VLS Training Specialist

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Job Title:

VLS Training Specialist

Department:

EHE | Human Sciences Administration

The College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) at The Ohio State University is looking for a Training Specialist to support the Virtual Lab School team within the Department of Human Sciences.

The Virtual Lab School (VLS) addresses a critical need for an easy to navigate online professional development and resource system that empowers professionals to build their knowledge and skills around research-based practices in child care and youth development. Supported by an extensive repository of professional development videos, research-based content, and relevant, interactive learning materials, the VLS simulates the enriching learning experiences found in university lab school settings.

Our mission is to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and practices of professionals serving children, youth, and families by delivering accessible, high-quality learning experiences grounded in research and real-world application. We value collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and diverse perspectives that enhance the quality of our work and the communities we serve.

Position Description

The VLS Training Specialist will be responsible for designing, developing, and delivering high-quality professional development training for a variety of audiences, including early childhood educators, family child care providers, coaches, program leaders, and administrators. Reporting to the Associate Director of Professional Development and Training, this role plays a critical part in ensuring that VLS training experiences reflect the latest research, evidence-based practices, and principles of adult learning. The VLS Training Specialist will be responsible for developing engaging in-person and virtual trainings on topics aligned with developmentally appropriate practice, the latest in child development research, practice-based coaching, effective leadership, and supporting adult learners. In addition, this role will contribute to the continuous improvement of the Virtual Lab School website by reviewing, updating, and creating research-informed online learning content that remains current, relevant, and accessible. Through these efforts, the VLS Training Specialist will help strengthen the professional knowledge and effectiveness of the early care and education workforce serving military-connected children and families.

Position Environment

The VLS Training Specialist reports to the Associate Director of Professional Development and Training. The position is also an active team member and works closely with the VLS Content Lead and other Content Specialists. This position will work with child, family, and youth programs serving the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is an opportunity to build and maintain a training platform to better serve teachers, trainers, and program directors working in the military child-care system. This position will work from Bevis Hall on the university’s West Campus at least 2 days per week, and most weeks may be able to work remotely 3 days to support flexibility and collaboration.

Qualifications

The selected candidate for this position will have demonstrated success in several areas, including:

• Master's degree in early childhood education, youth studies, child development, education, human development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Extensive professional experience working in early childhood education, child care, preschool, school-age and youth, or related learning environments.
• Demonstrated experience developing professional development or training content for adult learners in child and youth programs.
• Experience delivering engaging,, high-quality in-person and virtual training sessions to educators, leaders, and adult learners.
• Strong knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, national learning standards, and evidence-based practices in care and education.
• Familiarity with national and state policies, regulations, quality improvement initiatives, and standards related to care and education programs.
• Knowledge of best practices in coaching, mentoring, leadership development, and supporting continuous quality improvement.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including military personnel, project staff, local child care programs, and multimedia production teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and presentation skills with strong attention to detail.

​Desired qualifications include:

• Experience developing or maintaining online learning content within a learning management system or web-based training platform
• Experience creating accessible digital learning materials that meet universal design and accessibility standards.
• Familiarity with instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and emerging educational technologies.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense/Department of War, military child care programs, or other large-scale professional development initiatives

35% Develop and deliver engaging in-person and live virtual professional development for child and youth program professionals, family child care providers, coaches, and program leaders. Facilitate dynamic, learner-centered training sessions using effective adult learning strategies that encourage engagement, collaboration, and practical application.

20% Research current evidence-based practices and create accessible, visually engaging PowerPoint presentations and other instructional materials aligned with organizational quality improvement priorities.

15% Design webinar slide decks, facilitator guides, presentation scripts, and supporting resources that promote meaningful learning for adult audiences.

15% Review, revise, and develop online training content, learning activities, and narrative materials to ensure the Virtual Lab School reflects the latest research, national trends, and policy developments in child development and early care and education.

10%Collaborate with cross-functional teams, subject matter experts, and project partners to develop high-quality professional development resources and ensure content accuracy and consistency.

5% Other duties as relevant to support the training and content development team.

Targeted Salary

The targeted salary for this position is $51,500.00 - $67,250.00 

Additional Information:

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree in relevant field may be desirable. 4 years of relevant experience required. 4-8 years of relevant experience preferred.

Location:

Bevis Hall (0307)

Position Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.