The Chief of Early Learning is a strategic leader responsible for improvements in measurable school readiness assessment scores and continuous quality improvement across all publicly funded four-year-old classrooms in SC using a mixed-delivery system. This position will ensure high levels of collaboration between SC First Steps (SCFS) and the SC Department of Education (SCDE). The Chief leads the strategy, performance, and accountability of First Steps 4K to improve school readiness outcomes as demonstrated on the state's kindergarten readiness assessment.

This role drives data-informed decision-making and ensures the effective design, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality 4K programs by establishing rigorous performance standards, operationalizing best practices, conducting comprehensive program audits, and aligning investments with evidence-based practices to maximize child outcomes. The Chief manages resource allocation, provider performance, and operations to expand access and improve program quality. Through strategic partnerships, this role advances workforce development and builds sustainable early learning systems. The position leads evaluations to translate data into actionable policy and advocacy insights.

Job Functions:

Leads the design, implementation, and continuous quality improvement of operational systems that expand access to high-quality 4K, including First Steps 4K team organization, business development, and use of 4K data systems, ensuring all initiatives are measurable and aligned with the strategic goals of SCFS and SCDE. Develops and implements data-informed strategies, including intervention pilots and targeted supports, to improve provider performance and maximize child outcomes. Oversees strategic site selection and 4K provider renewals using performance data to inform contract decisions and ensure adherence to safety, educational, and reporting requirements. Leads the development and oversight of the annual First Steps 4K budget, including cost forecasting and strategic investment in evidence-based interventions with the highest return on school readiness outcomes. 

Leads the development and execution of a comprehensive workforce strategy to strengthen educator effectiveness and sustainability across South Carolina’s mixed-delivery 4K system. Manages per-pupil reimbursement models for public and private providers to maximize state fund drawdown while ensuring fiscal accountability and audit compliance. Supports the Director of 4K Professional Development in implementing a statewide, evidence-based training network for teachers and 4K professionals. Uses workforce data to identify turnover trends and gaps, deploying targeted pilots and retention strategies to stabilize the teacher pipeline. Oversees specialized training for teachers and school leaders focused on instructional leadership and operational excellence. Collaborates with partners to align workforce investments and professional learning.

Leads the design and execution of a statewide continuous quality improvement (CQI) framework for 4K programs and manages instructional coaching implementation, ensuring alignment with SCFS and SCDE school readiness goals. Implements the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) to measure teacher-child interactions and drive all classrooms toward “Exemplary” ratings. Establishes a unified coaching model for public and private providers, leveraging shared data to inform professional development and strengthen instructional practices. Uses longitudinal data and program audits to evaluate and refine curriculum and evidence-based interventions to improve child outcomes. Translates CQI findings into actionable recommendations for policy and resource allocation.

Facilitates regular briefings and strategic planning sessions with leadership from SC First Steps, the South Carolina Department of Education, the Education Oversight Committee, and the members of the General Assembly to align policy and funding. Serves as a key liaison to external stakeholders and state legislators to advocate for early learning priorities. Collaborates closely with internal cross-functional teams to break down silos, leverage shared data, and integrate statewide initiatives to maximize the collective impact on school readiness.

Master’s degree in early childhood education, public health, public administration, business education, or a related field.  Preferred: Graduate or Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in research or analytics. 

Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within education; and has achieved measurable system-level change as a result of data-driven decision-making within an education-related organization.

Experience successfully managing and braiding public and private funding. 

Proficiency in analytic and data management software.  Experience in conducting randomized controlled trials and other quasi-experimental evaluation studies.

Familiarity with early childhood funding streams, best practices in policy and approach, and CLASS is preferred.  

About SC First Steps

First Steps was established in 1999 by the South Carolina General Assembly to close the opportunity gap for South Carolina's youngest learners. Since the beginning, we have taken a holistic approach to accomplishing our mission, offering services that improve children’s health, strengthen families, expand access to quality early care and education, and help transition rising kindergartners into school. As both a state agency and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we leverage public and private resources to deliver proven programs and innovative strategies that improve early childhood development and school readiness. Through a network of 46 local partnerships, we provide services in the areas of health, parenting, early care and education, and school transition. First Steps 4K provides free full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying children in licensed child care centers, private schools, and charter schools. In our role as the connector and convener of all early childhood serving agencies, we operate the Early Childhood Advisory Council, a collaborative body representing the state's early childhood system.

Connections working at SC First Steps