progress.
• HighScope PQA® or other training certificate or transcript
• Resume documenting years of experience requested in application
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from a supervisor and/or client who has knowledge of your assessment experience
• Personal information for Michigan State Police background check and Department of Human Services Central Registry check.

If you have questions or need additional information, please email hrgsq@ecic4kids.org