Early Childhood Education & Family Literacy Associate

Summary: The Early Childhood Education (ECE)Family Literacy Associate supports the implementation, coordination, and quality of Early Childhood Education and Family Literacy services. This position assists across all program components to help alignment of child development, parent engagement, and family literacy goals. The Associate provides hands-on support to classroom instruction, family engagement initiatives, and program operations while helping to maintain a high-quality, trauma-informed, and positive environment for children and families. This role assists classroom staff, supports children's daily care and learning needs, and contributes to a safe, nurturing environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIESRESPONSIBILITIES

Program SupportCoordination

• Support the daily operations of ECE and Family Literacy program components to help maintain smooth functioning.
• Assist in upholding program quality standards aligned with internal goals, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services regulations, and Keystone STARS expectations.
• Provide flexible, cross-functional support to classrooms, Parent Education sessions, and family programming.
• Help prepare materials, schedules, and logistics for program activities, events, and family engagement opportunities.
• Support data collection, documentation, and program reporting processes.

InstructionalClassroom Support

• Assist Lead Teachers in delivering developmentally appropriate, literacy-rich instruction in early childhood classrooms.
• Support teachers during daily routines, learning activities, and transitions.
• Promote emergent literacy, language development, and positive social-emotional growth through intentional interactions.
• Assist in maintaining required child-to-staff ratios by providing classroom support as needed.
• Model positive classroom management and engagement strategies.
• Help supervise children to support their safety and well-being.
• Assist children with developmental, social, and emotional needs.

Child Care, SupervisionDaily Needs

• Assist with diapering, toileting, handwashing, and personal care routines following health and safety protocols.
• Support children during meals, snacks, outdoor play, transitions, and field activities.
• Help reinforce positive behavior, social skills, independence, and school-readiness habits.
• Assist children in developing school readiness and self-help skills.

Family EngagementLiteracy Integration

• Support the integration of family literacy practices across program areas.
• Assist in facilitating Parent Education sessions and family-centered learning activities.
• Encourage and model language-rich, developmentally supportive interactions between parents and children.
• Support families in understanding child development, school readiness, and strategies for creating text-rich home environments.
• Support and contribute to Family Literacy activities, workshops, and events that promote caregiver-child engagement.
• Help with planning and implementation of family engagement opportunities.

Assessment, DocumentationOutcomes

• Conduct observations and assist with ongoing child assessment efforts.
• Assist in documenting developmental progress and family engagement outcomes.
• Support the use of assessment tools and data tracking systems as directed.
• Assist with accurate and timely recordkeeping aligned with program and funding requirements.

Health, SafetyCompliance

• Follow all state, federal and organizational licensing regulations, safety standards, and program policies.
• Follow all state, federal and organizational confidentiality policies and regulations including, but not limited to, children and their families at all times.
• Assist with cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing classroom materials and environments.
• Monitor classroom and program environments for safety and cleanliness.
• Report any safety, health, or behavioral concerns promptly to supervisory staff and support appropriate follow up as directed.

Team CollaborationProfessional Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with ECE teachers, Family Literacy staff, and program leadership.
• Provide reliable, consistent, and flexible support across program areas.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Contribute to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
• Help support a trauma-informed, family-centered program culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success and growth.
• Participate and assist staff and program leadership in modeling professionalism to students, families and clients across all programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

EducationExperience

• Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Family Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in early childhood, family literacy, or related human-service programs.
• CDA (Child Development Associate) credential or willingness to obtain preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain preferred.
• Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams preferred.

Knowledge, SkillsAbilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development and family literacy principles.
• Ability to support both instructional and family-engagement components effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and staff of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Basic proficiency with technology for data entry, documentation, and communication.
• Deep commitment to high-quality, trauma-informed, delivery.

Work Environment This is an active, hands-on role that combines classroom, family-program, and administrative settings. The position requires frequent movement between program areas and regular direct interaction with young children, families, and staff in a dynamic, child-centered environment.