Family Support Specialist

Position Details

Position Type: YCS - Perry Early Learning Center/ Family Support Specialist
Date Posted: 1/13/2026
Location: Perry Early Learning Center
District: Ypsilanti Community Schools

The Head Start Family Support Specialist, under general supervision, provides consistent and multi‑faceted support to the children and families being served through the Head Start program. This position works with families to develop and achieve Family Partnership Goals, often serving as a resource in this process. The Head Start Family Support Specialist provides families with a front line contact to address any issues or concerns that may arise relating to the education of an enrolled child.

This position is heavily rooted in social services and requires detailed knowledge of community resources available to those being served in Head Start.

• Assists in ensuring maximum enrollment for the Head Start program and the creation and maintenance of a waitlist by actively recruiting families within the community.
• Assists families throughout the enrollment process (completing paperwork, obtaining documents, scheduling needed physical and dental exams among other possibilities), in some cases meeting with families off site or in their homes to complete their application packet.
• Works with families, on an individual basis, to encourage, motivate and assist them in improving the conditions and quality of life.
• Assists families in developing ways to break down barriers keeping them from becoming active and engaged members of their community.
• Assists families in carrying out health and social service recommendations or referrals, in some cases attending appointments with families.
• Maintains an accurate, up to date family service record on each assigned Head Start child.
• Serves as a liaison between the Head Start family and Head Start Center the child is attending.
• Promotes and assists in providing parent engagement in all facets of the Head Start Program.
• Facilitates home visits as needed.
• Provides social‑emotional and behavioral support to children within the classroom.
• Participates in the transition process for children exiting the Head Start program and entering the K‑12 school district.
• Provides training for volunteers, and at times, Policy Council and/or Parent Committee members.
• Attends meetings and completes all required training.
• Serves on various committees, task forces or other countywide work groups, as directed.
• Performs such other tasks as may from time to time be assigned by the supervisor.
• Regular predictable attendance.
• Serves on various committees, task forces or other countywide work groups, as directed.

• N/A

• Education and/or
  
  Experience:
  
  
  • Bachelor’s degree Human Services, Social Work or Early Childhood required.
  • Experience working in a Head Start program is preferred.
  • Comprehensive experience and an excellent knowledge of the Federal Head Start Program, policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to Head Start including Performance Standards, Grant and Service Plans.
  • Knowledge of early childhood programs, related services (i.e., health, dental/oral health, mental health, human services, etc.) and financing.
  • Experience working with low‑income and high risk families.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Current valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is necessary to ensure completion of duties required.
• Language
  
  Skills:
  
  
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other departments, agencies and individuals.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret periodicals and professional journals.
  • Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of educators, customers, and the general public.
  • Ability to express self clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of a personal computer (PC) or MAC in a networked environment to utilize the Internet and other electronic communications mechanisms such as email, conferencing, bulletin boards, etc.
  • Excellent knowledge of productivity applications such as…