In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions.

Basic Requirements

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included or was supplemented by major study in child development or early childhood education.

OR

• Courses equivalent to a major in child development or early childhood education, plus appropriate experience or additional coursework that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study.

Specialized Experience

• At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07 or equivalent, such as knowledge of early childhood or youth education principles, concepts, and techniques to develop, interpret, monitor, and evaluate curriculum and age-appropriate activities; knowledge of adult learning techniques and strategies and experience training adult learners.

OR

• Two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

OR

• A combination of progressively higher-level graduate education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Professional knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of early childhood development and youth development encompassing infant through school-age, youth and teens.
• Knowledge of childcare regulation requirements and policies.
• Skill in developing curricula that supports physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of children and youth.
• Skill in developing supports that accommodate children with special needs and children with challenging behaviors.
• Skill in developing, adapting, and providing training to staff members, volunteers, family child care providers, parents, food service, and administrative staff.
• Skill in the administration and interpretation of environmental, program, and child abuse probability assessments.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.

Federal Time-in-Grade Requirement

• For GS-09 level: one year at GS-07 required. Applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements.