Are you a strategic leader with a passion for growth, innovation, and transforming the landscape of early childhood education? Shine Early Learning is looking for a dynamic Technical Assistance Manager (Western Region) to drive our mission to eliminate the gaps between young children’s potential and their success in school and life.
Why Acelero?
Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young childrenʼs inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.
Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams &
Communities.
Your Role:
The Technical Assistance (TA) Manager is responsible for supervising a team of specialists to ensure that Technical Assistance is provided with quality and fidelity. SPARK Montana is the state’s regulatory and quality TA services vendor and provides a wide range of services that support child care providers.
SPARK is responsible for implementing support services designed to build innovative and cost-efficient provider practices in order to improve child care program outcomes. Service areas include, but are not limited to, the following: technical assistance and training, communication and collaboration with
stakeholders, effectively tracking and documenting technical assistance activities, ensuring compliance with the state’s commitment to Tribal Collaboration, supporting criminal background checks, supporting
emergency preparedness, and using data for reporting, management and continuous improvement. Project Goals include: 1) Expanding child care capacity, 2) Retention of child care business, 3) Growth of Quality Programs, 4) Provider education, and 5) Decreased deficiencies and licensing violations.
*This position will serve the following counties - Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders, Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Madison, Meagher, Park, Powell and Silver Bow*
What You’ll Do:
- Provide continual professional development for each TA Specialist and Content Specialists on the team at a regular frequency, including on-site, in-program support, that ensures continued expertise and consistency among specialists within the team.
- Use data to inform and improve individual and team performance.
- Develop and manage TA Specialists and Content Specialists who deliver customized support to providers with their practices at the classroom level and organizational/leadership level.
- Build an effective team that is capable of delivering high-quality support and collaborating effectively within the team and across the project.
- Collaborate with the Project Director and Deputy Director, recruits,hires and onboards TA Specialists and Content Specialists.
- Collaborate with the Project Director and Deputy Director, to develop protocols and procedures that ensure technical assistance practices are consistently and reliably deployed.
- Participate in assigned meetings, events and training as required.
Supervision
- Supervise assigned department personnel. Includes the following responsibilities, but are not limited to: hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating, and ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and the completion of all work performed by direct reports.
- Educate direct reports on all department and company policies and procedures.
- Meet with assigned staff regularly to identify and resolve problems, manage projects, track goals, and review work processes and procedures.
- Represent team and/or department at meetings, events, and training as required.
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development or related field preferred. Other combinations of education and related experience may also be considered.
- 5 years experience in child care required, experience in Montana strongly preferred.
- 3+ years of center-based leadership experience and/or 2+ years of technical assistance experience required.
- Experience teaching or providing technical assistance in an ECE classroom/program setting required.
- Experience working with a variety of ECE programs types, including at a minimum, both family and group child care settings.
- Experience developing, implementing, and/or participating in other ways in Licensing Support plans or Quality Improvement Action Plans.
- Level 6 or above in the Montana Career Path, PPS III, and completion of all required state trainings and certifications.
- Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
- Travel required locally or long-distance up to 25% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Montana residency required.
When/Where/How Much:
When: Fall 2026
Where: Remote - Montana with 25% travel. This position will serve the following counties - Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders, Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Madison, Meagher, Park, Powell and Silver Bow
How Much: This position pays $65,000 - $67,425 annually.
Application closing date : November 13th, 2026
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
- A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families
- A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being
- Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
- Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
- Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
- Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks
If you’re ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision, apply now to join us as our next Technical Assistance Manager. Together, we’ll help every child reach their fullest potential!
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and related experience may be considered.
- At least 5 years of experience in child care.
- At least 3 years of center-based leadership experience and/or 2 years of technical assistance experience.
- Experience teaching or providing technical assistance in an early childhood education classroom or program setting.
- Experience working with various early childhood education program types, including family and group child care settings.
- Experience developing, implementing, or participating in Licensing Support Plans or Quality Improvement Action Plans.
- Montana experience.
- Montana Career Path Level 6 or above, PPS III, and completion of all required state trainings and certifications.
- Successful physical examination and background checks.
- Willingness to travel locally or long-distance up to 25% of the time.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Montana residency.
What We Do
Acelero Learning is an early childhood education provider and a division of Acelero, Inc. It operates licensed Head Start centers and partners with families to deliver high-quality preschool and early learning that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Its evidence-based, outcomes-focused approach combines data-driven tools, family engagement, and educational services to improve child and family outcomes, close achievement gaps, and support the communities it serves.
