Early Childhood Program Specialist

The Early Childhood Program Specialist will play a dual role by providing direct services to children and families enrolled in preschool and Head Start programs, while also supporting contracted sites through training, technical assistance, and program monitoring. This position ensures the delivery of essential family support, health, and mental health services to enrolled children, while also assisting the contracted director with compliance, implementation, and tracking of Head Start and Preschool Promise services at contracted sites.

Key Responsibilities:

Family, Health, and Mental Health Direct Service Support:

• Recruit children and families for preschool services, focusing on those with documented disabilities and special needs.
• Ensure that high-risk families are referred to appropriate services and that necessary education and support are provided.
• Manage enrollment to ensure full capacity at assigned centers, tracking applications, eligibility, and referrals.

• Conduct home visits to complete Family Partnership Agreements and provide follow-up on family goals.
• Maintain and update an efficient referral system to ensure that families are connected with necessary social services and community resources.
• Regularly follow up with families to ensure services are being accessed and goals are met.

• Conduct vision and hearing screenings, including re-screenings for children who do not pass initial assessments.
• Coordinate with classroom staff to ensure appropriate referrals to health specialists for children who need further evaluation.
• Support families in establishing relationships with health and dental providers, ensuring that screenings, follow-ups, and required immunizations are completed.
• Conduct nutrition assessments, discuss WIC/nutrition goals with families, and follow up to ensure proper referrals and services.

• Collaborate with mental health professionals to identify children in need of support and facilitate referrals.
• Work with teachers, parents, and community partners to ensure children’s social and emotional well-being in the classroom.

• Collaborate with teachers to prepare for and participate in comprehensive parent-staff conferences held twice a year.
• Complete relevant sections of the Comprehensive Parent Staff Conference forms and provide follow-up as needed.

Training & Technical Assistance Support to Contracted Sites:

• Assist the contracted director in developing and providing training to staff on family engagement, health services, mental health services, and program compliance.
• Offer ongoing technical assistance to staff at contracted sites to ensure the successful implementation of program strategies and goals.

• Monitor and track the progress of contracted sites in implementing Head Start and Preschool Promise services.
• Complete monthly monitoring reports, documenting contractor performance, program compliance, and service delivery.
• Identify areas for improvement and provide actionable feedback to ensure continuous program development.

• Support the contracted director in ensuring that Head Start and Preschool Promise standards are met at all contracted sites.
• Maintain accurate records on program activities, service delivery, and health and family referrals.
• Assist with preparing reports for stakeholders, funders, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and timely submission.

• Build and sustain strong relationships with community agencies, partners, and resources that support families and children.
• Collaborate with the contracted director to resolve program challenges, improve service delivery, and enhance outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications:

• Education :
  • Minimum of an Associate’s Degree (AA) in Social Work, Psychology, Early Childhood Education, or a related field, and be willing to complete a credential or certification in social work (in-house training provided). Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience :
  • At least 2 years of experience in early childhood education, social services, or family support services.
  • Experience working with children with disabilities or special needs. (Preferred)
  • Experience in providing training or technical assistance to staff or contractors. (Preferred)
  • Head Start experience (preferred)
  • Community service experience (preferred)
• Skills :
  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse families, children, and community partners.
  • Knowledge of Head Start, Preschool Promise, and early childhood education programs.
  • Ability to track progress, analyze data, and provide constructive feedback.
• Experience and willingness to provide services to culturally diverse communities/families. Demonstrates a commitment to working well with parents, children, and staff of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to relate tactfully, confidently, sensitively, and non‐judgmentally with parents, staff, and community partners.
• Head Start experience (preferred)
• Community service experience (preferred)
• Multi‐cultural experience (preferred)
• Ability to drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements.
• Certifications :

• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• General:
  • Ability to drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements.

• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as assigned.
• Demonstrate familiarity with employment policies, performance standards, work plan and objectives of agency.
• Maintain congenial and respectful relations with staff, children, families, and community.
• Keep current and accurate records and file reports on time.
• Maintain confidentiality in regard to staff and family information.
• Maintain objectives and professional standards.
• Improve self-skills and education.
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
• Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services.
• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner.
• Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties.
• And or any other duties deemed necessary by your supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Sit for long periods of time with daily use of computer screen.
• Do tasks involving repetitive arm and hand movements, such as heavy word processing/keyboarding, using various office tools to collate, punch, cut, or stamp paper and other repetitive or high-volume tasks such as bulk mailings, filing projects, etc.
• Occasional filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending as necessary.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment/Conditions :

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people.

Safety:

Apply safe practices in the performance of duties.

• Reporting of unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury immediately
• Complying with Agency safety standards
• Participate in emergency drills.
• Promote a culture of safe environments in the workplace.

• Current enrollment in the Childcare Division’s Central Background Registry
• Current physical examination, drug screen, and TB screen documentation prior to hire

• Ability to drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements. A DMV Record check will be conducted prior to hire.
• Desire to work with low-income children and their families.
• Communicate effectively with staff, families, children, and the public using the telephone and in face-to- face, one-to-one, and in group settings.
Fluent in English both verbally and written.