Early Education Specialist

About the role

The Early Education Specialist supports refugee children to access preschool services and to succeed academically and socially in elementary school. They also assist parents to participate in their children’s school activities and support schools to identify resources needed to meet the language and cultural needs of refugee students and families. The Early Education Specialist develops strong relationships with local school systems, students, their parents, and other relevant stakeholders through workshops, parent education and case management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and implementation of IRC’s efforts to maximize accessibility for its clients to early childhood educational opportunities including Head Start, pre-kindergarten, early learning scholarships to enrich childcare opportunities, daycare, afterschool care, VPI and other school and educational opportunities, including application support as needed.
• Connect families with community resources, including early childhood education programs, childcare programs, in-home providers, parenting support, and programs to support children, ages 0-5.
• Provide individualized case management support to students and families, including referrals to internal services and community resources as appropriate.
• In consultation with management, support parents and caregivers in advocating for students with special needs, including identification, assessment, and access to special education services.
• Maintain accurate and timely case documentation, including case notes, service plans, participant files, and other required records.
• Ensure program data is consistently collected, entered, and maintained in ETO and other required systems in accordance with IRC standards, donor requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Monitor and track service delivery to ensure compliance with program requirements and quality standards.
• Contribute to program monitoring, evaluation, and internal and external reporting efforts.
• Maintain program information and data collection systems in compliance with IRC policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, or related field required, or equivalent work experience.
• Work Experience: Relevant work experience in positive childhood development, social-emotional development, youth academic support, or a school-based setting required; minimum of 2 years’ experience preferred. Prior experience providing support to recently arrived immigrant children and/or parents and families strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated competency in program planning and implementation skills, including the ability to manage groups of students and to think creatively and strategically.
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for accurate data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Schedule

A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Pay

Pay Rate: $22.75–$24.20 per hour. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Benefits

• 10 paid sick leave days
• 10 U.S. holidays
• 20–25 days of generous paid time off based on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $163/month
• Dental insurance starting at $6.50/month
• Vision insurance starting at $5/month
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter)
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) and non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting)
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families