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Corporate Office -
Curriculum and Instruction Senior Specialist
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Full-Time

Job Description

The Curriculum and Instruction Senior Specialist leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of New Horizon Academy’s curriculum and instructional practices across all programs. This full-time, on-site role oversees curriculum selection, documentation, assessment strategy, and professional development, ensuring alignment with accreditation, QRIS, and multistate regulatory requirements. The position serves as the primary point of contact for curriculum guidance, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and supports District Curriculum Coordinators. The Curriculum and Instruction Senior Specialist also contributes to strategic planning, leads training initiatives, and provides on-site support to multistate markets as needed.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

 

Curriculum Development & Oversight

  • Support the review and recommendation of all curriculum materials and resources
  • Serve as a Qualified Course Writer through Develop and ensure all courses required for accreditation and QRIS meet the requirements.  Support multistate DCCs to get coursework approved for multistate markets.
  • Develop and maintain curriculum documentation, guides, and resource libraries for staff use
  • Create checklists and resources including an NHA Style Guide and a repository on WeConnect that is accessible to all staff that align and reinforce NHA Education Expectations
  • Lead the creation and training of all summer program curriculum initiatives including Camp K

Assessment & Data Strategy

  • Support education dashboard, data review, and assessment strategy
  • Facilitate curriculum audits and gap analyses to identify areas for enhancement or revision
  • Assist in monitoring curriculum implementation across multistate, districts and schools to ensure fidelity and effectiveness

 Professional Development & Training

  • Manage curriculum orientation and training for new staff
  • Contribute to the development of the Professional Development Plan that includes specific tracks of training for all programs (infants, toddlers, preschool, PreK and school age) for all markets
  • Facilitate training initiatives related to instructional best practices, curriculum updates, and assessment literacy

 

 Collaboration & Leadership

  • Serve as a key resource for curriculum-related decisions at the home office level for all DCCS and school-based curriculum coordinators
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Operations, Licensing, Mental Health, Conscious Discipline) to ensure curriculum alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards
  • Provide coaching and guidance to District Curriculum Coordinators to build instructional leadership capacity

Strategic Planning

  • Stay current on early childhood education trends, research, and regulatory changes to inform curriculum decisions
  • Support strategic planning for curriculum innovation, pilot programs, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Represent the education department in accreditation reviews, audits, and external partnerships related to curriculum and instruction

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must have a BS/BA degree in Education or a related field.
  • Ability to travel locally and to out-of-state markets as needed, averaging once per month with periods of increased travel based on organizational initiatives.
  • Experience applying strategies in a coaching or consultation capacity.
  • Knowledge of early childhood profession is desirable, including a minimum of 5 years’ experience working with curriculum and instructional implementation.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in a caring and compassionate manner.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work inclusively with a diverse population.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present training for adult learners.
  • Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and capacity to be a self-starter.
  • Must demonstrate the following qualities: creativity, dependability, professional ethics and able to make sound decisions. 

We offer a suite of industry-leading benefits, including:

  • Annual Salary: base salary starts at $70,000 annually
  • Yearly Bonus: Up to $1,000 per year, paid out quarterly based on company performance
  • Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
  • 401(K) plan with company match.
  • Paid time off.
  • Ongoing professional development.
  • Generous childcare discounts at any New Horizon Academy locations across the U.S.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, New Horizon Academy reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary or desired. E.O.E.

Welcome to the New Horizon Academy Corporate Office!

New Horizon Academy, a Minnesota family-owned and operated childcare company, has been serving young children since 1971. Our founder, Sue Dunkley, began her career as an elementary school teacher. Sue knew she needed to provide a nurturing place for children to go before they ventured out into the big world, a place that would help them believe in themselves. Today, Chad Dunkley, Sue’s son and one of New Horizon Academy’s first students, is our Chief Executive Officer. Because of our continuing love, belief, and dedication to children, we have flourished and become one of the nation’s most successful and respected providers of childcare and early education. As New Horizon Academy continues to grow and serve more families each year, we will always have family roots, a warm atmosphere, an open door, and a commitment to excellence.

Awards and Accolades

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Employee Testimonials
http://Jessi%20Grittner,%20Senior%20Conscious%20Discipline%20Specialist%20at%20New%20Horizon%20Academy

“It’s a great opportunity for people who are creative and love to be lifelong learners.”

Jessi G., Senior Conscious Discipline Specialist
http://Emilia%20Smith,%20Teacher%20at%20New%20Horizon%20Academy

“I’ve built so many relationships with families and children at New Horizon Academy.”

Emilia S., Teacher
http://Kami%20Thompson,%20District%20Manager%20at%20New%20Horizon%20Academy

“All decisions are made to benefit the children, employees, or parents.”

Kami T., District Manager
http://Tracey%20Douthard,%20Director%20at%20New%20Horizon%20Academy

“New Horizon Academy pays for your education!”

Tracey D., Assistant Director

We absolutely love New Horizon Academy! The teachers, directors, and staff are not only incredibly caring and attentive, but also genuinely invested in our daughter’s development. With the great communication technology they provide, we don’t feel like we’re missing out on what our daughter is learning and experiencing each day. We feel completely at ease knowing our daughter is in such a safe, nurturing environment. Our family wholeheartedly recommends this daycare to any parent looking for a reliable and supportive center!

— Ally M., Parent at New Horizon Academy, West Des Moines, Iowa

New Horizon Academy has been amazing for our family! Our son started when he was 2, and he absolutely loves going to school every day. The teachers are so supportive and genuinely care about the kids, which makes such a difference. It’s comforting to know he’s in a place where he feels happy and safe. We’re so grateful for everything they do!

— Pei H., Parent at New Horizon Academy, Plymouth, Minnesota

We’ve had such a great experience at New Horizon Academy. My children’s teachers have been absolutely amazing, and it’s so clear they truly care about the kids. My boys are learning so much and always come home talking about the fun activities they did during the day. I also really appreciate how consistent the communication is. The teachers do a great job keeping us updated throughout the day, which gives us so much peace of mind.

— Amanda J., Parent at New Horizon Academy, Olathe, Kansas

We are absolutely thrilled with our experience at New Horizon Academy! As parents, it’s essential for us to find a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for our son, and this exceptional daycare has exceeded our expectations in every way.

— Melissa K., Parent at New Horizon Academy, Broomfield, Colorado

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