Job Description

Futures First is seeking an Early Care and Education (ECE) Specialist who is passionate about strengthening early childhood programs and helping educators create high-quality learning experiences for children. In this role, you will partner directly with child care providers in centers and family child care homes, using relationship-based coaching, training, technical assistance, and resources to help them identify strengths, establish quality improvement goals, and implement effective strategies.

The ideal candidate is a reflective, collaborative, and relationship-focused professional who enjoys empowering others and contributing to lasting impact for children, families, and early childhood professionals.

At Futures First, we believe every child deserves a strong foundation for success. Our Theory of Change focuses on early childhood education, economic stability, and family well-being to create lasting community impact. This position advances that vision by helping improve the quality of early learning programs serving children and families.

In this role, you will work closely with the Early Care and Education team, child care providers, community partners, and Futures First staff across the organization. Through these partnerships, you will share resources, coordinate support, and help advance high-quality early care and education practices throughout the community.

Position: Early Care and Education Specialist

Location: Kansas City Metro Area

Agency: Futures First

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: The hourly pay range for this position is $23.08–$28.21. The final hourly rate will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, alignment with the position requirements, and internal equity. In addition to pay, Futures First offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package.

Benefits Offered:

• Medical Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Vision & Dental Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with matching up to 2%
• Yearly 5% employer retirement contribution
• Personal Time Off (PTO)
• Rolling paid holidays—instead of a fixed holiday schedule, employees may observe holidays that reflect their personal, cultural, or religious beliefs
• Flexible Work Schedules (Hybrid Model)

Requirements

• Provide on-site coaching and support to early education providers in child care centers and family child care homes to strengthen developmentally appropriate practices, learning environments, and teacher-child interactions.
• Build strong relationships with early care and education providers to understand their needs, connect them with resources, and support continuous quality improvement.
• Utilize strength-based coaching strategies, CLASS observations, curriculum tools, and assessments to help providers establish goals and implement effective improvement strategies.
• Develop and facilitate professional development opportunities for early education professionals based on community needs, agency contracts, and emerging best practices.
• Document coaching activities, track program progress, and collect evaluation data to measure successes, identify challenges, and support program improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with the Early Care and Education team and community partners to promote resources, coordinate services, and advance high-quality early learning opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to provide coaching, feedback, and support using a strength-based approach.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in early childhood education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with individuals and groups.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to be flexible to adapt to different situations and priorities.
• Proficient with Google Suite or related software.
• Maintain a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• At least three years of experience in the child care field. Bilingual fluency in written and oral English/Spanish preferred.
• Master’s in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Trained in CLASS, Creative Curriculum, High-Scope, and Conscious Discipline preferred.

Why Join Futures First?

In this role, you will work closely with the Early Care and Education team, child care providers, community partners, and Futures First staff across the organization. Through these partnerships, you will share resources, coordinate support, and help advance high-quality early care and education practices throughout the community.

For over 145 years, Futures First has strengthened families, supported early education, and promoted economic stability across the Kansas City metro area. By joining our collaborative team, you will become part of a highly respected organization that values relationships, innovation, and continuous improvement while doing meaningful work that creates lasting community impact.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations

The Futures First is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Nicole Benoit at hrdept@futuresfirstkc.org to discuss your needs.