Compliance Specialist (Head Start/Early Head Start)

EPIC Early Learning is looking for a diligent and detail-oriented Compliance Specialist to join our team. EPIC is a reputable private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education services to children and families in Central Washington. As a Compliance Specialist, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that all programs and services meet regulatory requirements and uphold the organization's standards of excellence.

The Compliance Specialist at EPIC is responsible for ensuring that all Head Start and Early Head Start operations remain in full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), the Head Start Act, USDA and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This role is critical in supporting EPIC’s mission to provide high-quality, inclusive early learning services by coordinating compliance efforts, leading the annual self-assessment process, collecting and analyzing program data, and monitoring internal systems. The Compliance Specialist works closely with cross-functional teams to identify trends, support continuous quality improvement, and ensure that EPIC remains a high-performing, community-driven organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that EPIC’s Head Start program is operating at a high level of quality at all times so that children’s welfare, safety and school readiness are of primary focus.
• Assist in the preparation and timely submission of compliance-related reports, including PIR (Program Information Report), self-assessment summaries, and grant renewal documentation.
• Maintain Internal Monitoring Calendar: Develop and maintain an annual monitoring calendar to ensure systematic review of all program components, including health, safety, education, family engagement, and fiscal compliance.
• Monitor compliance with Head Start and Early Head Start federal and state regulations, including HSPPS, ECEAP standards, and agency-specific policies and procedures.
• Organize and lead the agency’s annual self-assessment process, ensuring full participation and meaningful analysis.
• Collect, compile, and analyze programmatic data to identify trends, strengths, and areas needing improvement.
• Track, document, and analyze incidents (such as licensing violations, child injuries, or compliance concerns) to identify systemic issues and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure that all monitoring and compliance activities are conducted with a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity in line with EPIC’s core values.
• Coordinate ongoing monitoring systems across service areas to track compliance and support continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Assist in preparing for federal reviews (e.g., Focus Area Two Monitoring), state site visits, and audits by ensuring all required documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Collaborate with leadership and management teams to develop and implement corrective action plans and track follow-up.
• Train and support EPIC staff on compliance-related requirements and promote understanding of regulatory expectations.
• Collaborate with program leaders to review and revise agency policies and procedures to ensure alignment with changing regulations or findings from monitoring efforts.
• Use compliance and monitoring data to support program improvement discussions, strategic planning, and Board or Policy Council presentations.
• Maintain organized records and documentation to support program accountability and grant compliance.
• Participate in strategic planning, community assessments, and other agency-wide initiatives as needed.
• Actively participate in agency meetings such as Management team, content meetings, and Policy Council. Serve on other applicable community committees, boards, etc. as approved by supervisor, representing EPIC at the local, state and national level. 
• Be committed to characterizing a culture of safety within our centers, playgrounds, buses and anywhere that children may be present. Be familiar with and encourage EPIC’s culture of “Speak up, Speak out".
• Complete additional tasks and projects that are assigned by the CEO.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, or related field.
• Familiarity with nonprofit grant compliance and federal review processes.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Experience with low-income families preferred.
• Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to use a personal computer and common word processing software.
• Willingness and ability to travel alone to all of EPIC's sites and to conferences and meetings outside of EPIC's service area.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License, own transportation and required auto insurance.

Pay Level: $83,200 to $93,600 Salary, Exempt

Position Closes: August 4th, 2025

Benefits

·         Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans

·         Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)

·         Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)

·         11 Paid Holidays

·         Employee Assistance Program

·         Basic Life Insurance

·         403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)

·         As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.