Early Childhood Programs Family Engagement Specialist

Early Childhood Programs Family Engagement Specialist

This position is designated as Support;
Head Start/Pre-K Counts. Starting salary is $48,946 and can increase based upon educational background as it relates to the requirements in the job description.

Job Summary /Objective:
The Family Engagement Specialist position works as a part of the content area team of managers/specialists/coordinators to integrate Head Start and Pre-K Counts services for children and families. This position is responsible for family services and community partnerships and includes social services, Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA), child files, volunteers, and family engagement. The Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for oversight and development of systems to provide opportunities and support for the growth of Early Head Start, Head Start, and Pre-K Counts families.

Development of relationships with families and community partners is a primary function of this position. This position is responsible for ensuring Family and Community Partnership services are supported by staff and/or consultants with training and experience in social, human, or family services. Support Staff Core

Essential Functions:

Primary duties and responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully fulfill the requirements of a position. Program Leadership, Compliance, and Systems Management Regular attendance and reliable on-site presence. Provides leadership for the Family and Community Engagement content area in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Pre-K Counts regulations, and applicable state and federal requirements.

Establishes, implements, and evaluates procedures for Family and Community Engagement, Family and Community Partnership Work Plan Social Services, and related program operations. Develops and maintains systems for continuous monitoring, data collection, and quality improvement to ensure family needs are met and expected outcomes are achieved. Maintains current knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Pre-K Counts regulations, childcare licensing requirements, and other applicable regulations related to family engagement and social services.

Submits reports, data, and recommendations to the Director and Early Childhood Supervisors regarding family engagement, compliance, and program outcomes. Provide leadership during federal monitoring reviews, state reviews, and audits related to Family and Community Engagement and ERSEA. ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) Oversees and ensure compliance with all ERSEA activities in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards (45 CFR Part 1302 Subpart

A) and Pre-K Counts requirements. Coordinates community recruitment activities with Family Support Providers and community partners. Assists with classroom rostering to support balanced enrollment and classroom participation. Monitors attendance trends and oversees systems for documenting and following up on chronic absenteeism and attendance concerns. Ensures timely and accurate submission of enrollment reports to the Office of Head Start, OCDEL, and other required reporting agencies.

Ensure compliance with the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework. Family Partnership and Engagement Oversees family partnership services, including case management, referrals, follow-up, and family goal setting. Supports meaningful family engagement that promotes parent leadership, volunteerism, and participation in children's learning. Coordinates Parent Committee meetings, family engagement events, and parent education opportunities. Ensures families receive information and referrals to community resources based on individual strengths and needs.

Supports Family Support Providers in delivering comprehensive family services and maintaining accurate documentation. Participates in home visits, family conferences, IEP/IFSP meetings, and other meetings as needed. Monitors family engagement outcomes and uses data to support continuous program improvement. Ensures family engagement services are implemented in accordance with the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework and applicable Head Start Performance Standards.

Community Partnerships and Collaboration Develops, maintains, and strengthens collaborative relationships with community agencies, service providers, school districts, and other organizations that support children and families. Represents the program on community committees, coalitions, and collaborative networks. Identifies emerging community resources and opportunities that strengthen services available to enrolled families. Staff Leadership, Coaching, and Professional Development Provides leadership, guidance, and support to Family Support Providers and other staff responsible for family engagement services.

Identifies professional…