Early Learning Specialist (ELS)

SOUTHEAST YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Early Learning Specialist (ELS) is a key member of the ParentChild+ team, providing 46 weeks of twice-weekly home visits to families with children ages 16 to 48 months. This role strengthens caregiver–child interaction through culturally responsive play, reading, and verbal engagement.

We seek individuals committed to equity and serving BIPOC communities, especially Spanish-speaking, Somali, and/or African American families, building trust-based relationships to support early learning and

Qualifications

• Commitment to racial and social equity, and serving BIPOC families.
• Fluent in English and/or home languages of families (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Amharic).
• High school diploma or GED; prior experience with young children or community organizations preferred.
• Warm, patient, and empathetic when working with families and children.
• Comfortable with outreach, door-to-door introductions, and community events.

Responsibilities

• Complete at least 16 hours of pre-service training and attend weekly staff meetings.
• Provide twice-weekly 30-minute home visits over 46 weeks (92 visits total).
• Build culturally respectful relationships reflecting families' values and identities.
• Engage in outreach efforts to enroll eligible families in the program.
• Complete weekly paperwork, including anecdotal notes and screenings.
• Maintain confidentiality per policy and legal standards.
• Participate in reflective supervision and team trainings.
• Use program-provided books and resources and adapt as needed.

Skills

Cultural responsiveness

Outreach & enrollment

Documentation & reporting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview

The Early Learning Specialist (ELS) is a key member of the ParentChild+ team, providing 46 weeks of twice-weekly home visits to families with children ages 16 to 48 months. This role focuses on strengthening caregiver–child interaction through culturally responsive play, reading, and verbal engagement. We are seeking individuals who are deeply committed to equity and passionate about serving BIPOC communities, particularly families who are Spanish-speaking, Somali, and/or African American. ELSs play a vital role in building meaningful, trust-based relationships that support early learning and long-term educational success.

Core Responsibilities

• Complete a minimum of 16 hours of pre-service training and attend weekly two-hour staff meetings that include supervision and ongoing professional development.
• Provide twice-weekly 30-minute home visits over 46 weeks (92 visits total), supporting caregivers in engaging their children through structured play, reading, and conversation.
• Build strong, culturally respectful relationships with families using language and practices that reflect their values and identities.
• Actively engage in outreach efforts to connect with and enroll eligible families in the program. This includes making phone calls, attending community events, and visiting homes or neighborhood spaces to introduce the program and build trust.
• Accurately complete weekly paperwork, including anecdotal visit notes, developmental screenings, and parent–child interaction assessments.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of family information, in line with agency policy and legal standards.
• Participate in reflective supervision and contribute actively to team discussions and trainings.
• Use program-provided books, toys, and resources to guide each visit and adapt them as needed to meet individual family needs.

Preferred Qualifications And Personal Attributes

• A strong commitment to racial and social equity, and a passion for serving BIPOC families in under-resourced communities.
• Shares language, cultural background, and/or lived experiences with families being served.
• Fluent in English and/or the home languages of program families (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya).
• High school diploma or GED required; prior experience with young children, families, or community organizations is strongly preferred.
• Warm, patient, and empathetic when working with toddlers and families.
• Demonstrates a non-judgmental, strengths-based approach to working with caregivers from all backgrounds.
• Comfortable and confident conducting outreach to families, including door-to-door introductions, follow-up communication, and participation in community events.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently in a field-based role.
• Open to feedback, professional growth, and life-long learning.

Additional Details

• Maximum caseload: 12 families per Early Learning Specialist.
• Must provide required documents (e.g., TB test, proof of ID, auto insurance) before beginning visits.
• Reports to: ParentChild+ Program Coordinator/Supervisor.