Family Support Director

POSITION SUMMARY
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position is grant funded and supports year-round, grant-funded programming. The Family Support Director will work collaboratively with families, education staff and community partners to ensure that the program meets the needs of the whole child and supports parents/guardians in addressing family needs and setting and achieving ambitious family goals. This position will coordinate screening and assessment of child development goals for each child. They will coordinate parent/teacher conferences, along with provide support services as needed. The Family Support Director will ensure that IEP/504 plans and any other individual learning plans are followed in the classroom. They will work with staff to determine classroom needs and work to strategize solutions for classroom challenges. This role will support within the classroom as needed to maintain ratio.

LOCATION

YMCA Children's Learning Center
2918 Glenwood Ave
Rockford, IL

OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith they guide everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.

• You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supports program recruiting and outreach efforts to ensure the center is accessible and welcoming to all families in the community. Creates an environment that supports and encourages parents advocating for the needs of their children and their educational experience.
2. Facilitates and assists with program enrollment and all related support including, but not limited to, the navigation of financial assistance such as the IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
3. Educates families about the importance of early learning programs and supports families in completing the enrollment process.
4. Educates families about benefits and importance of regular attendance and connects families to resources as appropriate.
5. Identifies and develops potential partnerships with community entities with access to priority populations.
6. Assesses family needs and identifies parent/guardian goals for family. Refers families to community resources to support comprehensive needs.
7. Maintains clear, written case notes that document family needs and goals, resources provided to address those needs/goals and family progress.
8. Coordinates family meetings and workshops to educate families in the areas of child health and development.
9. Coordinates and helps conduct home visits in the Head Start Program.
10. Collaborates with teachers and instructional leaders to engage families in the classroom and school/site, including meaningful volunteer opportunities. Ensure that the program maintains a welcoming environment for parents.
11. Leads development and implementation of family education opportunities including building collaborations with community partners. Solicits family input on education offerings.
12. Supports communication with families in their home language, when possible, or facilitates translation so Family Support Director can communicate with all families.
13. Supports kindergarten transition activities for families.
14. Hires, trains, and supervises staff in assigned areas.
15. Facilitates communication and provides leadership. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
16. Ensures all opening/closing procedures are followed throughout the building, including rooms and common areas cleaned, cleaning supplies ordered/organized, building is secured and addresses additional needs.
17. Participates in regular trainings for cultural and linguistic competencies.
18. Supports programs under the allocated grants to reach the goals and objectives stated. Facilitates surveying and reporting on behalf on grant management aims.
19. Participates in Manager on Duty schedule as assigned.
20. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
21. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
22. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a bachelors degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Education, Social Work or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in child development, early childhood education, social work or related fields required.
• Commitment to supporting diverse families and a capacity to deliver comprehensive, culturally competent family engagement supports and services.
• Familiar with access to interpreter and linguistic services.
• Minimum Gateways Level 1 Director Credential and must apply for Family Support Credential within 2 years of accepting the position.
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• YMCA Leader Team Leader certification preferred.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

Full Time, Exempt, Grant-Funded
Availability: Monday through Friday 9:00 am-6:00 pm
$42,000 per year base pay + $60 per week grant pay differential

FUNDING SOURCE

Head Startgrant, 60%, Renewable
Smart Start Transitiongrant, 7%, Renewable quarterly

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you. The Y offers work/life balance, and excellent membership & program benefits.

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Program Discounts
• 8% Retirement contribution following 2-year vesting requirement

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility