The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is an agency focused on building a coordinated, comprehensive system of early education and care services in Massachusetts. EEC’s mission is to lead the way in helping Massachusetts’ children and families reach their full potential. By providing and coordinating a range of services and assistance, EEC will continuously improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of early education and care in the Commonwealth.

The Family Child care Licensor is directly responsible for the implementation of the Family Child care Licensing program which includes enforcement and monitoring of the regulations governing the licensure/approval of family child care homes and investigations of complaints; assists and participates in the development and design of the state-wide family child care licensing program; and performs related work as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Determines compliance with the regulations for family child care programs by conducting application review, on-site annual visits of the family child care programs; observations of the physical condition of family child care homes; observation of children and educator interactions with children; assessing the care received by children; reviewing children’s and assistants’ records, qualifications of educator and assistants, ratios, emergency and preventive health care procedures, nutrition, transportation, sanitation and safety, program’s (educational) plan to include curriculum, equipment, supplies and procedures for supervising children.

• Provides consultation and technical assistance to both potential and current family child care educators.

• Investigates complaints of alleged non-compliance made against licensed and unlicensed family child care homes.

• Documents findings gathered during inspections and investigations of family child care programs by identifying and recording deficiencies, and by writing reports of a legal and technical nature, in order to recommend issuance or renewal of licenses or corrective enforcement action.

• Participates in the development and implementation of legal actions, pre-hearing conferences, hearings, and court proceedings by providing documentation of deficiencies; by providing testimony at legal proceedings and by conducting follow-up inspections in order to provide evidence of violations and to enforce corrective or legal actions.

• Designs and assists in the development of workshops, conferences and seminars on family child care for educators and assistants as well as for Family Child Care Systems, state and local officials and interested citizen groups.

• As assigned, assists in the formulation of statewide policy concerning regulations, licensing policies and working procedures.

• Assists with determining the qualifications of individuals seeking assistant positions in a family child care program.

• Utilizes state- and/or agency-wide technology systems to conduct their licensing responsibilities including but not limited to licensing platforms (i.e. LEAD) and background check systems (i.e. BRC Navigator)

• Participates in regional office meetings and in-office unit coverage

• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, trends, standards, prototypes and organization of family child care programs.

Spoken and written fluency in a language other than English is a plus.

Ability to communicate technical information effectively in writing and oral expression.

Ability to communicate facts of a case in order to take appropriate action.

Ability to gather and analyze information through observation and interviewing and by examining records and documents.

Ability to make decisions (including decisions about health and safety of children) in stressful situations.

Ability to deal constructively with conflicts and confrontations.

Ability to deal tactfully and maintain harmonious working relationships with licensees, local inspectors and co-workers.

Ability to prepare detailed written reports which represent facts accurately and objectively.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of regulation and investigation procedures and interviewing techniques.

Knowledge and understanding of current educational standards, trends, research and best practices as they apply to child growth and Development.

Ability to handle stressful, emergency or crisis situations

Ability to maintain accurate records.

Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely.

Ability to be organized, self-motivated, self-directed and to work independently toward the accomplishment of short-term objectives and long-range goals.

Ability to use computer software.

Travel is required for this position.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your submission. If you have a language proficiency other than English, please indicate it on your resume or cover letter.

Questions regarding this position, or the application process, should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.