1. Under the administration and coordination of the Early Head Start Home-Based Supervisor the Parent Child Educator will provide the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth and development of infants and toddlers in the home based setting and during center-based socialization experiences.

2. The Parent Child Educator will work with parents and families to develop, plan, model and implement positive early childhood experiences in the home and center based setting.

3. Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) developmentally appropriate practice for infants and toddlers.

4. Periodic weekend recruitment activities are required along with attendance at parent meetings and family activity events.

5. It is the expectation that programmatic recruitment takes place throughout the community as specified and designated during the week and some weekends.

6. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. To recruit, establish and maintain a caseload of twelve (12) infants and toddlers and maintain all required documentation to support that comprehensive services are provided to these families according to applicable Head Start Performance Standards and Early Head Start IM-HS 00-22 Home Based Services in Early Head Start documents.

2. Regularly communicate with families and staff to organize and plan effectively a minimum of forty-six (46) home visits of ninety (90) minute duration per year; and twenty (22) socializations opportunities per year, the length of the socialization based upon the developmental level of the child, the content of the experience and the families need.

3. Provide, transport and serve a nutritious snack and/or warm meal for each child, parent and sibling present at the time of the home visit and socialization opportunity. Socialization experiences are linked to support the goals established during the home visits and reflect specific goals and objectives included in the Family Partnership Plan.

4. Plan and develop, with the parents, an individualized program for the family, which includes establishment of a caring positive professional relationship in a climate of mutual trust and respect for the culture and diversity of each family.

5. Work with parents to strengthen their knowledge of child development; help parents to understand how children learn and grow during the critical early years from birth through three; plan and conduct child education activities to meet the child’s language, cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs. Carry out curriculum plan by providing individualized developmentally appropriate activities for each child through observing, assessing and documenting the progress of the child on a regular basis.

6. Plan, arrange and/or conduct comprehensive training for parents and families on health and education needs of infants and toddlers. Model and teach parenting skills and provide information about health and nutrition, including integrating health and nutrition education into the home environment with respect for the diverse culture of the families, coordinating with other staff and the parents regarding health screenings for their children or other family members, and providing appropriate information and referrals, when needed.

7. Educate parents about community resources and provide support to families in setting goals and objectives that they have developed through the Family Partnership Agreement and Goal Setting process. Coordinate services with families and other community agencies and follow-up to obtain the families assessment of the services they received.

8. Coordinate, participate and assist in the implementation of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and with the Early Intervention program for children 0-3 with disabilities.

9. Develop an individual transition plan with each family, other program staff and any pertinent community agencies soon after enrollment and assess and update as needed during the families involvement in Early Head Start (EHS). Assist with the transition of children into and out of the Early Head Start program, and within the program as indicated.

10. Attend and participate in staff meetings and related activities; attend workshops, conferences and trainings; enroll and complete academic coursework to increase professional knowledge of the needs of children from birth through five; increase professional knowledge of how to work with adult learners; serve on committees as assigned. Parent Child Educators will be assigned to attend community based recruitment events throughout the weekday in addition to attending two required Saturday recruitment events each program year.

11. Assist in transporting children and parents to necessary programs functions if indicated.

12. Maintain confidentiality of all information and records pertaining to the children and their families.

13. Parent Child Educators will follow the parents’ lead in establishing goals for their infants and toddlers and support parents as they engage in sensitive responsive interactions.

14. Parent Child Educators will support the parents understanding that everyday routines provide the context for learning and development. Support parents through new routines, lifestyle changes that the baby brings into a home, and to understand the impact on the child’s siblings.

15. Encourage acceptable behaviors in children and redirect unacceptable behaviors; encourage children to reflect on their actions; model self-control and problem solving for children; encourage the use of language to express feelings.

16. Provide information to parents on how to observe their infant based on temperament, learning style, and individual interest.

17. Utilize a collection of parent education materials that are reflective of the range of the adult learning styles of the parents, and that take into account language, education, and cultural differences.

18. Encourage parent participation in parent governance, parent meetings and workshops.

19. Recruit and submit a minimum of six (6) applications per month or as adjusted by the Director.

20. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

1. Bachelor’s Degree is required for this position, with preference in areas of early childhood education or a related field. Master’s Degree is preferred. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.

2. Documentation of 36-semester hours of early childhood coursework including infant and toddler courses is required.

3. A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in an early childhood setting or working directly with low-income families is required.

4. Must obtain and/or maintain certification and training in First Aid, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Infant/Toddler Development.

5. Ability to work independently and accept increased levels of responsibility.

6. Ability to develop a weekly itinerary for completing home visits, socializations and manages multitasks simultaneously

7. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Teams.

8. Strong verbal and written communications skills.

9. Passage of complete background clearance, physical and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.

10. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, has adopted and follows the Codes of Ethics established by Catholic Charities USA, the National Association of Social Workers and the American Psychological Association. As an employee of the Agency you are expected to support these codes to the extent doing so is consistent with and allowed by applicable law.

11. A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.