Early Childhood Programs Family Engagement Specialist

Starting salary is $48,946 and can increase based upon educational background as it relates to the requirements in the job description.

About the Role

The Family Engagement Specialist works as part of the content area team of managers, specialists, and coordinators to integrate Head Start and Pre-K Counts services for children and families. This position is responsible for family services and community partnerships, including social services, Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA), child files, volunteers, and family engagement. The role ensures oversight and development of systems to provide opportunities and support for the growth of Early Head Start, Head Start, and Pre-K Counts families, with a primary focus on developing relationships with families and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Family and Community Engagement content area in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Pre-K Counts regulations, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Establish, implement, and evaluate procedures for Family and Community Engagement, Family and Community Partnership Work Plan, Social Services, and related program operations.
• Develop and maintain systems for continuous monitoring, data collection, and quality improvement to ensure family needs are met and expected outcomes are achieved.
• Maintain 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.
• Submit 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.
• Oversee 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.
• Coordinate community recruitment activities with Family Support Providers and community partners.
• Assist with classroom rostering to support balanced enrollment and classroom participation.
• Monitor attendance trends and oversee systems for documenting and following up on chronic absenteeism and attendance concerns.
• Ensure 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.
• Oversee family partnership services, including case management, referrals, follow-up, and family goal setting.
• Support meaningful family engagement that promotes parent leadership, volunteerism, and participation in children's learning.
• Coordinate Parent Committee meetings, family engagement events, and parent education opportunities.
• Ensure families receive information and referrals to community resources based on individual strengths and needs.
• Support Family Support Providers in delivering comprehensive family services and maintaining accurate documentation.
• Participate in home visits, family conferences, IEP/IFSP meetings, and other meetings as needed.
• Monitor family engagement outcomes and use data to support continuous program improvement.
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen collaborative relationships with community agencies, service providers, school districts, and other organizations that support children and families.
• Represent the program on community committees, coalitions, and collaborative networks.
• Identify emerging community resources and opportunities that strengthen services available to enrolled families.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to Family Support Providers and other staff responsible for family engagement services.
• Identify professional development needs and coordinate training opportunities throughout the year.
• Provide coaching and technical assistance to ensure staff implement family engagement practices consistent with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Use ChildPlus and other data systems to monitor program performance, family services documentation, and identify trends to ensure data integrity.
• Develop systems for tracking family partnership agreements, referrals, home visits, family contacts, follow-up activities, and case management.
• Conduct monthly child file audits, documentation reviews, and case reviews according to the administrative calendar.
• Maintain content area filing systems and ensure confidentiality of family records.
• Provide accurate data for the annual Program Information Report (PIR), monthly reports, and other required state and federal reporting.
• Collaborate with the Data Specialist to analyze ERSEA and family engagement trends and develop improvement strategies.
• Work collaboratively with Education, Health, Disabilities, Mental Health, and Program Operations staff to ensure coordinated services for children and families.
• Assist with transitions into Head Start, Pre-K Counts, and kindergarten through coordinated planning with families, schools, and community partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Early Childhood Programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Family Studies, or other human services-related field required.
• Associated experience working with young children and families.
• Two years’ experience in case management preferred.
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area).
• Regular attendance and reliable on-site presence.
• Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily office-based with occasional active physical duties. The noise level is usually moderate. The position requires regular onsite presence and includes primarily sedentary work with occasional walking, standing, reaching, bending, and moving throughout office, school, or program locations. Employees may occasionally lift, carry, or move office materials, files, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees must also be able to hear and interpret verbal communication, phone conversations, alarms, and other environmental sounds related to workplace safety and operations.

Pay

Starting salary is $48,946 and can increase based on educational background.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 260-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, hours may vary based on district assignments, program needs, meetings, training, or organizational priorities. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required.