Contact Person: Jonathan Blanchard

Job Location:
The Flint Center for Educational Excellence
540 S Saginaw St, Suite 101, Flint, MI 48502

Job Description:

Position Summary
The Childcare Licensing and Compliance Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of children participating in Thrive Afterschool programming. This position serves as a key liaison between regulatory agencies and site-based Community School Directors, working to maintain and improve the quality of school-aged childcare services.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the specialist is responsible for conducting thorough proactive inspections, processing licenses, and providing expert guidance on compliance with state and federal regulations. They work closely with Community School Directors, offering education and support to help facilities meet and exceed standards. The role requires a balance of regulatory enforcement and collaborative problem-solving to foster a positive childcare environment. In coordination with the Director of Program Quality, the Specialist will support the development of a plan to progressively improve the universal quality of Thrive Afterschool programs, using the Great Start to Quality (GSQ) Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) as a standard.

The ideal candidate for this role will be a detail-oriented professional with strong interpersonal skills who can navigate complex regulations while maintaining positive relationships with site leaders. Final salary commensurate with candidates education, skills, experience, and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance
Conduct bi-monthly on-site inspections of licensed and potential childcare programs to assess compliance with regulations
Evaluate facilities for alignment with health and safety standards, including space requirements, staffing ratios, handwashing, and food service
Review program files and documentation, observe operations, and conduct key informant interviews with staff and parents Investigate, document, and develop corrective action plans in response to complaints of non-compliance, mistreatment of children, or illegal practices

Licensing & Registration
Process and submit applications for new childcare facilities and providers
Assess and clarify submitted documentation, including background checks, qualifications, and health records
Review and consult on proposed program plans, policies, and facility building plans for alignment with childcare licensing standards and regulations
Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports related to licensing visits, corrective action plans, and technical assistance activities

Consultation & Professional Development
Provide guidance and technical assistance to site-based Community School Directors on regulations and best practices
Recommend, interpret, and enforce program processes and procedures in alignment with regulatory standards
Conduct training sessions for current and potential youth development staff
Educate the public and professional organizations on childcare regulatory issues as requested

Quality Improvement
Develop and monitor corrective action plans for non-compliant facilities
Collaborate with co-licensed programs to coordinate services and inspections
Coordinate with the Director of Program Quality to develop and monitor a plan to progressively improve the quality of all programs to the Demonstrating Quality level of the Great Start to Quality system

Administrative Duties
Maintain detailed case records and prepare quarterly reports
Enter data into licensing systems and databases
Participate in administrative hearings related to licensing actions when necessary

Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare setting, regulatory compliance, or licensed program administration.
Familiarity with Michigan Child Care Licensing Rules and MiLEAP/CCLB standards.

Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree or other advanced credentials.
Experience conducting internal audits, site inspections, or developing corrective action plans.
Experience developing and delivering training on childcare licensing regulations.
Experience with the CCHIRP system or other digital childcare licensing compliance tracking tools.

Closing Date for Job:  07/31/2025