2026-2027 Specialist, Early Childhood, (Family Advocate)

The School District of Lee County•Fort Myers, FL

1d•$18

About The Position

Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma or equivalent. Two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education or Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Child Development, or related field or successful completion of a formal academic assessment that demonstrates either knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing in reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic subjects or knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematic readiness. Valid Adult and Child First Aid/CPR/AED certificate issued by The American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain within six months of employment. 45 clock-hour childcare training by the Department of Children and Families or the ability to obtain within six months of employment. Family Development Credential (FDC) or ability to obtain within six months of employment. Valid Florida driver license. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Two years of experience working with young children and families in an educational, social service, or advocacy setting. Experience in Head Start, Early Head Start, or similar childhood programs. Bi-lingual language skills. Relevant experience or education may be substituted to satisfy minimum qualifications. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of and commitment to the Head Start philosophy. Knowledge of pertinent regulations, policies, and procedures for the functional area of assignment. Knowledge of HIPAA, Public Records, Sunshine Law, FERPA, and other laws/regulations related to student and employee privacy, public information, and records retention. Knowledge of early childhood development, family systems, and community resources. Knowledge of and experience with industry-standard equipment, materials, practices, computers, and applications. Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to professionally and effectively respond to customer needs and requests for service or assistance. Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with parents, educators, and community organizations. Revised: 03/06/2025 Responsibilities ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS : Recruit families to the early childhood programs by collaborating with community agencies and the District’s student assignment department. Conduct application interviews, determine eligibility, and complete enrollment processes. Conduct home visits to build relationships with families and to complete the Family Outcomes Assessment (FOA) and Family Partnership Agreement (FPA). Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to identify children and families in need of services, determine appropriate services, and make referrals. Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other staff members to monitor student attendance and to help families improve when needed. Assist with planning and implementation of parent involvement and other Head Start activities. Maintain accurate documentation of family interactions, services provided, and child development progress. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding early childhood education and family support programs. Provide support in an Early Head Start/Pre-K classrooms as needed. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Revised: 03/06/2025 Additional Job Information S04, $18.46, 8 hours, 216 days Compensation may increase based upon relevant education and experience.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education or Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Child Development, or related field or successful completion of a formal academic assessment that demonstrates either knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing in reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic subjects or knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematic readiness.
Valid Adult and Child First Aid/CPR/AED certificate issued by The American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain within six months of employment.
45 clock-hour childcare training by the Department of Children and Families or the ability to obtain within six months of employment.
Family Development Credential (FDC) or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
Valid Florida driver license.
Knowledge of and commitment to the Head Start philosophy.
Knowledge of pertinent regulations, policies, and procedures for the functional area of assignment.
Knowledge of HIPAA, Public Records, Sunshine Law, FERPA, and other laws/regulations related to student and employee privacy, public information, and records retention.
Knowledge of early childhood development, family systems, and community resources.
Knowledge of and experience with industry-standard equipment, materials, practices, computers, and applications.
Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to professionally and effectively respond to customer needs and requests for service or assistance.
Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with parents, educators, and community organizations.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience working with young children and families in an educational, social service, or advocacy setting.
Experience in Head Start, Early Head Start, or similar childhood programs.
Bi-lingual language skills.
Relevant experience or education may be substituted to satisfy minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

Recruit families to the early childhood programs by collaborating with community agencies and the District’s student assignment department.
Conduct application interviews, determine eligibility, and complete enrollment processes.
Conduct home visits to build relationships with families and to complete the Family Outcomes Assessment (FOA) and Family Partnership Agreement (FPA).
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to identify children and families in need of services, determine appropriate services, and make referrals.
Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other staff members to monitor student attendance and to help families improve when needed.
Assist with planning and implementation of parent involvement and other Head Start activities.
Maintain accurate documentation of family interactions, services provided, and child development progress.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding early childhood education and family support programs.
Provide support in an Early Head Start/Pre-K classrooms as needed.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.