Program Assistant

Bay Area Community Resources; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Bay Area Community Resources is looking for a Program Assistant in Fairfield, CT, to create a welcoming environment for families and children. This role includes family engagement, administrative support, and coordination of children’s activities.

Responsibilities include assisting with participant registration, maintaining records, and supporting daily center operations. The position offers $20–$22 per hour, based on experience, and benefits like medical and dental insurance.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children and families in a community-based setting.
• Experience providing administrative support in a professional setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood curricula and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and support families, creating a warm and positive environment.
• Coordinate activities and facilitate open play experiences for children.
• Assist with participant data entry and maintain records.

Skills

Strong customer service skills

Organizational skills

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Coursework in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Google Workspace

Participant databases

Job description

Program Assistant

The Program Assistant plays an essential role in creating a welcoming, organized, and family‑friendly environment where children and caregivers feel valued, supported, and connected. As one of the first points of contact for families, the Program Assistant ensures that interactions reflect the Fairfield First 5 Center’s commitment to warmth, inclusion, and meaningful, relationship‑centered engagement. The role balances family support with administrative coordination and operational functions, working closely with the Program Administrator and Center team.

Program Description

The Fairfield First 5 Center (F5C), opening in Summer 2026, will serve as a vibrant hub for families with young children ages 0–5. Funded by First 5 Solano and operated by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR), the Center offers no‑cost parent‑child interactive classes, developmental screenings, parent education, leadership opportunities, and connections to community resources. The Center supports families in strengthening parent‑child relationships, building understanding of child development, supporting school readiness, and fostering healthy growth and well‑being.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with young children and families in an educational, community‑based, customer service, or family‑serving setting.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (spoken and written) required.
• Experience providing administrative or program support in a professional setting preferred.
• Preferred: Early Childhood Education (ECE) units and/or experience in an early childhood or childcare setting.
• Experience supporting family‑facing or community‑based programs.
• Experience with participant databases, data entry, or program documentation.
• Experience using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Forms, Calendar, etc.).
• Knowledge of early childhood or childcare curricula and best practices desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Technical Requirements

• Strong customer service and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to communicate warmly and professionally with children, caregivers, colleagues, and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with direct family engagement.
• Capability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
• Maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment.
• Willingness to learn new systems, curricula, and family support practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, caregivers, colleagues, and community members from varied cultural, linguistic, and lived‑experience backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, solution‑focused approach.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple staff roles and community partners.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and basic office technology.
• Capability to utilize electronic data systems and maintain accurate documentation.
• Physical ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds as part of classroom setup, event preparation, and Center operations.

Roles & Responsibilities

Family Engagement & Customer Service

Welcome and support new and returning families, creating a warm and positive first impression. Conduct Center tours, assist with participant registration, and help families access appropriate programs and services. Provide interpretation and translation for Spanish‑speaking families, staff, and community partners. Build relationships that encourage ongoing family participation and engagement.

Program & Administrative Support

Partner with the Program Administrator to support daily Center operations. Answer phones, complete clerical tasks, maintain records, and support participant data entry. Help prepare classrooms and program spaces for daily activities. Assist with marketing materials, communications, and program logistics. Support overall Center operations and shared team responsibilities.

Program Support & Child Engagement

Coordinate and facilitate designated open play experiences and children's activities. Provide childwatch during adult‑only parent education programming. Receive training to facilitate designated parent‑child programming. Support families during Center events, workshops, and community activities.

Outreach, Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordination

Participate in outreach activities that increase awareness of Center services. Coordinate and support Parent Volunteers participating in Center programming. Assist with special events and community engagement activities. Build positive relationships with community partners and visitors.

Professional Development & Family Support

Receive training and conduct Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) developmental screenings. Obtain Community Health Worker (CHW) certification in alignment with CalAIM requirements. Participate in ongoing professional development related to family engagement, child development, and Center operations.

Schedule

36‑hour per week:- Tuesday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.- Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.The Program Assistant supports Center operations independently on Saturdays while collaborating closely with the full Center team throughout the week.

Compensation & Benefits

• $20–$22 per hour, depending on experience.
• Agency and Federal Holiday pay.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Medical insurance (based on eligibility).
• Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Commuter Benefits.
• Wellhub Wellness Program.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) promotes the healthy development of individuals, families and communities through direct services, volunteerism, and partnerships. BACR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment w/o regard to perceived age, marital or familial status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, including AIDS or AIDS‑Related Complex or military status.