Pre-K Family Specialist - LAKE

About LEARN
Founded in 2001, LEARN is a network of high-performing, tuition-free public schools that serve students in grades PK-8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Our mission is to provide children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. With a focus on creating an environment where staff members feel supported, respected, and appreciated, LEARN empowers educators to innovate, share ideas, and problem-solve across the network to deliver exceptional results. LEARN is proud to have received recognition, including the 2022 Principal of the Year Award from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools and a $7 million gift from Mackenzie Scott in recognition of our positive impact on education.

Position Summary:
The Family Support Specialist plays a key role in promoting family engagement and supporting the holistic development of young children. This position involves conducting family assessments, facilitating developmental screenings, fostering active participation in the classroom, and working collaboratively with teachers to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Family Engagement & Support

• Build and Maintain Relationships: Establish meaningful and trusting partnerships with families to foster engagement.

• Conduct Family Assessments: Assess the needs of families at enrollment and provide tailored resources and referrals.

• Coordinate Family Resources: Assist families in obtaining essential needs, such as uniforms, coats, and other necessary items.

• Ongoing Communication: Maintain regular contact with families, offering guidance and support based on their needs and goals.

• Organize Family Events: Plan and coordinate monthly family events to encourage parent involvement and strengthen community ties.
   

Child Development & Screenings and Classroom Involvement & Observations

• Facilitate Developmental Screenings: Coordinate and facilitate screenings (e.g., Early Screening Inventory) for all enrolled children.

• Follow-Up Screenings: Conduct additional screenings when necessary to track development over time.

• Support Child Development: Provide families with strategies to support emotional regulation, social-emotional learning (SEL), and overall child development.

• Behavioral Support: Collaborate with teachers and families to address challenging behaviors and develop strategies for improvement.

• Promote Positive Behavior: Implement strategies to support positive behaviors in both the classroom and at home.

• Encourage Parental Participation: Motivate families to actively participate in classroom activities, such as reading books or volunteering.

Knowledge, Skills and Personal Characteristics

1. Preferred experience with PFA, COPA, IAFC, DFSS, DCFS and similar systems or agencies.
2. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Office applications, databases, intranet and internet usage.

3. Have a Bachelor’s degree (preferred in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, or related field).

4. Have 5 years of experience in a school-aged environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse families.

5. Are skilled in observing, assessing, and providing constructive feedback to both families and educators.

6. Possess a deep understanding of family dynamics and child development.

7. Comfortable making decisions for areas of responsibility and applies critical thinking.
8. Exhibits a professional demeanor.
9. Ability to express self effectively and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
10. Experience in development and implementation of procedures.
11. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, adhering to strict timelines.
12. Detail oriented and highly organized.
13. High degree of initiative and independent judgment.
14. Ability to tactfully and effectively interact with staff, students and general public.  
15. Maintains a high level of energy and a consistent positive attitude.
     

Benefits Summary
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full time employees, including Health insurance, dental, vision, paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays, short and long term disability, paid life insurance, 403B and the Chicago Teachers' Pension fund.
 

Working Conditions and Demands

The Family Support Specialist  will be working in a busy and active environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once. He/She may be asked to participate and attend organization sponsored events and meetings, such as field trips and network professional development.

Family Support Specialist  may be lifting and carrying children and equipment, and may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture. Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Required the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Will frequently physically move moderate distances indoors and outdoors throughout the community or building with children including climbing stairs. Physical demands require to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, walk and kneel. Must be able to lift, push and pull 15 to 40 pounds for short periods of time.

Salary : $45,000 - $55,000