Job Description
At Child Development Resources (CDR), we believe every child deserves a strong start - and that strong families, meaningful relationships, and dedicated professionals are the foundation of lifelong success. We are a mission-driven nonprofit committed to empowering children and families through early intervention, family support, prevention, and community-based services. We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and collaborative Family Services Support Specialist/Center-based Parent Educator to join our Early Head Start team. This is an exciting opportunity for an early childhood or family services professional who enjoys supporting families, mentoring colleagues, and helping strengthen the quality and consistency of services for young children and their parents. The ideal candidate is a natural relationship-builder, enthusiastic mentor, and highly organized professional who combines practical experience in family services with a passion for helping others succeed. We are looking for someone who can inspire confidence in fellow Parent Educators, strengthen family engagement, and contribute to a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Associate Director for Family Services, this position combines peer mentoring, technical assistance, program quality support, and direct parent education services within CDR's Early Head Start program. Most importantly, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference - not only in the lives of children and families, but also by helping fellow professionals grow, succeed, and deliver exceptional services. About the Role The Family Services Support Specialist/Center-based Parent Educator plays an important role in strengthening the effectiveness and consistency of CDR's Early Head Start services. This unique position combines two complementary responsibilities: providing practical guidance, mentoring, and technical support to center-based and home-based Parent Educators while also working directly with families enrolled in Early Head Start center-based services. Through collaborative coaching, modeling effective practices, supporting accurate documentation, and helping colleagues navigate complex family situations, the Specialist contributes to a strong, knowledgeable, and confident team. The position also maintains direct relationships with families, providing individualized parent education, family partnership services, and connections to community resources that support children's development and family well-being. This is a non-supervisory lead support position that works closely with the Associate Director for Family Services and other program professionals to promote consistent, high-quality services. What You Will Do Peer Mentoring & Professional Support
- Provide practical mentoring, encouragement, and technical assistance to center-based and home-based Parent Educators.
- Model effective home visits, positive parent-child interactions, relationship-based practices, and family engagement strategies.
- Participate in joint or initial home visits to demonstrate effective techniques, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide constructive peer feedback.
- Support the onboarding, orientation, and practical training of new Parent Educators.
- Assist colleagues in navigating complex family situations, identifying community resources, and developing thoughtful solutions.
- Help create a collaborative environment where team members feel supported, valued, and confident in their professional responsibilities.
Program Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Help Parent Educators understand program expectations, documentation standards, and applicable 30-, 45-, and 90-day requirements.
- Review documentation in GoEngage, including family and child goals, to identify missing information, overdue items, and opportunities for improvement.
- Provide reminders, organizational tools, and technical assistance that support accurate, complete, and timely records.
- Participate in file reviews, quality improvement initiatives, and efforts to strengthen program consistency.
- Identify recurring challenges and collaborate with program leadership to develop practical, sustainable solutions.
- Promote accountability, confidentiality, and adherence to Early Head Start Performance Standards.
Family Engagement & Parent Education
- Build trusting, respectful, and goal-oriented relationships with families enrolled in Early Head Start center-based services.
- Maintain an assigned family caseload and provide individualized parent education, family partnership services, and support.
- Partner with families to identify strengths, establish meaningful goals, develop Family Partnership Agreements, and celebrate progress.
- Conduct family contacts and home visits in accordance with program requirements.
- Help parents strengthen their relationships with their children and recognize their important role as their child's first and most influential teachers.
- Provide education and guidance related to infant and toddler development, attachment, health, nutrition, social-emotional well-being, and positive family routines.
- Collaborate with teachers to connect family goals and child development objectives between the home and classroom.
- Support families in accessing developmental screenings, early intervention services, and other specialized resources when needed.
- Assist families with transitions to Head Start, preschool, early childhood special education, and other appropriate services.
Community Connections & Family Resources
- Connect families with CDR programs and community resources that support health, housing, nutrition, transportation, childcare, education, employment, and family stability.
- Assist with family recruitment, outreach, referral follow-up, and enrollment activities.
- Encourage meaningful family participation in parent activities, family events, leadership opportunities, and Policy Council.
- Build positive relationships with community partners and service providers to strengthen coordinated services.
- Help families navigate challenges, access available resources, and build greater confidence and self-sufficiency.
Program Collaboration & Accountability
- Work closely with the Associate Director for Family Services, Family Systems Coordinator, Parent Educators, and other program professionals.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of family services, case notes, referrals, and program activities.
- Share emerging service needs, documentation concerns, and opportunities for improvement with program leadership.
- Participate in team meetings, professional development, special projects, and continuous quality improvement activities.
- Support a positive team culture built on communication, professionalism, mutual respect, and shared accountability.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood development, human services, social work, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, subject to final confirmation of minimum education requirements.
- Experience delivering home-based early childhood or family support services, including family engagement and documentation.
- Experience mentoring, training, coaching, or providing technical assistance to colleagues.
- Working knowledge of infant and toddler development, family engagement, and relationship-based home visiting.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with families and professionals from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to maintain accurate, confidential records and work effectively with electronic documentation systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to learn program-specific technology.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and provide a current driving record demonstrating an acceptable driving history in accordance with CDR's insurance requirements.
- Ability and willingness to travel routinely to family homes and community locations.
- Ability to successfully complete required background screenings and employment clearances.
Preferred Qualifications
- Successful experience as an Early Head Start Parent Educator.
- Familiarity with Early Head Start Performance Standards and family partnership requirements.
- Experience using GoEngage or comparable family services and case management databases.
- Experience conducting quality reviews, supporting onboarding, or developing staff training resources.
- Demonstrated success working with families experiencing complex needs or challenging circumstances.
- Knowledge of community resources and family support services.
- Relevant credentials or professional development in home visiting, infant and toddler development, family support, coaching, or mentoring.
Ideal Candidate The successful candidate is an experienced, compassionate, and approachable professional who genuinely enjoys helping both families and colleagues grow and succeed. They recognize that exceptional family services begin with strong relationships, thoughtful communication, and a commitment to quality. They are comfortable mentoring fellow professionals, providing constructive feedback, modeling effective practices, and helping others navigate challenges with confidence. They bring patience and empathy to their work with families, practical experience and encouragement to their interactions with colleagues, and a strong sense of accountability to program documentation and quality standards. They are organized, dependable, resourceful, and able to balance direct family services with the broader responsibility of supporting a successful team. Above all, they understand that strengthening the professionals who serve families is an investment in stronger children, more confident parents, and healthier communities.
Compensation
Annual Salary: $52,000 CDR offers a competitive total compensation package, including comprehensive benefits, generous paid leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development. Work Location & Travel This position is based at CDR's Family Resource Center in Williamsburg, Virginia, with responsibilities extending to family homes and community settings. Routine local travel is an essential component of the position. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license and provide a current driving record that meets CDR's insurance eligibility standards. The role involves frequent interaction with infants, toddlers, families, and program staff. Occasional evening events or meetings may be required to support family participation and program activities. Why Work at CDR? Make a Meaningful Difference: Help young children thrive, empower parents, and strengthen the professionals who provide essential Early Head Start services. Competitive Total Compensation: Enjoy an annual salary of $52,000, comprehensive benefits, generous paid leave, and programs designed to support employees personally and professionally. A Unique Professional Opportunity: Combine your experience in parent education and family services with opportunities to mentor colleagues, improve program quality, and contribute to organizational excellence. Exceptional Retirement Benefit: CDR provides a 6% non-contributory 401(k) contribution of your compensation, subject to a three-year vesting period. Outstanding Benefits: Enjoy health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off and holidays, and paid Spring and Winter breaks. Professional Growth: Continue developing your expertise in early childhood education, family engagement, peer mentoring, and program quality improvement. A Collaborative, Supportive Environment: Join a team that values professional expertise, positive relationships, teamwork, and the contributions of every employee. Work-Life Balance: Be part of an organization that recognizes the importance of supporting employees' personal well-being and professional success. Join Our Team If you are an experienced family services professional who enjoys mentoring colleagues, building meaningful relationships with families, and contributing to exceptional early childhood services, we invite you to bring your talents to CDR. Help strengthen the quality of Early Head Start services, empower families, and support a team of dedicated professionals who make a difference every day. Apply today and become part of CDR's Early Head Start team! Child Development Resources is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer.