Hands-On Early Childhood Education Internship (Part-Time)

Children’s Home & Aid; Rockford (IL); On-site; Part time

Job summary

A leading child and family service organization is offering a part-time internship in Rockford, IL, for students pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education or related fields. Interns will gain valuable hands-on experience in educational practices and family support services while contributing to meaningful initiatives. Responsibilities include supporting children's growth and learning, observing early childhood practices, and participating in a supervised and supportive environment. This internship allows theoretical knowledge to be applied in real-world settings, though it does not provide financial compensation.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an associate or higher degree related to early childhood education.
• Must have good written and oral communication skills.
• Interns must pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Engage in early childhood development and educational practices.
• Support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
• Assist with activities promoting parent-child bonding.

Skills

Good communication skills

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Pursuing an associates, graduate, or undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Psychology, Education, or Child Development

Job description

Early Childhood Education Internship (Rockford and DeKalb, Illinois)

Brightpointprovides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical learning within a practical setting. We aim to offer deeply meaningful and individualized learning experiences for those entering early childhood education and social service fields. Interns are required to be pursuing college credit towards a degree.

As a leading child and family service organization with more than 20 locations across Illinois, Brightpoint advances the well-being of children by investing in families to disrupt the systemic and multi-generational cycle of racial, social and economic inequality.

Gain valuable experience in the Early Childhood Education field. Interns will have hands-on opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment, working alongside dedicated professionals to promote the development and well-being of children during their formative years, in line with our agency's Blueprint for Impact. This internship will allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while contributing to meaningful initiatives that support early learning and development.

• Observe and engage in early childhood development and educational practices.
• Support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth in various settings.
• Gain insight into family dynamics and the role of family support services.
• Learn about culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches to working with families.
• Assist with activities that promote parent-child bonding and family well-being.
• Develop foundational skills in communication, observation, critical thinking and documentation.
• Understand the collaborative role of early childhood educators and family support professionals within a social services context.
• Observe and participate in teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of professionals working in early childhood education.
• Intern in a supportive, supervised environment that prioritizes ethical and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience hands-on learning in diverse settings, including centers, homes, and community spaces.
• Participate in regular supervision with assigned supervisor.
• Complete the following required and recommended trainings: Mandated Reporter, HIPAA, Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention, LGBTQIA+, Safety, Trauma 101 and ARC 101.
  

Student Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing an associates, graduate or undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Psychology, Education, Child Development, Family Studies, or a closely related field.
• Currently pursuing credit through and academic or other formalized educational program.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Basic organizational and time management skills.
• Works well independently.
• Interns must pass fingerprinting background check including CANTS and LEADS.
• Brightpoint does not provide compensation to interns.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.