CDEC Qualifications Specialist (Part-Time)
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Salary
$28.59 Hourly
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Part Time
Job Number
QAA 00175 05.15.2026
Department
Department of Early Childhood
Opening Date
05/28/2026
Closing Date
6/10/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
710 S. Ash Street, Denver, CO 80246
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Jenny Nguyen, Jenny.n.nguyen@state.co.us.
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENCY REQUIRED
NOTE: This announcement may be used to fill multiple openings.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis is committed to building a Colorado For All, a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the Colorado way of life. Governor Polis is focused on lowering health care costs for hardworking Coloradans, transitioning the state to renewable energy sources, ensuring every Colorado child gets a quality education, and building an economy that works for everyone.
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
We offer a generous benefits package including:
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
Medical, dental, and vision plans
State paid life insurance policy
Choice of 2 retirement plans (defined benefit or defined contribution)
Optional 401(k) and 457 plans
State paid short-term disability coverage
Additional optional life and disability plans
Credit Union membership
Training and professional development
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits. Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program . For more information, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service?
This position will have the opportunity for a hybrid schedule (a combination of in-office and remote workplace). Please note - equipment provisioning and certain onboarding tasks will take place in person, in our downtown Denver office, on the first day of employment.
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) ensures the delivery of a comprehensive, community-informed, data-driven, high-quality, and equitable early childhood system that supports the care, education, and well-being of all Colorado's young children, their families, and early childhood professionals in all settings. CDEC provides access to collaborative, coordinated, quality early childhood programs and support to children, families, and early care professionals in an effort to best prepare Coloradans for future success. CDEC works with many partners, including parents, schools, child care providers, Early Childhood Councils, counties, Community Centered Boards, early intervention service providers, family resources centers, county human services, county public health, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to provide high-quality early childhood and family support programs. The Division of Early Childhood Workforce is dedicated to providing infrastructure and leadership for recruiting, retaining, and growing a diverse and highly competent early care and education workforce that implements high-quality early learning programming across Colorado's unique local @contexts and communities. The division is responsible for supporting both ongoing and temporary initiatives to ensure the continuous growth and development of the early childhood workforce and supporting local infrastructure, including the Colorado Shines Quality Improvement System (QRIS), the local Early Childhood Council system, the Professional Development Information System (PDIS), the Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC), the Regional Coaching Network, Recruitment and Retention Initiatives, Training and Instructional Design, Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) initiatives, the Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care (EQ) initiative along with the comprehensive efforts to improve compensation and benefits across the diverse mixed-delivery workforce. The division develops, delivers, and empowers relationship-based learning opportunities directly and through multiple partners across the state. The Division of Early Childhood Workforce includes the following three units: Professional Learning and Design Unit, Registry and Career Pathways Unit, and the Strategy and System Leadership Unit.
The Registry and Career Pathways Unit manages the infrastructure and technical systems that support quality early childhood programs and the diverse professionals who work across the early childhood sector. It manages a robust workforce registry, learning management system, quality improvement system, and CDEC's qualification and credentialing programs. The unit also designs accessible career advancement pathways and knowledge-sharing systems that are aligned with CDEC and state programs, taking into account the diverse needs of the early childhood workforce. The unit has 11 professionals dedicated to supporting the continuous growth and development of early childhood programs and the workforce. These staff members manage the Professional Development Information System (PDIS), the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), the Universal Preschool Resource Bank, the Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC), and qualification, training, and competency alignment initiatives. In addition, staff in this unit manage the help desks to support system users. It also manages several key vendor contracts and ongoing engagements with external partners.
Description of Job
What you'll be doing:
This position is housed within the Division of Early Childhood Workforce to support Qualifications (i.e., education and training experiences) within our CDEC systems, such as Licensing and the PDIS. The new position will report directly to the Early Childhood Professional Credential Program Lead and assume responsibility for the qualifications within the PDIS. This position works closely with staff from the Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration to define what counts toward the various levels of a qualification, and determines what counts for each qualification, such as education, training, and experience, and ensures qualifications are appropriately supporting CDEC rules.
Additional position duties include, but are not limited to:
This position supports CDEC qualifications and the use of qualifications as an early childhood workforce development strategy.
This position works closely with staff from the DELLA Division to define what counts toward the various levels of a qualification, and determines what counts for each qualification, such as education, training, and experience, and ensures qualifications are appropriately supporting CDEC rules.
This position works with external stakeholders to gather input regarding what counts toward the various levels of a qualification
This position creates and maintains communications about CDEC qualifications
This position follows processes for scoring CDEC qualifications
This position provides input on strategy, systems, processes, procedures, guidelines, and standards specific to qualifications work.
This position maintains and strengthens alignment with other credentials in the early childhood space in Colorado, including the Early Childhood Professional Credential.
Maintains documentation regarding how CDEC qualifications are reviewed and awarded.
Creates training materials for all qualification reviewers to support the review and scoring of all PDIS qualifications based on the approved documents and policies.
Conducts training sessions for individuals reviewing PDIS qualifications.
Maintains comments and responses for all PDIS qualification applications
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description: (New)
H1B3XXAdministrator III (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-hr-professionals/job-classifications/class-description-and-minimum-qualifications-for-h1b)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Experience Only: Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to Early Childhood Education or Child Development. Must have at least two (2) years of experience with child care licensing rules and state statute, including experience following and interpreting statute and corresponding rules to implement a process. OR, Education and Experience: A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to Early Childhood Education or Child Development , equal to five (6) years. Must have at least two (2) years of experience with child care licensing rules and state statute, including experience following and interpreting statute and corresponding rules to implement a process. Please note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application and in the supplemental questions. Your resume will not be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications; only the work experience section and supplemental questions of your application will be reviewed to determine this. "See Resume" statements on the application will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated. Substitutions: Additional related experience may substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis. Additional appropriate education in a related field may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis. DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Work that involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment, and personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications and methods. Preferred Qualifications:
State of Colorado experience related to the duties of this position
Experience reviewing staff qualifications based on established guidelines, such as state rules and regulations.
Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree in Child Development; Child Psychology; Early Childhood Education; Special Education; Educational Leadership and Administration; Elementary Education; Family and Human Development; Family Studies; or Special Education, from an accredited college or university
Highly Desired
Experience in Colorado's early childhood system
Salesforce experience
Experience collaborating with the Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA)
Conditions of Employment:
Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment.
Employees who have been disciplined, terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary termination, or negotiated their termination from the State of Colorado must disclose this information on the application.
APPEAL RIGHTS:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ( dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply (https://careers.colorado.gov/how-to-apply) (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
Please note that ONLY your State of Colorado job application will be reviewed during the initial screening; if you submit a resume and cover letter, they will be reviewed in later stages of the selection process. Therefore, it is paramount that you clearly describe all your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked "SEE RESUME" will not be considered.
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
A complete CDEC Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
Your application will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications for the position. If your application demonstrates that you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be invited to the comparative analysis process, which is described below.Comparative Analysis Process
The comparative analysis process will consist primarily of a review of applications against the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Applications will be reviewed in comparison to all others in the applicant pool in order to identify a top group of candidates who may be invited for a final interview. Depending on the size of the applicant pool, additional selection processes may be utilized to identify a top group of candidates. Applicants will be notified of their status via email.
Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date will result in your application being rejected.
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Transfer, Non-Disciplinary Demotion or Reinstatement
If you believe that you are eligible to be considered as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement to this vacancy, you must submit a completed application following the directions in this job announcement and you will be included in the selection process along with other qualified applicants. If you are the finalist for this position after the selection process, Human Resources will confirm your eligibility to be appointed as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement applicant.
ADAAA Accommodations: CDEC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the HR Business Partner, Jenny Nguyen @Jenny.n.nguyen@state.co.us.
The Department does not offer sponsored visas for employment purposes.
Technical Assistance:
If you experience difficulty in uploading or attaching documents to your online application, or for any other technical difficulties, call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 anytime between 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).
HOW TO APPLY:Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
IF NOT APPLYING ON-LINE, SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: Online applications are strongly preferred. If you are unable to submit an online application, please reach out to the contact listed. Please note, all applications must be received by the closing date listed on the job posting.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION: Jenny.n.nguyen@state.co.us METHODS OF APPOINTMENT: Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason.
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
