Connecticut Family & Community Engagement Specialist

About Sparkler Learning Sparkler Learning is a nonprofit organization, working for the CT Office of Early Childhood to support and engage families with young children (5 and under) across the state of Connecticut. Sparkler’s mobile app offers parents: developmental screening, a growing library of play-based learning activities and tips for parents to help families monitor and promote early development, and connection — both to care coordinators at 211 Child Development and to local educators and healthcare providers who can connect via Sparkler with families. Sparkler’s app is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. In Connecticut, the service is free both to the families using Sparkler and to the hundreds of local community, education, and healthcare organizations using it to engage with families Seeking Family & Community Engagement Specialist: Sparkler Connecticut’s leadership team is looking for a Family & Community Engagement Specialist, who will work with early childhood providers and families, build local partnerships, and provide on-site training and community outreach to promote early childhood development through Sparkler. Key responsibilities include leading on-site training and local outreach and offering direct, expert support to families and programs/community organizations related to child development, monitoring, promotion, and how to use Sparkler to spark healthy early childhood development. This might include organizing and attending local events/meetings; using data to help communities visualize their progress and needs with Sparkler; engaging directly with parents to answer questions and help them access needed services; and creating/distributing handouts or other materials to support and engage families and programs. Attributes and qualifications: We are seeking someone with strong communication and interpersonal skills who is knowledgeable about early childhood development. The Specialist should also be comfortable using technology in their daily work. Ideal candidates will possess: Training and background in early childhood and early intervention, including experience navigating the landscape of early intervention, early childhood, healthcare, and referral systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present information to diverse audiences. Strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills with experience building consensus. Ability to develop and implement training programs for early childhood professionals and families. Flexibility to travel and be physically present in Connecticut. Advanced ability to use software tools for tracking, monitoring, and analysis. Responsibilities include: Preparing and leading in-person and virtual training and events for families and providers across the state of Connecticut. Working with Sparkler’s team and other partners to improve outreach and engagement. Working effectively with others — both team members and those who are part of a loose network of “partners” (in government, education, and healthcare) implementing this project across the state. Communicating clearly and persuasively with parents/families, at in person and online events and via written messaging. Helping to draft and distribute Sparkler materials locally to families and programs. Helping to innovate new strategies to improve Sparkler and grow Sparkler’s positive impact in Connecticut. Educating and providing ongoing technical assistance to parents and the public, including, but not limited to, the focus of the mobile screening and promotion effort in the context of child development and how families can use Sparkler to tap into a network of supports available to CT families through Help Me Grow CT. Employment Relationship and Compensation: Independent contractor for Sparkler, with rates and compensation based on experience and ability to contribute. Opportunity for part time or full time, depending on capacity. Compensation equivalent in the range of $60,000 - $80,000 based on hours and informed by candidate experience. Education: Master’s Degree in Early Childhood (Preferred) Experience: Early childhood development: 5 years (Preferred) Job Type: Contract Pay: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week Benefits: Flexible schedule Paid time off Schedule: Monday to Friday Weekends as needed Ability to Relocate: Connecticut: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: On the road