Program Generalist

Job Overview:

The Family Child Care Home Program Generalist supports licensed Family Child Care Home Providers involved in the Early Head Start Family Child Care option. This role offers daily programmatic, administrative, and engagement assistance to ensure adherence to Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), DCFS licensing requirements, and agency policies, while also strengthening provider capacity and family involvement.

The Program Generalist serves as a key liaison among providers, families, and internal program staff, supporting documentation, attendance processes, health and safety compliance, parent engagement activities, and communication related to program requirements and services.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:

Provider Support & Program Compliance

• Assist Family Child Care Home Providers in understanding and applying program requirements outlined in the Provider Handbook, including health, safety, supervision, and attendance procedures.
• Assist providers in maintaining required documentation such as licenses, training certificates, health records, emergency plans, attendance registers, and reimbursement materials.
• Assist in preparing for both announced and unannounced monitoring visits by making sure documentation and environments meet program standards.
• Reinforce active supervision, safe sleep practices, and health screening requirements. 

Attendance, Records & Administrative Support

• Support providers in accurately completing and submitting attendance registers and required forms on time.
• Assist providers in understanding attendance policies, excused absences, non-response procedures, and abandonment of care protocols.
• Assist in organizing and tracking documentation needed for reimbursement and program audits.
• Input, monitor, or confirm data in agency systems as assigned.

Family & Parent Engagement

• Assist providers in organizing monthly family committee meetings by managing scheduling, tracking attendance, and maintaining documentation.
• Assist with parent communication regarding attendance expectations, health requirements, program updates, and family engagement opportunities.
• Promote support provider efforts to boost parent participation in Parent Policy Committee or Policy Council activities.

Health, Safety & Child Well-Being Support

• Assist in monitoring health requirements for enrolled children, including medical reports, screenings, and follow-up documentation.
• Assist providers in executing daily health screenings and illness exclusion protocols.
• Strengthen nutrition, CACFP participation, meal documentation, and allergy accommodations in collaboration with program staff.

Communication & Coordination

• Serve as a point of contact for routine provider questions and direct complex issues to the FCC coordinator.
• Facilitate communication between providers and internal teams regarding scheduling, closures, absences, and program updates.
• Attend team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Engage in professional development focused on early childhood education, family involvement, and Head Start standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Human Services, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

Experience

•  At least 1–3 years of experience working in early childhood, family support, or community-based programs.
•  Experience supporting documentation, compliance, or provider-based programs preferred.
•  Familiarity with Head Start, Early Head Start, or Family Child Care settings strongly preferred.

Other Requirements

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with providers, families, and internal staff.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity to the communities served.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and auto insurance.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of early childhood program operations and compliance standards.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data systems; experience with program databases preferred.
• Ability to work independently in community-based settings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel to Family Child Care Homes and community sites.
• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the day.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds (supplies, materials).
• Occasional evening or early morning hours based on provider schedules.
• Frequent movement within the office and during school/campus visits.
• Ability to travel between campuses, schools, and community sites.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs for events or classroom needs.
• Work may involve outdoor conditions and evening/weekend availability.

DISCLAIMER

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions and is subject to change.