About First3YearsFirst3Years nurtures early relational and mental health of infants and toddlers in Texas. Working in deep collaboration with caregivers, parents, and professionals statewide, we cultivate strong early childhood systems, educate our workforce, and advance best practices.
By the time a child turns three, 85% of their brain development has occurred. During these first 3 years of life, the brain undergoes dramatic development as it builds the circuits and processes that become the foundation for all other learning. The everyday experiences that infants and toddlers have with their parents and caregivers help shape how their brains become hardwired to learn and interact with the world around them. These experiences impact a child’s ability to reach 3rd grade reading levels, graduate from high school, avoid incarceration, and hold employment as an adult. First3Years is the only organization in Texas working across sectors to improve the quality of care for infants and toddlers through professional development, parental support, and collaborative efforts to initiate change at the systemic level.
To accomplish our goals, First3Years’ programs range from early mental and relational heal training for early childhood professionals to promoting education, resource access, and skills development for parents and caregivers, to groundbreaking programs that seek to support infants, toddlers, and their families currently in the child welfare system, along with efforts to improve practices and resources for infants and toddlers across communities.

Qualifications

First3Years is looking for an outgoing, experienced stakeholder to join the Board of Directors.
The ideal candidate will meet the minimum qualifications:
•Willingness to advocate, fundraise and/or network on behalf of the organization

•Ability to share your unique experiences and collaborate with diverse stakeholders

•Passion to support young children 0-3, their families, and/or the professionals serving them

* We are looking for someone preferably with a background in Finance, HR, Healthcare, IT, or Strategic Leadership.

Responsibilities1.Strategic Planning – The Board, in collaboration with staff formulates and evaluates the strategic plan. The Board assesses how changing national/regional events affects our organization’s work, and proactively establishes organizational vision, direction, and program.

2.Setting, reviewing and evaluating organizational policy – The Board ensures that the organization’s programs are aligned with its statement of mission, and that the mission statement continues to be appropriate and vital.

3.Ensuring fiscal accountability – The Board approves and closely monitors the organization’s expenses and income. The Board works to ensure that the organization’s resources are used wisely.

4.Ensuring organizational continuity – The Board is responsible for the recruitment, development, retention, and continuity of effective and ethical practices within the Board and organizational leadership to ensure robust and stable operations.

5.Fundraising – The Board is responsible for the continued financial health of the organization. Members of the Board serve as ambassadors to the community. Each Board member has a responsibility to fundraise for the organization.

Expectations

Board members must be committed to progressive grassroots social change in partnership with diverse stakeholders in support of the First3Years’ mission. Additionally, each Board member should leverage their personal/professional expertise appropriate to supporting one or more of the organization’s programs, capacity, and/or development.

1. Time Commitment: The Board of Directors meets 4-6 times a year. Board Members are expected to attend at minimum 75% of Board Meetings to ensure quorum is met and business can be conducted. Besides the Board Meetings, each board member is required to serve on one organizational committee. A board term is two years. Board membership typically requires 2-4 hours a month, with the occasional addition of special event participation.

2. Fundraising: Each Board Member is responsible for an annual give/get in any amount that is personally meaningful. This donation can be covered by a personal donation, corporate matching or sponsorship, or other funding source that they bring to the organization.

3. Stewardship: Each board member is responsible for engaging their network to bring awareness to the organization and steward stakeholder relationships.

4. Board Structure: The board consists of 3-20 individuals, averaging 10 board members at any given time. Board Officer positions include:
•President
•Treasurer
•Secretary

Benefits

Serving on the Board of Directors for First3Years will provide you:
•Participation in a unique organization supporting and furthering the quality of care
for infants and toddlers across the state of Texas
•Developing and enhancing skills in development and organizational capacity building
•Gaining knowledge of early mental and relational health, early childhood development,and the educational and community systems that serve this population
•Developing meaningful relationships with a diverse group of committed individuals
•Professional recognition as a nonprofit leader and supporter