Family Engagement Specialist

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEWEducare DC serves over 350 children from birth to five years - and their families - through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved due to systemic racism, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare DC draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Family Engagement Specialist will develop and maintain relationships with families and ensure that they receive comprehensive services through their participation in the program. Comprehensive services include health and social services, disabilities, early childhood education and care services, and a range of parent development training opportunities at the site. The Family Engagement Specialist is also responsible for conducting community outreach efforts to identify and develop relationships with community-based organizations that provide other needed services to families.ResponsibilitiesFunctionsDevelop and maintain meaningful, productive relationships with familiesRecruit and enroll families into the programSecure informed consent for family participation in program evaluation/Educare Learning Network research activitiesConduct periodic home visits to assess family resources and needsRefer and link children and parents to needed servicesMaintain enrollment throughout the program year through various recruitment strategiesWork in collaboration with other program staff and consultants to monitor, track and coordinate services for children and parentsAssist parents with understanding and implementing the Family Partnership Agreement in order to encourage and promote their overall development, including achievement of self-sufficiency, as well as positive developmental outcomes for their childrenCollaborate with Education Staff to facilitate children's transitionsAssist with outreach to families and recruitment of infants and children with disabilities into the programAssist in planning parent activities, encourage parent participation in program activities, and obtain feedback from parents regarding the level of satisfaction with the services they receiveCollaborate with Health Coordinator to ensure the health and nutrition needs of infants, children, and families are addressedCommunicate with education and care staff regarding infant/child's progress in the classroomIn collaboration with the Family Engagement Supervisor, implement protocols to follow up on absenteeismIn collaboration with fiscal clerk, encourage families to pay childcare co-paymentsAdministrationMaintain records and document services in a timely mannerEnter service data into management information systemParticipate in the evaluation of Head Start and Early Head Start services, and ensure compliance with Head Start Performance StandardsParticipate in staffing of all families on their caseload and case studiesAttend family support team meetings, staff meetings, staff trainings, collaborations and planning meetingsMust identify and document in-kind to the programPromote and Maintain Parent InvolvementPromote parents' overall involvement and participation in program governanceIn collaboration with the Family Engagement Supervisor and Site Administrators, facilitate parent committee meetingsPromote family involvement in center-based services, home-based services, and other program activitiesCommunity InvolvementDevelop relationships with other community-based service providers targeting pregnant and parenting teensIdentify services currently available and those needed by families enrolled in the Head Start or Early Head Start programsParticipate in recruiting volunteers from the communityEXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES3-5 years of relevant experience.Ability to establish supportive relationships with children and families from diverse backgroundsAbility to utilize reflective supervisionAbility to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team memberAbility to manage work in an environment that can be interrupted by violenceKnowledge of community resources and capacity to develop community cooperation to ensure that families receive comprehensive servicesKnowledge of Head Start Performance StandardsProvide administrative support to the department while maintain a high level of confidentialityExecute special projects for the departmentEDUCATION REQUIREMENTSBachelors Degree in Social Work or related field.ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTSClearance of background checks as required by local, state, and federal regulations.Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state, and federal regulations.A bi-annual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.Full Covid-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSAdvanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written.Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder.Must be able to lift 40 pounds.Must be able to travel.Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.Experience working successfully with a culturally diverse staff and clients.Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Created: 2026-04-19