Family Child Care (FCC) Educator Support Specialist/Family Advocate

THE COMMUNITY GROUP•Lawrence, MA

1d•$50,000 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Child Care (FCC) Educator Support Specialist/Family Advocate provides technical assistance, consultation, and coaching to FCC Educators to support high-quality early childhood education. The specialist works with educators and families to enhance learning environments, encourage positive child interactions, and support professional development. The role includes regular visits to FCC homes, guidance on licensing compliance and curriculum, support with family engagement and child assessments, and training on assessment tools and curriculum planning. The specialist also helps educators complete professional development and quality-improvement requirements, supports program activities, tracks required documentation, and collaborates with colleagues and families. Travel within the assigned region and flexible hours are required.

Requirements

Training in principles of adult learning, early childhood and out-of-school-time best practices, working with mixed-age groups, EEC child care licensing regulations and policies, and professional learning approaches such as technical assistance, coaching, mentoring, and consultation.
Experience working in Family Child Care or supporting FCC educators.
At least EEC Lead Teacher certification, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or a Child Development Associate Home Visitor credential.
Knowledge of curriculum planning, child assessments, and early childhood education best practices.
Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate records.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with educators, families, and colleagues.
Ability to travel to FCC homes within the assigned region.
Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of educators and families.

Responsibilities

Conduct at least two announced visits per month, each at least 30 minutes, to assigned FCC Educators.
Provide support on licensing compliance, curriculum planning and implementation, child interactions, family engagement, behavior support, child screening and assessments, and other identified needs.
Use modeling, observations, demonstrations, discussions, and reflection to support educator goals and professional advancement.
Report visits, observations, and concerns to the FCC Educator Support Specialist Supervisor and IT Coordinator/FCC Director.
Consult with FCC Educators on developing strength-based relationships with families and fostering positive, respectful, supportive interactions.
Support families with their children’s individual needs, including information about developmental assessments, screenings, and referrals for Early Intervention Services when appropriate.
Partner with families to plan and evaluate program offerings and use feedback for continuous improvement.
Oversee and provide training on ASQs (Ages and Stages Questionnaires), TSG child assessments, and curriculum planning.
Ensure timely completion of ASQs, TSG assessments, and Quarterly Progress Reports, and give educators feedback on their evaluations.
Log relevant information in the ELV system.
Monitor FCC Educators’ curriculum plans and provide feedback; model best practices and demonstrate the Creative Curriculum during home visits.
Support educators in completing FCCERS, BAS, IPDP, CQIP, and CDA requirements and renewals, and ensure FCCERS, BAS, and CQIP are completed annually.
Collaborate with other FCC Support Specialists to oversee and participate in the FCC Nursery School Program, which has 40 fall and spring sessions per year.
Work with the FCC Educator Specialist Supervisor and IT Training Coordinator to develop and implement individual educator action plans as needed.
Complete Health/Safety Checklists and Child File Audits at educators’ homes every six months.
Log injury and accident reports in the ELV system and ensure signed forms are collected and filed.
Assist with phone coverage and other office tasks as needed.
Track and send reminders to educators about licensing renewals, PQR, CPR and First Aid certifications, assistants’ licensing and certifications, CDA, and liability insurance; ensure updated information is received, logged in ELV, and filed before expiration.
Attend DEEC working together meetings and all FCC Educator Monthly meetings.
Travel to FCC homes within the assigned region and work flexible hours to meet educators’ and families’ needs.