Early Childhood Educator & Family Engagement Specialist

Job Description

Compensation & Benefits $25–$27 per hour, depending on experience Agency and Federal Holiday pay Employee Assistance Program Medical insurance (based on eligibility and weekly hours) Dental and Vision Insurance Life Insurance Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Commuter Benefits Wellhub Wellness Program Ongoing professional development and training opportunities Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Human Services, Education, or a related field; OR a combination of relevant education, training, and at least one year experience working with young children and families in educational, community-based, or family-serving settings. Experience planning and facilitating developmentally appropriate activities, classes, or learning experiences for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers Preferred: Experience facilitating parent-child classes, parent education workshops, school readiness activities, or other family-centered early childhood programming Experience providing family support, community engagement, or resource navigation services within Black/African American communities, with demonstrated success building authentic partnerships with families and community leaders Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency. At least one position will require fluency in both English and Spanish. Experience using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar, etc.) Knowledge and Skills Understanding of early childhood development, developmental milestones, social-emotional development, attachment, play-based learning, and school readiness Knowledge of family strengthening and protective factor approaches Ability to facilitate engaging group experiences and effectively share child development information with caregivers Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment Ability to adapt programming and communication styles to meet the strengths, interests, and needs of participating families Communication and Relationship Building Strong verbal and written communication skills Ability to build trusting relationships with children, caregivers, colleagues, community partners, and families from varied cultural, linguistic, and lived-experience backgrounds Ability to engage caregivers in meaningful conversations about child development, parenting, and family well-being Ability to foster welcoming, inclusive environments where families feel respected, valued, and connected Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team Professional Qualities Passion for supporting young children and their families Commitment to culturally responsive, community-centered, and strengths-based practice Ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing program needs with professionalism and flexibility Commitment to ongoing learning, professional development, and reflective practice Ability to communicate openly, clearly, and respectfully Technical Skills and Physical Requirements Basic knowledge of modern office technology and software Ability to utilize electronic documentation and data systems Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds as part of classroom setup, event preparation, and program activities Roles & Responsibilities Early Learning, School Readiness & Program Facilitation Plan and facilitate engaging parent-child classes that support children's overall development, strengthen parent-child interactions, and promote school readiness through play, exploration, and discovery. Support parents in understanding developmental milestones and learning strategies they can use at home Parent Education & Family Strengthening Receive training and facilitate the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), including parent seminars and other parent education opportunities that strengthen parenting knowledge, confidence, and family well-being Encourage meaningful parent-child interactions and model responsive caregiving practices Foster opportunities for connection, peer support, and community-building among caregivers Developmental Screening & Family Support Receive training and conduct Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) developmental screenings Discuss developmental milestones and screening results with families using a supportive, strengths-based approach Collaborate with Center staff to support referrals and follow-up activities when developmental concerns are identified Maintain accurate screening records and documentation as required Parent Engagement & Community Building Build positive relationships with participating caregivers and support ongoing engagement in Center services Support parent leadership opportunities and family engagement initiatives Create welcoming spaces where families feel connected, supported, and valued Participate in outreach activities that increase awareness of Center services and engage new families Collaboration, Operations & Community Partnership Collaborate with colleagues to provide integrated, family-centered services Build relationships with community partners and participate in partnership activities as assigned Maintain attendance records, program documentation, developmental screening records, and monthly reports Participate in professional development opportunities, including developmental screening, Triple P, and Community Health Worker (CHW) training aligned with CalAIM requirements Support Center operations and shared team responsibilities, including front desk coverage, childcare support, event support, program setup and cleanup, and maintaining a clean, welcoming, and program-ready environment Schedule Two positions are available: 0.80 FTE (32 hours per week) 0.75 FTE (30 hours per week) Typical schedules occur Monday through Friday during Center operating hours. One position will include a regularly scheduled evening shift each week to increase access for working families. Occasional Saturday hours may be required with advance notice. Position Overview The Early Childhood Educator & Family Engagement Specialist (referred to as the Early Childhood Educator in this job description) plays a key role in supporting children ages 0–5 and their caregivers through engaging parent-child learning experiences, developmental screenings, parent education, and family-centered programming. Through creative classes, play-based learning, and relationship-based practice, the Early Childhood Educator helps bring child development knowledge to life while supporting caregivers in understanding their child's growth, strengths, and needs. Through parent support classes and wellness groups, the Educator creates opportunities for caregivers to build confidence, strengthen protective factors, reduce isolation, and learn from one another's experiences. The Educator fosters meaningful connections among families, encourages responsive caregiving, and helps create a welcoming environment where children and caregivers feel valued, supported, and connected to their community. The Fairfield First 5 Center (F5C), opening in summer 2026, will be a vibrant and welcoming hub for families with young children ages 0–5. Funded by First 5 Solano and operated by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR), the Center provides no-cost parent-child interactive classes, developmental screenings, parent education, leadership opportunities, home visits, and connections to community resources. The Fairfield First 5 Center will serve a rich mosaic of families, cultures, languages, and lived experiences. We value candidates who bring experience working alongside communities of diverse backgrounds and who demonstrate a commitment to culturally responsive, community-centered, strengths-based, and equity-focused practices. About Us: Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) promotes the healthy development of individuals, families and communities through direct services, volunteerism, and partnerships in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have deep respect for the communities we serve throughout the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, the dedicated staff who show up for those in need, and the opportunity we have been given through this work to promote resilience in tens of thousands of individuals every year. BACR is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate, support, and thrive on diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment w/o regard to perceived age, marital or familial status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability including AIDS or AIDS-Related Complex or military status. Visit our website at www.bacr.org. Above is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including experience/education, skillset, and geographic location. ARE YOU EXTRAORDINARY? We put people at the center of everything we do. With a diversity of backgrounds, ideas, opinions, and life experiences we hire individuals within the community who are passionate about making a difference. When you join BACR, you join a team with leaders, doers, and big thinkers, who are committed to giving back to their community. Our culture is one that encourages, supports, and celebrates our diversity and looks to expand and build it constantly. We are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where there are opportunities for all, everyone feels like they belong, and different perspectives are valued. No matter what your experience is - you CAN make a difference! Thank you for your interest in a career at BACR! BACR staff make a lasting impact across California, serving tens of thousands of children, youth, and families every day. BACR staff continue to create meaningful change in every community we serve. We continually witness the strength and resilience of the individuals and families we serve who are often those most adversely impacted by systemic racism, poverty, and inequitable access to resources and opportunities. BACR has remained steadfast to our mission: We work in the heart of our communities to foster generational change. We are grateful for the opportunity to support communities throughout the Bay Area, promoting resilience, health and justice and to our dedicated staff who serve those communities with compassion, passion, creativity and talent. 🌱 Compassion – We approach all we do with a caring heart and a people-centered mindset. 🔍 Curiosity – We challenge ourselves to learn, stretch, grow, and innovate. 🤝 Humility – We acknowledge our own limits and actively appreciate others’ perspectives and lived experiences. ✨ Integrity – We value and respect the trust given to us by our communities. We operate with honesty, accountability, and consistency. 🌸 Joy – We lead with gratitude, sprinkle in humor, and lift each other’s spirits.