Child Care Licensing Specialist Trainee

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is committed to fostering an exceptional education system that equips all students across Maryland for success in college and their future careers. MSDE manages various state and federal initiatives serving a diverse group that includes students, educators, and administrators.

Position Locations

This role is available exclusively in the Baltimore City and Baltimore County offices at the following addresses:

• Baltimore City Office: 5601 Metro Drive, Suite B, Baltimore, MD 21215
• Baltimore County Office: 1840 York Road Suite H, Timonium, MD 21093

Applicants should be willing to work in either Baltimore City or Baltimore County.

Job Overview

The Child Care Licensing Specialist Trainee serves as an entry-level position focused on inspecting and monitoring childcare centers, family childcare homes, and non-public nursery schools to ensure compliance with childcare regulations and to promote quality early childhood education and development. This role helps safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of children in external childcare environments by licensing centers, issuing Letters of Compliance to religious childcare programs, registering family day care homes, approving nonpublic nursery schools, and investigating complaints against both authorized and unauthorized childcare providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn to process applications for licensure of childcare centers, family childcare homes, and approval of nonpublic nursery schools, adhering to established procedures and policies.
• Learn to manage caseloads using automated systems to assess provider compliance with Maryland regulations (COMAR 13A.15, 13A.16, 13A.17) and Office of Child Care policies.
• Gain skills in investigating complaints against licensed, registered, and illegal providers, preparing accurate reports, and submitting expense documentation timely according to MSDE procurement policies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in child development, education, social work, or psychology from an accredited institution.
• No prior experience necessary.

Substitutions

An Associate of Arts degree in early childhood development, teacher education, sociology, or psychology plus two years of relevant experience in inspecting or monitoring childcare facilities may be accepted in place of the bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience communicating with customers from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with database systems.

Special Requirements and Conditions

• Candidates must consent to State Police and Child Protective Services background checks due to the nature of work with childcare facilities.
• A valid driver's license is required for traveling to childcare sites using state or personal vehicles.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States is mandatory.
• Travel within Maryland is expected as part of the job.
• Applicants must be prepared for a selection process involving evaluation of education and experience and completion of supplemental questionnaires.

Additional Information

Salary Grade 15 Step 6 offers $64,417 annually. Benefits are provided as per State of Maryland guidelines. The position does not specify a number of openings. Employment application must be completed online or submitted via mail or fax by the closing date, including supplemental questionnaires if applicable. Equal opportunity employer encouraging applications from individuals with disabilities and bilingual applicants. Veterans are appreciated for their service.