Preschool Family Services Assistant (Van Nuys)
About The Position
The Preschool Family Services Assistant supports families enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start, and state preschool programs. Under the direction of the Family Services Engagement Coordinator, this position recruits and enrolls families, helps them meet program requirements, and connects them with support related to health, nutrition, education, mental health, and disabilities. The role works collaboratively with the Health and Nutrition Coordinator, Site Directors, teachers, community partners, and other service areas, with support from the Operations Executive. The assistant manages an assigned family caseload, completes enrollment and family assessments, supports family goal-setting and self-sufficiency, facilitates parent engagement activities, coordinates referrals, and maintains accurate family records and program data. The position also supports required child health screenings and documentation, monitors enrollment and attendance, participates in multidisciplinary meetings, and follows applicable Head Start, LACOE, California Department of Education, YMCA safety, supervision, and reporting requirements.
Requirements
- Associate's degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field; or a Family Development Credential and high school diploma or GED.
- At least one year of experience in a social service or educational setting involving Head Start and other educational or community service programs that promote family and student engagement.
- Direct experience working with children ages 0 to 5, parent education services, and family support and referral services, or similar experience.
- Bilingual English/Spanish ability, including the ability to present information and respond to questions in both languages.
- Valid Class C California driver's license and proof of auto liability insurance.
- TB test clearance, renewed every two years.
- Current Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
- Verification of immunizations required by the California Department of Health, including pertussis, measles, and influenza.
- DOJ clearance and completion of all other required background checks.
- Ability to pass a comprehensive health exam, including a TB test.
- Ability to perform the position's physical, visual, and auditory functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Nice To Haves
- Working knowledge of Head Start and California Department of Education requirements.
Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of Head Start and Early Head Start families at assigned sites.
- Carry out Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act requirements, LACOE contract requirements, and California Department of Education requirements.
- Recruit families and complete enrollment and family assessments for Head Start, Early Head Start, CSPP, and CCTR programs.
- Monitor enrollment vacancies and classroom attendance, and report information promptly to support full enrollment.
- Participate in and coordinate recruitment and tabling events, maintaining related records.
- Establish and maintain current individual files for each child and family.
- Complete strengths-and-needs assessments and help families set goals and achieve milestones toward self-sufficiency.
- Facilitate parent activities, workshops, and training that support parent advocacy, involvement, literacy, and engagement.
- Collaborate with Site Directors and teachers to plan and implement monthly parent meetings and communicate effectively with families.
- Provide families with resources and referrals, and maintain partnerships with community-based organizations.
- Work with the Operations Executive of Early Education on family and community engagement resources and invite community programs to parent meetings based on identified needs and interests.
- Conduct hearing and vision screenings and growth assessments within required timelines.
- Help families obtain, review, and document required medical and dental information and provide required health-related forms and information.
- Coordinate with the Health and Nutrition Coordinator to keep allergy-alert information current and posted as required.
- Maintain complete and current child health records and enter information accurately and on time in ChildPlus.
- Communicate children's health and nutrition needs to Site Directors and teachers.
- Follow up with families using ERSEA, FCE, and Health/Nutrition reports; maintain case notes, records, and periodic reports.
- Monitor and report attendance and absences, including family follow-up and case notes.
- Enter program information into required databases, including LACOE's ChildPlus database.
- Submit referrals for services such as disability and mental health support in collaboration with the Family Services Engagement Coordinator.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and facilitate information exchange between families and content-area specialists.
- Attend staff meetings and required training, follow YMCA safety and mandated-reporting policies, demonstrate YMCA and character values, and perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
