Position Summary:

The Family/Community Engagement Resource Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Resource and Referral Coordinator. The Family/Community Engagement Resource Specialist will assist the Coordinator in planning, developing and facilitating family and community events and collaborative partnerships which enhance and strengthen the services provided to the families/communities in the 19 counties served by Arkansas State University Child Care Aware. The Family/Community Engagement Resource Specialist will provide support, training, technical assistance, consultations, and mentoring to childcare providers/programs, parents and the community.
This position will be located in Cabot or Dumas Child Care Aware Office

Duties & Responsibilities:

Provide comprehensive services to aid or enhance the development of Family and Community Engagement plans/events in the Child Care Programs (licensed Centers and Family Child Care) in the 19 county service areaProvide comprehensive services to aid or enhance the development of Emergency Preparedness Plans in the Child Care Programs (licensed Centers and Family Child Care) and homes of families served in the 19 county service areaPromote and support quality enhancement initiatives and support programs in their advancement to higher levels in Arkansas Better Beginnings for existing and newly established child care programs in the 19 county service areaAssist parents and community members in finding child care in the 19 county service area. Support training and on-site consultation and technical assistance to administrative and program staff in Child Care ProgramsPromote public awareness of the services to child care facilities, the community and parents through the dissemination of information including presentations at community events, conferences, workshops, announcements, printed materials and presentations to organizations and agenciesMaintain a resource library of Family/Community Engagement and Emergency Preparedness materials including professional development materials and attend meetings and record informationCollect data that supports the scope of work for Arkansas State University Child Care Aware Initiatives including attendance and evaluation sheets of workshops and other trainings, meetings, consultant visits, hours, write summaries of training sessions and document public awareness eventsMaintain monthly records of participants that attend/participate in Arkansas State University Child Care Aware trainings and eventsParticipate in Family and Community Engagement and/or Emergency Preparedness Meetings, events and drills while being prepared to provide coaching, mentoring and training for providers, families and the communities in the 19 county service areaProvide Pre-Licensing, Licensing, Business Management, Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood, Nutrition/Fitness/Health and other trainings as needed for Arkansas State University Child Care Aware or Childhood ServicesAssist providers, families and community members visiting the Arkansas State University Child Care Aware OfficesMaintain the Arkansas State University Child Care Aware Offices by keeping materials organized, clean and stocked at all timesMake visits to child care programs and providers to provide support and technical assistance in the 19 county service areaOther duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience and competency in writing, speaking and presenting to groups and responding to questions from groups, individuals, clients, participants and the public
• Knowledge of: Child Care Licensing Regulations; Emergency Preparedness Planning; Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Children; Nutrition/Fitness/Wellness; Family/Community Engagement; Health and Safety for children, child care staff and families; Business Management; Infant/Toddler Care; and how to support programs in implementing a quality child care program
• Knowledge of how to work as a team member with staff at Arkansas State University Childhood Services and Child Care Aware to collaborate and ensure that services are provided in compliance with the grant requirements
• Demonstrate flexibility in hours and days of service (i.e. offer non-traditional days and hours) in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the grant
• Demonstrate the ability to work and communicate with various community entities as specified in the grant
• Ability to utilize effective outreach methodologies for reaching and serving the needs of the child care facilities, communities and families in the 19 county service area
• Ability to travel throughout the 19 county service area and on occasion statewide or out of state
• Knowledge of state licensing Child Care regulations
• Proficient computer skills with knowledge of computer programs
• Knowledge of nutrition and general health for children
• Skills in organization, prioritizing and implementation of component programs
• Advance oral and written communication skills

General Days/Hours:

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Additional hours as requested and/or needed
Regular and reliable attendance

Other:

Please note: all position postings close at 12:00 A.M. CST on the position closing date

Ability and willingness to consistently abide by and follow all Arkansas State University, Childhood Services, Child Care Aware, Child Care Licensing, county, state and local rules, laws, requirements, policies and regulations

Minimum Qualifications:

•Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or related field
•Must be a member of Arkansas' Professional Development Registry-- PDR and maintain membership
•Must possess the ability to become a trainer in Arkansas' Professional Development Registry
•Experience in reading and interpreting documents and operating procedure manuals