Family Educator

This Family Educator position is full time, 8 hours a day, 12 months per year. Rate of pay is $3426 monthly. Eligible for benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance and retirement plan (retirement plan eligibility is after 13 months of employment)). Must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English. Candidates must submit transcript with application. Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Under the direction of the Home-based Coordinator, (direct supervision may be assigned according to program needs,) the Family Educator is responsible for providing Head Start services to children, primarily through home visits and group socializations. They provide services through intensive work with the child’s parents, as they are the primary teachers of the child’s growth and development. The Family Educator will integrate the Head Start components and carry out the objectives and philosophy of the program, while working closely with the staff, families, community and in following federal regulations and program objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

MAJOR DUTIES/FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve 10-12 families, with additional siblings as applicable.
• Work with families and children primarily in their home on a scheduled weekly basis for at least 90 minutes minimum, at times that are convenient for the family.
• Home Visits will cover components of Head Start Performance Standards and goals of the child. Jointly plan with parents to individualize child school readiness goals and implement IFSP/IEP goals where applicable. Fully integrate children with disabilities into all Home-based activities.
• Plan with parents to provide two group socializations per month or as required by performance standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of family records and information.
• Make decisions based on child development best practices.
• Will be accompanied by the Home Based Manager on home visits, as well as resource staff, when necessary.
• Participate in all appropriate training and meetings.
• Promote good public relations between Head Start, community agencies, school districts, and within the general public.
• Maintain records as required by program Performance Standards. Meet all paperwork deadlines.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate group socializations. Preparation for groups includes lesson plan development and evaluation, gathering supplies and toys, coordinating with school cafeterias for meals or snacks, and/or food shopping, preparation and cleanup.
• Maintain caseload and waitlist by recruitment efforts year-round.
• Help identify children with developmental delays and refer them as appropriate. Assist Family Advocates, as needed.
• Serve enrolled pregnant women, ensuring they receive full services.
• Other duties as assigned.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

• Support parents in their role as the primary teacher through guidance and suggestions that fosters their child’s development and goals.
• Encourage parents to communicate positively with their children and provide verbal and nonverbal means of communication.
• Promote physical and emotional security and positive parent/child interaction.
• Include the male role model in home visits and socializations when possible. Insure that all information is shared with the male figure and that he is included in planning activities for home visits and socializations.
• Teach parents developmentally appropriate activities and practices.
• Encourage and promote families to be self-sufficient.
• Encourage parents to attend group socializations.

EDUCATION

• Inform parents about early childhood learning for school readiness. Implement agency curriculum with fidelity.
• Assist parents in using household resources for educational activities that support the concept that home is a learning environment.
• Promote use of space and home routines for constructing a secure, enjoyable learning environment.
• Provide information to parents using the parent and child curriculums that support parenting and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Provide ongoing assessment of the enrolled child, encourage parents to follow through with focused play activity throughout the week. Set child goals and track outcomes.
• Encourage parent participation in curriculum development.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• As prescribed in the Head Start Performance Standards 1302.91 (6)(i) have a minimum of a home-based CDA credential or comparable credential, or equivalent coursework as part of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

• Knowledge and experience in early child development/early childhood education, child health, safety and nutrition; adult learning and family dynamics.
• Bilingual Spanish/English speaking preferred. In some service areas, bilingual English/Spanish speaking is required.
• Previous experience providing direct services to low-income families.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, verify car insurance coverage, and be willing to travel throughout the program’s service area.
• Able to become CPR (adult, child, and infant) and First Aid certified, TB tested, and obtain a Food Handler’s permit.
• Able to work from your home and car and have available storage space in your home for resources. Able to participate in activities on the floor with children and parents.
• Experience working with families, community agencies, and school districts.
• Maintain confidentiality, possess strong ethics, people skills, self-motivated, organized, and able to respond professionally in crisis situations.
• Able to pass security background check.
• Able to work variable hours.