Preschool Family Worker

We are a preschool center located in Sayreville, NJ that is partnered with the Sayreville School District for their preschool expansion program.  We are looking for a family worker that will assist 5 private preschools partnered with the school district.  This position will be during the school year, Sept thru June.

The Family Worker is responsible for providing family support for enrolled children at the Preschool Center. S/he is has a basic knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children. S/he works in collaboration with the teaching team to provide overall family support. S/he reports to the Site Director and follows his/her guidance and direction in a collaborative manner with respect to the organization as a whole. S/he is able to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, dynamic environment, and promotes entrepreneurism, creative problem-solving, and respect and compassion for staff members and the populations the preschools serve.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration

• Follow NJ state requirement as per NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing, Chapter 122 Manual of Requirement for Child Care Centers.
• Prepare room prior to group sessions and clean up after group sessions for Parent Meetings.
• Perform new student intakes.
• Maintain attendance log as needed.
• Maintain well organized student records and complete documentation immediately after meetings.
• Assist the Child Study Team with the evaluation of the child as needed. (for special needs)

Family / Community Relations

• Serve as a resource person to the families and staff.
• Provide crisis intervention, counseling, comprehensive social services and client advocacy.
• Schedule and conduct meetings with parents. (min 3 visits / family / year)
• Establish positive relationship with parents and children and center staff and serve as a liaison between home, Center and District's early Childhood Education Office.
• Work collaboratively with PIRT and CST in completing RFA and required follow-up documentations as recommended by teams.
• Coordinate and integrate support services for children and their parents.
• Support teachers as well as PIRT and CST members with translation if needed.
• Relate assessment information to parents and offer support for dealing with children at different developmental stages. Support parents with translation if needed on PIRT, CST or other school meetings.
• Assist Teachers in conduction parent-teacher conferences and if necessary, help with translating.
• Encourage parents to participate in the program.
• Communicate with children at their development level.
• Encourage children to be independent.
• Use appropriate and positive discipline.
• Ensure to support parents with outside school appointments as needed. Seek supervisor's approval prior scheduling these meetings.

Communication

• Maintain and safeguard the rights of each family/child to privacy, respect and confidentiality.
• Promote communication with parents.
• Maintain contact with parents to promote regular student attendance.
• Develop good communication with co-workers and supervisors.
• Maintain regular contact with center directors, center staff, family worker coordinators and district PIRT and CST members and other's involved in families and children's well-being.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood curriculum and child growth and development
• Must have knowledge of the Preschool Program with deep understanding of how to establish and maintain effective parent & community involvement programs
• Have experience as a social/family worker in a state mandated preschool program
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with all stakeholders
• Must have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, with staff, students, parents, and community