Sabrina D. Ersland
Washougal,WA
Summary
Strategic public-sector and early learning leader with expertise in state and federal compliance, policy implementation, workforce systems, and complex operations. Proven ability to analyze regulatory gaps, design solutions, and lead high-stakes initiatives through cross-agency collaboration. Well suited for Executive Director, Early Learning & Engagement role requiring independent judgment and systems thinking.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education & Facility Development Coordinator
Albina Head Start / Early Head Start
01.2023 - Current
- Lead multi-site licensing, compliance, and facility operations, developing corrective action strategies that achieved sustained compliance for two federal Head Start deficiencies.
- Lead and coordinate major funding, expansion, and capital initiatives, including federal Head Start re-competition, OPK expansion, Portland Children’s Levy grants, site development, renovations, and classroom moves.
- Develop and lead workforce qualification strategies, including a six-week on-boarding plan supporting Oregon Registry Step 7 attainment and compliance.
- Represent the organization in state-level policy and systems forums and partner with executive leadership and HR to advance cross-departmental and organizational priorities.
- Developed and maintained partnerships with community organizations to enhance service delivery.
- Coordinate program activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations and organizational standards.
- Implement training sessions for staff, improving knowledge of early childhood development practices.
Education, Training & Development Coordinator
Albina Head Start / Early Head Start
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Supervised education staff and supported program expansion initiatives.
- Led agency-wide training and professional development aligned with regulatory and workforce standards.
- Managed education, compliance, and reporting systems and represented the organization at state, county, and national forums.
- Collaborated with department leaders to identify training needs and develop tailored solutions.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through feedback and assessments to drive continuous improvement.
- Provided coaching and mentorship to staff, fostering professional development opportunities.
Human Resources Coordinator Assistant
Albina Head Start / Early Head Start
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Maintained compliance and licensing documentation across PeopleTrak, ChildPlus, and state systems.
- Tracked staff qualifications and supported classroom licensing submissions and audits.
- Maintained human resources information system and kept employee files up to date and accurate.
- Supported HR functions with emphasis on record keeping, data entry, and general HR tasks.
- Reviewed human resources paperwork for accuracy and completeness.
Early Head Start Home Visitor
Albina Head Start
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Conducted home visits, maintained ChildPlus documentation, and built trusted family partnerships to support child and family outcomes.
- Monitored progress of children's development, ensuring adherence to program standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address challenges faced by families.
- Improved parent-child relationships through modeling positive interactions and promoting attachment.
Education
M.S. - Early Childhood Education
Portland State University
Portland, OR01.2017
B.A. - Sociology
Portland State University
Portland, OR01.2015
A.S. - Science
Portland Community College
Portland, OR01.2012
Skills
- Policy Analysis & Implementation
- Executive Project Leadership
- Cross-Agency Coordination
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Statewide Initiative Support
- Equity-Centered & Trauma-Informed Systems
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Public Funding & Grant Development
- Data-Informed Decision Support
- Change Management
- Relationship building and management
- Nonprofit experience
- Team collaboration
Certification
- Nike StartingBlock Head Start Management Training
- UCLA Head Start Head Start Management Fellows Program Certificate
- Oregon Registry Step 11
- CPR/First Aid Instructor Trainer
- Food Handler Certification
- Child Care Licensing Central Background Registry
STATE & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
- Oregon Center for Career Development Accountability Member
- Growing Master Trainers, Oregon Center for Career Development
- SPARK/QRIS Accountability Team
- Governor’s Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights
- Oregon QRIS Implementation & Revision Committees
- Multnomah County Preschool for All (Technical Advisory, Workforce, Policy committees)
- Albina Head Start Parent Policy Council (Member & State Rep)
Timeline
Education & Facility Development Coordinator
Albina Head Start / Early Head Start
01.2023 - Current
Education, Training & Development Coordinator
Albina Head Start / Early Head Start
01.2017 - 01.2023
Human Resources Coordinator Assistant
Albina Head Start / Early Head Start
01.2016 - 01.2017
Early Head Start Home Visitor
Albina Head Start
01.2015 - 01.2016
M.S. - Early Childhood Education
Portland State University
B.A. - Sociology
Portland State University
A.S. - Science
Portland Community College