Child Family Specialist

Summary

Prenatal and Early Learning Services’ program is a funded program through the Office of Head Start. Services are provided to expectant families as early as possible beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, services are extended through the Early Head Start home‑based program model for children birth to three years. The Child Family Specialist (CFS) provides weekly home‑based education and support to families with children from 0‑3 years and expectant mothers.

Services promote healthy development, school readiness, and strong family relationships in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards. While promoting the role of the parent as the child’s first and primary teacher, the CFS supports the children’s early learning and development. The Child Family Specialist (CFE) also provides comprehensive services of nutrition health, disabilities/wells, and family engagement strategies that are designed to foster parental/parenting confidence and skills in promoting children’s learning and development.

Support weekly outreach and follow ERSEA procedures to enroll eligible families.

Serve up to 12 families each year.

Weekly 90‑minute visits for families with children 0–3. Bi‑weekly visits for prenatal moms; weekly if high‑risk or in the 3rd trimester.

Help families secure and maintain medical/dental insurance and providers. Ensure prenatal and newborn care is accessed, including the 2‑week well‑baby check. Support families in meeting Texas Health Steps (THSteps) requirements.

Promote positive parenting and healthy child development. Provide prenatal and child development education. Plan peer‑to‑peer and parent/child activities using the PIWI model. Offer 10 prenatal and 22 early childhood group socializations per year.

Develop and monitor Family Needs Assessment and Family Partnership Goals. Provide resources and referrals to help families meet personal, educational, and economic goals. Create a safe, respectful environment for sharing and support.

Assess child development three times yearly using Teaching Strategies GOLD. Build individual child portfolios and observe parent‑child interaction using PICCOLO. Complete Home Safety Checklist per schedule.

Meet 30‑, 45‑, and 90‑day timelines for all new enrollments (health and developmental screenings).

Partner with Health and Family Engagement teams. Help plan monthly Parent Committee Meetings. Identify parents to participate on Policy Council.

Enter accurate data into all assigned systems (home visits, mileage, in‑kind, timecards, etc.).

Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and maintain 15+ hours of annual professional development. Maintain certifications (CPR/First Aid, PAT, Vision/Hearing, Food Handler, etc.). Participate in Construct Coaching.

Stay updated on local community resources and best practices. Accept and facilitate referrals to/from Early Head Start.

Support agency‑wide events, assessments, and team initiatives as assigned.

• Home Visitor Child Development Associate (CDA). Associate’s degree in early childhood education preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience in social services, and or family engagement.
• 1-2 years’ experience in an early learning setting (knowledge of child development and prenatal care).
• Computer proficiency required.
• Ability to communicate and relate to many diverse families of limited income.
• Maintain access to reliable, insured transportation to travel to assigned locations and complete work responsibilities.
• Must meet all health and safety requirements, including:
• Passing a pre‑employment and/or periodic physical exam
• Annual TB screening
• Background check and renewals as required

Child Care Associates helps everyone succeed with high‑quality early learning and child care. We give each child great learning tools, help their families pay for school, and train early learning teachers. Our whole‑child approach focuses not only on education but also health, nutrition, and family support. This makes sure every child who participates in our programs is on a path to a successful future.

Child Care Associates continues to support the success of children and families across the community by investing in teachers, quality child care, and better state systems.