Parent Educator - Expansion Program

Job Description

Job Description

Everyday Firefly’s mission-driven employees set out to ensure all children learn, grow, and develop to realize their full potential. Our team does this by empowering families to build a strong foundation and a healthy future through education, advocacy, support, and community connection. Are you looking to be an important part of making a difference in your community?

As a  Parent Educator,  you’ll enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package while using your early childhood development background to provide direct client services to pregnant women and to families with children under the age of 5 years old.

Firefly is growing! If you’re looking for an organization with strong cultural values and a commitment to empowering families, its community, and its employees, this could be for you.

Job Purpose

Firefly was awarded an opportunity through an Expansion Grant to be able to serve families who are on the waiting list for Early Head Start. Two Parent Educator will join the Firefly team as a result of this grant. This role supports the development of secure parent-child relationships by coaching parents and caregivers to deliver high-quality early learning experiences through research-based, developmentally, and linguistically appropriate educational activities

This position is for you, if…

• You are passionate and well-versed in early childhood development.
• You excel at building trusting relationships and working effectively with children, parents, and extended family members.
• You’re motivated to support at-risk children and families through both home visits and community-based services.
• You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy partnering with organizations to connect families to essential resources.
• You’re a reliable team player who can also work independently with minimal supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Parent Educator, you will :

Provide consistent educational and emotional support to families.

Accurately complete and submit required data, including screenings and analysis of caregiver-child interactions, in a timely manner as required by grant sources.

Collaborate and build relationships with community organizations to help families access needed services.

Conduct developmental screenings for children, interpret results for parents and staff, and report concerns, cautions, or delays to supervisors.

Promote and model positive caregiver-child interactions and educate caregivers on developmentally appropriate practices.

Design and participate in recruitment activities to raise public awareness and connect with other programs.

Maintain strict confidentiality of family information and communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with families, professionals, and agencies.

Plan and implement culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate activities for families and children in both individual and group settings.

Determine family eligibility based on funding guidelines and ensure all required data is accurately entered into ChildPlus.

Follow all agency and program-specific policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.

Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of children and families.

Share in office responsibilities, attendance required at monthly meetings; remote work is permitted for 15–20% of the workweek.

Qualifications

Have a minimum of an Associate's degree in Early Childhood services. Bachelor's preferred.

Knowledge of infant and child development.

Ability to observe and report accurately on the functioning of individuals, children, and families.

Must have a flexible schedule to include nights and or weekends as needed by the families we serve.

Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Successful parenting and / or child care experience.

Must possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record, plus the ability to provide own transportation to complete travel requirements of the job.

Willingness and ability to pass background checks, drug tests, and any other examination required by Firefly, federal law, and / or the State of Iowa.

Bonus points if you have…

Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Family Studies, or a similar discipline).

Certification in Parents as Teachers (PAT) preferred or willingness to obtain.

Experience working with or supporting at-risk children and families, particularly through home visitation.

Strong knowledge of community resources and the ability to connect families to appropriate services.

Firefly is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type : Full-time

Benefits :

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Vision insurance