Fast Facts

Join us as a Family Advocate to support early childhood education programs, promoting children's development and engaging with families in critical areas of their lives.

Responsibilities: Engage families in programs to foster parent/child interactions, manage enrollment, assist families in application processes, and maintain community relationships.

Skills: Candidates should possess skills in family advocacy, effective communication, and community engagement, with a background in social work or family services preferred.

Qualifications: An Associate or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related fields is preferred, along with experience in diverse, low-income communities.

Location: This position is based in the United States with local travel required up to 10% for work-related events.

Compensation: $19 - $23 / Hourly

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

The Family Advocate is responsible for engaging all Head Start families to partner with us to promote children’s healthy development and school readiness. They will use knowledge of the principles of family engagement to support families in their roles and their child’s primary educator, encourage parent/child interactions that promote children’s school readiness and healthy development, and enhance family wellbeing. The Family Advocate will provide more intensive and targeted support to vulnerable families and families of children with chronic health conditions and special needs in order to assure that our engagement strategies meet their specialized needs. The Family Advocate will expand family engagement strategies that will create a sense of belonging and shared community among families, with the goal of enhancing the relationships and support that families provide to one another in their shared aspirations for their children and themselves.

Why Acelero?

Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young children's inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.

Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.

What You'll Do:

• Engages families in individualized, in-home and group experiences to enhance parent/child interactions that research shows foster school readiness through consistent family routines, positive guidance and discipline, experience rich home environments and literacy activities.
• Manages responsibilities that fall within the following core functions: ERSEA, record keeping and reporting, on-going monitoring, planning, and implementing, establishing, and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment, supporting the well-being of children, and encouraging the involvement of the families of the children in our Head Start program.
• Participates in outreach, recruitment and attendance follow up activities to engage families in our program and to motivate their active participation.
• Works directly with families to assist in the completion of applications, collecting any missing documents that support the application process.
• Supports families in the completion and collection of health-related information.
• Maintains the funded enrollment level, works with FSC/ERSEA Lead to fill vacancies as they occur, and analyzes enrollment data to inform the planning process.
• Creates attendance goals for families whose attendance is below 80%.
• Completes data entry related to the aforementioned areas of responsibility.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with community partners to strengthen access to resources and training identified as priority goal areas by families.
• Participates in assigned meetings, events, and training as required.

What You Bring:

1. Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or a related field preferred, OR AA or BA in another field with a commitment to complete Family Services Certificate/Credential within 18 months of hire.

2. Experience, training, and skill assisting the parents of young children to advocate for their families required; experience working in low-income diverse communities preferred.

3. Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.

4. Travel is required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions; must have reliable personal transportation as travel from site to site is required.

5. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

How Much: This position pays between $19.49 and $23.33 hourly based on education and years of experience.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

• A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families
• A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being
• Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match 
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
• Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
• Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks

If you’re ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision, apply now to join our team. Together, we’ll help every child reach their fullest potential!

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?

- Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve

- Career growth and professional development opportunities

- Supportive working environment

- Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment

- Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.