ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

Under the leadership of the Department of Human Service Programs, the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is a collaboration between the City of Cambridge and Cambridge Public Schools. The mission of the OEC is to connect the Cambridge early childhood ecosystem, align early childhood services and information, and advocate for and advance the needs of all young children, their families, and the early childhood workforce. The vision for this work is that every child and family in Cambridge has access to high quality early care and education experiences. As a result, all children enter school ready to thrive academically, physically, socially, and emotionally and continue to do so throughout their academic careers and lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Family Child Care Program Specialist will support licensed Family Child Care Providers throughout the City of Cambridge.  The Family Child Care Program Specialist will offer guidance and support to Family Child Care Providers in the areas of professional growth, quality improvement, and business operations, to better serve Cambridge children and families. The Family Child Care Program Specialist reports to the Director of Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The specific duties of the position include but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as a point of contact and resource hub for Family Child Care programs for the Office of Early Childhood.

• Conduct in-person visits to Family Child Care programs to understand and identify the type of support a provider may need.

• Work collaboratively with Family Child Care providers to develop action plans and set goals that address identified areas of need. Support programs in meeting their goals by providing direct mentoring, connecting providers with OEC Education Coaches for specialized support, facilitating access to professional development opportunities, securing funding, or identifying strategies for small business growth. Provide follow-up support to Family Child Care providers as needed.

• Lead the development and ongoing management of a lending resource library, providing Family Child Care providers with greater access to high-quality materials and equipment to enhance their programs and elevate care standards.

• Provide technical support around evaluation systems and EEC systems.

• Facilitate and support the development of Community of Practice Professional Development tailored specifically to Family Child Care Providers.

• Stay current and connected on training opportunities and resources that are available to FCC providers in Cambridge and across the greater Boston region

• Stay connected and collaborate with other Early Childhood Family Child Care support programs.

• Stay informed about best practices in Family Child Care practices and research within the field of early childhood education.

• Actively engage in and support the Department’s Race and Equity Initiative.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

• Associate Degree in early childhood education with documented experience in the Family Child Care field. Bachelor's degree in early childhood education preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience within the Family Child Care field

• Previous experience working with educators to improve their practice or strengthen their business skills through coaching, mentoring, professional development, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Ability to build strong working relationships and effectively communicate with team members
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly organized and detail-oriented
• Knowledge of Cambridge community is an asset
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Work indoors is in a professional office setting.

• Ability to travel to meetings within the City.

• This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s new Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation and Sick leave eligible
• Paid parental leave
• Sick Incentive Pay Eligible
• 3 Personal days
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Management Allowance
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the below documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover letter