Higher Education Navigator - Early Childhood

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions. 

The Higher Education Navigator – Early Childhood recruits incumbent early childhood care and education workforce members and connects them with appropriate Early Childhood Education programs at educational institutions to obtain additional degrees, licenses, and credentials. The Navigator assists participants to identify scholarship and financial aid opportunities and provides technical assistance to complete applications for relevant educational programs and financial assistance.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:

• Plans, publicizes, and facilitates informational/educational sessions on higher education, scholarship and financial aid processes/opportunities for incumbent Early Childhood Education workforce (virtual or in-person) as required by program plan.


• Provide Technical Assistance Supports for Individuals seeking a Child Development Associate.


• Collaborates and works closely with INCCRRA Professional Development Advisors to analyze transcripts and training records of incumbent workforce members and provide counseling on appropriate pathways in the early childhood field and connection to specific programs.


• Downloads and follows-up on responses to Illinois Network of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) surveys regarding interest in higher education opportunities.


• Provides email, phone or mail follow up contact to all participants who express interest or complete an interest survey in timeframe required.


• Provides support to participants regarding assessing needs; shares information and connects participants to higher education opportunities through phone calls, email, in-person / virtual meetings.


• Refers participants to a variety of federal and state workforce supports and grant opportunities.


• Provides technical assistance on the application processes and completing forms for educational programs and financial aid, including education/program applications, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and state scholarships.


• Maintains current knowledge of Early Childhood Education programs at 2- and 4-year higher education institutions.


• Builds relationships with key faculty at Early Childhood Education programs at 2- and 4-year higher education institutions to accurately identify and refer appropriate candidates from incumbent Early Childhood Education workforce.


• Collects and enters data into a data tracking program within specified time frames.


• Collects information on barriers to higher education experienced by incumbent workforce members.


• Collects, reviews and utilizes data and information on programs and services to inform program / department performance.

Candidate qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required. 


• Minimum of two years of experience in early childhood care and education, counseling/social work, family support, adult education, or higher education field required. 


• Valid driver's license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle required.  

Job details: 

• Compensation: Salary Range: $42,000-$44,000; offers are commensurate with experience. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates.


• Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, 3+ weeks paid time off in the first year including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day (PTO increases with tenure); 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match (more benefits details here).


• Location: Hybrid (remote/in office); Community-based services provided in our 7 counties – Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St Clair, and Washington in Southern Illinois, with opportunities to complete some tasks from home or another location; home office in Granite City.


• Schedule: Full-time, salaried; general business hours with some flexibility required for evening family visits and special projects.


• Important Note: Travel locally and to other locations in the state (up to 25% of time.) Occasional overnight travel for conferences or other meetings. May require evening and weekend hours for program activities.


• We don’t just hire talent—we grow it: Emerging Leaders will have access to leadership development opportunities and one-on-one mentorship. 


• Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).