Program Assistant

Program Assistant

The Program Assistant plays an essential role in creating a welcoming, organized, and family-friendly environment where children and caregivers feel valued, supported, and connected. Serving as one of the first points of contact for families, the Program Assistant helps ensure that interactions reflect the Fairfield First 5 Center's commitment to warmth, inclusion, and meaningful, relationship-centered engagement.

This position balances family support with administrative coordination and operational functions. Working closely with the Program Administrator and Center team, the Program Assistant helps ensure programs run smoothly by welcoming families, coordinating participant registration, supporting classes and events, maintaining data systems, and helping prepare the Center for daily programming.

The Program Assistant also contributes directly to children's and families' experiences by supporting play-based activities, providing ChildWatch during parent education classes, facilitating designated programming after training, and helping connect families with Center services and community resources. Through relationship-building, and collaborative teamwork, the Program Assistant helps strengthen family engagement and foster a welcoming community where families can thrive.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field preferred
• Experience working with young children and families in an educational, community-based, customer service, or family-serving setting
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (spoken and written) required
• Experience providing administrative or program support in a professional setting

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills
• Ability to communicate warmly and professionally with children, caregivers, colleagues, and community partners
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with direct family engagement
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Willingness to learn new systems, curricula, and family support practices

Roles & Responsibilities

Family Engagement & Customer Service

• Welcome and support new and returning families, creating a warm and positive first impression
• Conduct Center tours, assist with participant registration, and help families access appropriate programs and services
• Provide interpretation and translation for Spanish-speaking families, staff, and community partners
• Build relationships that encourage ongoing family participation and engagement

Program & Administrative Support

• Partner with the Program Administrator to support daily Center operations
• Answer phones, complete clerical tasks, maintain records, and support participant data entry
• Help prepare classrooms and program spaces for daily activities
• Assist with marketing materials, communications, and program logistics
• Support overall Center operations and shared team responsibilities

Program Support & Child Engagement

• Coordinate and facilitate designated open play experiences and children's activities
• Provide ChildWatch during adult-only parent education programming
• Receive training to facilitate designated parent-child programming
• Support families during Center events, workshops, and community activities

Outreach, Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordination

• Participate in outreach activities that increase awareness of Center services
• Coordinate and support Parent Volunteers participating in Center programming
• Assist with special events and community engagement activities
• Build positive relationships with community partners and visitors

Professional Development & Family Support

• Receive training and conduct Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) developmental screenings
• Obtain Community Health Worker (CHW) certification in alignment with CalAIM requirements
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to family engagement, child development, and…