Family Advocate

Bright Stars helps families in Rhode Island access quality child care, early learning, and school-age programs. We help child care providers learn about best practices in early learning and apply them to the care children receive. We recognize program quality and give parents information to make choices about their children’s care and education.

Program Name: Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association, Inc.

Program Address: 204 Warwick Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895

Position Summary: The Family Advocate supports families in improving their overall quality of life by building collaborative relationships, promoting family engagement, and connecting families to community resources. This role integrates classroom and home-based strategies to strengthen family involvement in their child’s development. In addition to case management responsibilities, the Family Advocate provides classroom coverage as needed and helps families prepare for a smooth transition to kindergarten.

Family Advocates recognize parents as their child’s first and most influential teacher and empower families to become strong advocates for their children.

• Provide case management to ensure children are up to date on physicals, dental exams, immunizations, and any needed follow-up care.
• Support smooth transitions into and out of the program, including to kindergarten.
• Use a strength-based approach and the Family Outcomes Framework to assess family needs, set individualized goals, and track progress.
• Conduct a minimum of three home visits per year for families on your Head Start caseload.
• Initiate and follow up on referrals to community services; respond promptly to family or child crises.
• Plan and facilitate monthly parent meetings; encourage and support family participation in all program activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with community agencies and service providers.
• Monitor and support attendance for enrolled children, especially those with chronic absenteeism.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and confidential records for each family, including interactions, referrals, and emergency contact updates.
• Participate in quarterly case conferences with teaching teams to support the overall well‑being and progress of each child.
• Provide classroom coverage as needed to maintain a safe, nurturing environment for children.

• Participate in recruitment, enrollment, eligibility determination, and attendance tracking (ERSEA).
• Enter and track data in the program database; prepare monthly reports and provide additional data as requested.
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain responsibility for the supervision and safety of all children.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
• Experience working with low‑income and/or high‑needs families.
• Valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle.