Family Resource Specialist

United Planning Organization•Washington, DC

18d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Family Resource Specialist serves as a vital link between families and early learning programs, supporting children from 6 weeks through 3rd grade. This role focuses on building trusting relationships with families, connecting them to resources, and guiding them through key transitions in their child’s educational journey. The specialist promotes equitable access to early childhood education pathways and ensures families are empowered to make informed decisions. Build strong, culturally responsive relationships with families to understand their needs, strengths, and goals Provide individualized support and referrals to community resources, including health, housing, nutrition, and early intervention services. Guide families through transitions from infant/toddler care to preschool, and from preschool to elementary school. Collaborate with early learning providers and school personnel to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care. Support families in understanding enrollment processes, school options, and educational milestones. Educate families about early childhood education pathways, including Head Start, Pre-K, and public-school programs. Partners with educators, social workers, and community organizations to coordinate services and advocate for family needs. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to support holistic child and family development. Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of the resource services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, education administration, social work or related field.
Five (5) years of progressive experience working in an Early Childhood Education Program as an administrator, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
Strong knowledge in child development, working with families and the ability to implement transitional services for children and their families.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point) and able to learn and use an electronic time keeping program.
Possess effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in early childhood education, education administration or related field and five (5) years of progressive experience working with children aged to five.
Knowledgeable in the measurement and evaluation of child outcomes and classroom quality.
Experience working in diverse communities and with multilingual populations.
Familiarity with state and federal early learning standards and initiatives.
Must be able to work sensitively, confidentially and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Build strong, culturally responsive relationships with families to understand their needs, strengths, and goals
Provide individualized support and referrals to community resources, including health, housing, nutrition, and early intervention services.
Guide families through transitions from infant/toddler care to preschool, and from preschool to elementary school.
Collaborate with early learning providers and school personnel to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care.
Support families in understanding enrollment processes, school options, and educational milestones.
Educate families about early childhood education pathways, including Head Start, Pre-K, and public-school programs.
Partners with educators, social workers, and community organizations to coordinate services and advocate for family needs.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to support holistic child and family development.
Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of the resource services.