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 Requirement or Individual Occupational Requirement:

• 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, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled.
• OR combination of education and experience -- Courses equivalent to a major in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or an equivalent field of study, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study in a child-related field.
• For Child Development Center Director, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in childhood education, child development, social work, nursing, or other child-related field AND experience working with the age groups in the program is required. If the director does not have a BA degree in those areas, the director must have an AA degree and must be working toward the completion of a BA degree.

For consideration at the GS-11 level:

• At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples include managing the operation of a childcare center; selecting, training, and supervising childcare and preschool employees; developing and implementing child development programs; working with individuals and groups to solve complex problems related to the care and education of children.
• OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
• OR combination of experience and education.

For consideration at the GS-12 level:

• At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples include managing a large, complex child development program offering a wide range of services in a variety of settings.

Federal Time-in-Grade (TIG) Requirement: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements. One year at the GS-09 level is required for GS-11; one year at the GS-09 level is required for GS-12.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Professional knowledge of child development theory, methodology, and practices relating to physical, intellectual, social and special education needs and center management.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations governing childcare.
• Knowledge of financial, budget, resource management practices and principles, and analytical and evaluative methods and techniques.
• Skill in educating, counseling and advising childcare providers and parents; assessing training and children's developmental needs.
• Skill in effectively organizing and utilizing community resources.
• Ability to analyze, plan and adjust work operations to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.