Early Learning Specialist

Location

Whatcom County

6 hours per day, 260 days per year

$33.75 - $39.41 per hour ($52,650.00 - $61,479.60)

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Early Learning Specialist uses family support and partnership principles to conduct ongoing outreach, recruitment, and enrollment of children for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) services. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining community partnerships to enhance quality services for children and families, and for ensuring compliance with data collection in early learning management systems.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Develop and implement a recruitment process to actively inform all families with eligible children of the availability of services in the community, considering linguistic, cultural diversity, and community needs when developing recruitment strategies.
• Work with neighboring ECEAP, Head Start and Tribal Nation programs to ensure enrollment of as many eligible, high priority children as possible; establish joint outreach efforts and referrals.
• Encourage and assist families to apply for admission to the program.
• Ensure compliance with data collection in an early learning management system (ELMS) and maintain documentation in accordance with ECEAP Performance Standards.
• Establish and maintain community partnerships to enhance quality services for children and families.
• Verify eligibility of each applicant and retain eligibility documents.
• Prioritize eligible children for enrollment in available slots, and maintain prioritized waiting lists for quickly refilling vacancies, demonstrating need for statewide ECEAP services.
• Independently enter and maintain accurate child and family information using ELMS, including enrollment applications, family assessments, family goals, referrals, follow-up information, and emergency contact cards.
• Regularly communicate and collaborate with ECEAP staff to identify and engage eligible families, maintaining enrollment and engagement.
• Analyze reports to ensure all children are supported and maintain 85% average daily attendance.
• Provide information to support regular progress monitoring and assist in problem solving.
• Develop and maintain written plans to support family and community partnerships.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers in the program, including verification and documentation of background checks and required immunizations or proof of immunity.
• Coordinate with site coordinators, teachers, and family support specialists to identify opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom or other aspects of the program.
• Coordinate with parents in the nomination of Policy Council members for each program year; assist the ECEAP Manager in organizing and planning ongoing Policy Council meetings.
• Promote positive parent and community involvement in ECEAP by attending community events and activities where families are present.
• Assist the ECEAP Manager with compiling data and information for the community assessment and annual grant application.
• Develop and maintain a community resource guide for service areas.
• Create forms and processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and documentation of ECEAP Performance Standards.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of pertinent information concerning children and families.
• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as requested.
• Complete all requisite Department of Children Youth and Families ECEAP training related to the recruitment, prioritization and enrollment of children and families.
• Analyze data and recommend program improvements.
• Build and maintain positive relations with staff, children, parents, partners, districts, and…