Offers services to families who are eligible for the Child Care Assistance and Referral program (CCAR). Enables the placement of children in child care. Verifies that the child care arrangements are meeting the requirements of the family and the child by contacting vendors and families.
Documents the activities of case management in automated systems at the state and local levels. Negotiates vendor agreements to facilitate participation in the CCAR. Offers providers individual training and group workshops, as well as directing them to additional training resources. Provides analysis and mediation for child care issues and complications.
Trains and becomes a certified CLASS Observer, conducting numerous observations annually. Engages in the planning, development, and monitoring of program standards that comply with local policies and standards and state regulations. Offers referral and resource services for child care to Fairfax County residents.
Conducts informational sessions and conducts outreach activities with potential child care providers and center staff. Engages in unique undertakings. The Child Care Specialist III, CCAR, supervises the performance of duties.
Note: This position is situated in the Pennino Building in Fairfax, Virginia, with the potential for weekly assignments in one of the Department of Family Services Regional offices: Alexandria, Reston, or Annandale.
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Details:
- Salary: $55,789.55 – $92,981.62 Annually
- Location: FAIRFAX (EJ27), VA
- Job Type: FT Hourly W BN
- Department: Family Services
- Pay Grade: S20
- Posting Type: Open to General Public
Duties:
This specification contains illustrative responsibilities that are indicative of the class; however, they are not exhaustive. The position job description contains a comprehensive summary of the position’s responsibilities and distinctive physical requirements.
- Provides providers with information on child development and child care issues to aid in the enhancement of the quality of their child care environments.
- Offers technical support and training to day care centers and family day care providers;
- Performs research and collects data to facilitate the creation of training and program materials;
- Recruits new family day care providers to address the child care needs of the county;
- Conducts informational sessions with potential providers and center staff and conducts outreach activities;
- Evaluates the eligibility of households for the Child and Adult Care Food Program and/or the Child Care Assistance Program.
- Conducts orientation sessions for program participants;
- Educates parents on the various forms of care that are available and provides assistance with securing a spot in family day care.
- Prepares vendor agreements for providers that are involved in the Child Care Assistance Program.
- Verifies eligibility and participation by reviewing billing reports;
- Generates periodic reports for the designated geographic region;
- Conducts investigations into complaints and provides recommendations for their resolution;
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- (The knowledge, talents, and abilities outlined in this specification are a representative of the class, but they are not exhaustive.)
- Understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts, and methodology of the designated area of responsibility;
- Capacity to communicate effectively in both written and spoken form;
- Capacity to remain informed about the most recent theories of early childhood development and education;
- Capacity to function both independently and collaboratively.
Benefits:
1. Valuable U.S. Work Experience
Gain professional experience in a well-regulated childcare environment, boosting your global career opportunities in education and caregiving.
2. Competitive Wages
Wages vary by location and setting (private family, daycare, preschool), with higher rates in major cities. Live-in arrangements (e.g., au pair programs) often include room and board.
3. Cultural Exchange Opportunities
Through programs like the J-1 Au Pair Visa, you can live with a host family, experience American culture, and improve your English skills.
4. Employer-Provided Housing & Meals (for live-in roles)
Many child care jobs include free accommodation and meals, especially in private households or cultural exchange programs.
5. Pathway to Long-Term Opportunities
Some child care professionals transition to long-term visas or careers in:
- Early childhood education
- Teaching assistant roles
- Social work or therapy (with further education)
6. Free or Subsidized Training
Many agencies and employers provide CPR, First Aid, and child development training, which are globally recognized certifications.
7. Paid Time Off & Holidays
Full-time child care workers often receive vacation days, sick leave, and paid public holidays, especially in formal daycare settings.
8. Strong Demand Nationwide
Child care professionals are consistently in demand, especially in large cities and areas with young working families.
9. Flexible Schedules
Choose from part-time, full-time, live-in, or live-out roles, depending on your visa and preferences.
10. Chance to Make a Real Impact
You’ll be contributing to children’s early learning, development, and emotional well-being—a rewarding and respected career path.
Employment Standards:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training that is equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to discover how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, psychology, social work, or a closely related field from an accredited institution or university, in addition to one year of exposure in school-age and/or early child development programs.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
None.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
To the satisfaction of the employer, the appointee to this position will be required to undergo a criminal background and a Child Protective Services check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A degree in early childhood education, early childhood development, social work, or family studies from an accredited four-year college or university.
- Working knowledge of subsidy programs.
- I have exceptional writing and oral communication abilities.
- Some experience in the administration of child care, early childhood development programs, or working with low-income families.
- Demonstrated experience in the management of caseloads, the provision of training and guidance to family child-care providers and child care center staff, and the management of caseloads.
- Expertise in the utilization of automated systems and human services databases.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The ability to operate a motor vehicle and be sufficiently mobile to travel to and visit family day care homes and centers as needed. Capacity to operate keyboard-driven equipment and input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Capacity to lift a maximum of 10 pounds. All responsibilities are executed with or without reasonable accommodation.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Exercise may be included in the panel interview.
The population of Fairfax County is highly diverse, with 38.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others). We kindly encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply for this opportunity.
In the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce, Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status.
Individuals with disabilities are granted reasonable accommodations during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO/AA/TTY. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I get a visa sponsorship for a child care job?
Sponsorship is possible but less common for basic childcare roles. However, families and institutions may sponsor under cultural exchange programs like J-1 au pair visas.
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What is the J-1 au pair program?
It allows young foreigners to live with a host family in the US and provide childcare while experiencing American culture for up to 12–24 months.
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What is a child care specialist?
A child care specialist is a trained professional who provides care, supervision, and early education for infants and young children, often in daycare centers, preschools, or private homes.
