The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.
State Salary Grade 24
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees. *
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
The Director of Early Learning and Instruction drives the overarching mission of providing high-quality early learning experiences to young children. The Director's purpose is to envision and guide the Division's MSDE Strategic Plan and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future goals, pertaining to early learning and instruction to ensure that the State’s early learning programs’ instructional practices are exceptional in every way. By spearheading the development and evaluation of educational initiatives, the new early learning standards, curriculum frameworks, the science of reading, early math, and professional development programs, the Director paves the way for transformative early childhood education.
The Director's primary responsibility is to lay the foundation for success in early childhood education. Drawing upon his/her wealth of knowledge and experience to establish a compelling vision and mission for early learning within our division. Through collaboration with key MSDE staff in the Office of Teaching and Learning and the Division of Assessment, Accountability, and Performance Reporting as well as external stakeholders, he/she create strategic goals and action plans that align with state and national standards and best in class research. Constantly keeping an eye on the latest research and best practices, the Director ensures that our programs remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence in early childhood education.
One of the Director's most significant contributions lies in the development and implementation of a mixed-delivery system (e.g., inclusive of all program settings), new early learning standards, educational programs, and early learning assessments. These frameworks become the backbone of our early learning initiatives, providing a roadmap for educators to follow. By fostering collaboration and incorporating technology and innovative teaching methods, the Director empowers educators to create engaging and impactful learning experiences. Moreover, he/she champions diversity, equity, and inclusion within early learning environments, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.
The Director understands that continuous growth and improvement are key to success in early childhood education. Through the design and delivery of a robust professional development plan, they equip educators with the tools and knowledge to excel in their roles. By offering training sessions, workshops, and conferences, the Director fosters a culture of collaboration and ongoing learning among educators. They also establish evaluation systems to measure the effectiveness of our programs and instructional strategies, allowing us to make data-driven decisions and drive continuous improvement. Through stakeholder engagement, the Director builds partnerships with families, community organizations, and policymakers, further strengthening the impact of our early learning initiatives.
Manages High Quality strategic leadership, program development and implementation and professional development, assessment, and stakeholder engagement.
- Develops and communicates a compelling vision and mission for early learning and instruction across the mixed-delivery system, aligned with the MSDE Strategic Plan and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, within the Division of Early Childhood.
- Collaborates with key stakeholders to establish strategic goals, objectives, and action plans to enhance early learning outcomes across all early learning settings.
- Monitor and assess trends, research, and best practices in early childhood to inform decision-making and program development.
- Provide early learning content expertise and ensure workflows are in alignment with strategic goals.
- Leads the design, development, and implementation of comprehensive curriculum frameworks, and educational programs for early childhood learners.
- Supports the alignment of instructional practices with State and national standards, guidelines, and regulations.
- Leads collaboration with educators and instructional leaders to integrate innovative teaching methods into early childhood classrooms.
- Develops and implements strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within early learning environments in order ensure that programs are culturally responsive and for children to feel a sense of belonging in each early childhood program setting.
- Creates and implements a professional development plan to support the continuous growth and effectiveness of early childhood educators and coordinates and delivers training sessions, workshops, and conferences on evidence-based instructional practices and emerging trends in early childhood education.
- Fosters a culture of collaboration and ongoing learning among educators through mentoring, coaching, and communities of practice.
- Establish systems and processes to evaluate the effectiveness of early learning programs, instructional strategies, and professional development initiatives in collaboration with the Division of Assessment, Accountability, and Performance Reporting.
Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related area from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Five (5) years of experience in managing and leading Early Childhood Education programs or administering educational programs in prekindergarten settings. One year of this experience must include supervising and/or coaching professional education staff.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work in mathematics, STEM, education or a related area for two years of the required experience directly related to the position.
2. The required field of education and experience are unique for this posting and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Office of Human Resources.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education, one year of which must have been in an administrative supervisory or consultative capacity.
Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
- Knowledge and experience with early childhood content, and programs including imparting the importance of early learning programs.
- Knowledge of standards, trends, regulations, policies, and effective instruction and assessment in Early Childhood Education Programs
- Knowledge of best-in-class evidence-based instructional practices and emerging trends in early childhood education.
- Knowledge of Standards and/or State and national standards affecting Early Childhood education.
- Skill in curriculum resource development and the strategic alignment of instructional practices.
- Skill in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating education programs.
- Skill collaborating with diverse communities and organizations for the purpose of fostering a culture of collaboration and ongoing learning among educators.
- Skill in creating, developing, implementing, and delivering professional development programs.
- Skill in providing in managing multiple tasks and time sensitive deadlines.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks.
- Ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year.
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may by uploaded with the online application, submitted by mail to the address listed.
If the applicant is unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.
All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.
Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.
If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.
Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
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