The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Special Education and Early Learning, Division of IDEA Implementation and Preschool, School Readiness Branch has an opening for an Education Program Manager in Frankfort.
The Kentucky Department of Education is a service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and part of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky's public schools and districts as they implement the state's P-12 education requirements. The department also serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities.
The department is led by an appointed commissioner of education, who is hired by and answers to the 11-member Kentucky Board of Education. Offices are administered by associate commissioners and divisions within those offices are administered by division directors.
The department employs approximately 425 Frankfort-based workers; 175 employees in support of the Kentucky School for the Blind (Jefferson County) and Kentucky School for the Deaf (Boyle County); and about 518 employees at the 50 Area Technology Centers across the state.
OUR MISSION
To partner with districts, schools, families, students, business, industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.
OUR CORE VALUES
- Equity
- Achievement
- Collaboration
- Integrity
The department's major activities include:
- Administering the statewide assessment and accountability system;
- Providing technical assistance to schools and districts in the areas of finance, management and curriculum;
- Providing support and information to the Kentucky Board of Education as it promulgates state education regulations;
- Overseeing the state education technology system; and
- Monitoring school and district compliance with state and federal laws.
- Providing instructional services to students at Kentucky School for the Blind, Kentucky School for the Deaf, and the Area Technology Centers.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Supervise professional staff providing consultative services and technical assistance to local school district personnel and other state and private educational agencies in the development, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of educational programs.
Provide consultative services, technical assistance, strategic leadership, and direction to local education agencies in planning, development, and implementation of high-quality curriculum initiatives focused on the preschool education program.
Provide supervision and strategic leadership to professional staff within the branch, including budgetary expenditures, review financial status, and approve purchase orders. Authorize leave requests and timesheets, manage workload distribution, and assign staff duties to ensure operational efficiency.
Collaborate with educational partners, regional consultants, task forces, advisor committees to support early childhood initiatives. Manage and coordinate the activities of various committees that work in alignment with the goals and priorities of the School Readiness branch.
Plan, develop, and monitor the implementation of new instructional materials and methodologies in alignment with the department rules, regulations, and policies. Communicate relevant updates and guidance to staff and local school districts to support the effective implementation and maintaining preschool education programs.
Serve as a liaison between KDE and community partners. Represent the branch in meetings, deliver presentations, and actively participate in various KDE project teams and work groups at the direction of the director. Collaborate on special projects and with external agencies to promote quality initiatives in early childhood education.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits and Perks:
· Comprehensive health insurance (effective first day of employment)
· Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
· Optional Insurance (Dental/Vision)
· Life Insurance
· Retirement savings.
· Paid Leave (annual, sick, compensatory, jury, voting, election, blood donation, living organ, educational, military)
· Paid holidays (12.5 days per year, 13.5 days in a Presidential Election year)
· Deferred Compensation/Free Financial Planning Program
· Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.
· A collaborative and innovative work environment.
· Flexible Work Schedules
· Employee Resource Groups
· Employee Recognition
· Employee Wellness Programs
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduate of a college or university with a master's degree in education or a related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:
Six years of professional experience in education, career and technical education, or a related field.
SUBSTITUTION:
EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
None.
EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:
Current Rank II or Rank I certification by the Department of Education or Education Professional Standards Board will substitute for the required educational requirement. Additional professional experience in the field of education will substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):
None.
Pay Grade: 17
Gross Monthly Salary Range: $4,792.46 - $6,254.30
Position Number: 30025078
Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check.
Applicants currently under contract with a local school district are required to provide a written release from their superintendent prior to an offer of employment is given.
In accordance with KRS 161.220 the applicant selected for this position will become a member of the Teachers' Retirement System.
For further information concerning the application process, go to the following link: Personnel Cabinet
Inquiries about this position should be directed to: Kanaka Aspari, Division of Resource Management, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601; Fax: 502-564-6771. Email: kanaka.aspari@education.ky.gov
The closing date to apply for this position is July 9, 2026.
The agency may authorize the selected applicant to telecommute on a hybrid schedule. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. Telework will not be permitted outside the state of Kentucky.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. KDE will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that KDE has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at
1-888-897-7781 or E-Verify website
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D