Program Mentor

Join the Candelen Team – Empowering Early Childhood, Together 

At Candelen, we believe in the boundless potential of every child and the power of adults to nurture that growth. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families, educators, and communities so that all children have the foundation they need to succeed. With a passionate team and innovative programs, we bring lasting impact to the lives of young children across Arizona and beyond. 

We’re growing - and we’re looking for talented, mission-driven individuals to grow with us. 

Position: Program Mentor 

Location: Maricopa County
Reports to: Program Director
Employment Type: Full-time, Non-exempt, Grant-funded 

About the Role 

The Program Mentor supports unlicensed child care providers who are seeking to establish their own business by becoming a licensed and certified child care provider. The Program Mentor acts as a support in navigating the licensing and certification requirements, including conducting an initial home environment scan, completing applications, and providing professional development. In addition, the Program Mentor connects caregivers to additional resources that support the success of their business, including access to technical assistance on business operations and financial support. This position requires the individual to be bilingual in Spanish and English. This position is based and requires travel throughout Maricopa County. 

If you’re someone who thrives in a collaborative, values-driven environment and wants to make a meaningful difference in early childhood outcomes - this could be the role for you. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Builds rapport and trusting relationships with caregivers, community partners, and colleagues in a culturally appropriate and attuned manner to support program delivery.? 
• Partners with program participants to understand their needs, educate them on the licensing and certification pathways, and provide step-by-step support on the application processes. Provides insight and guidance around various licensing and certification pathways to participants in the program.  
• Provides relationship-based technical assistance that includes but not limited to visiting participants’ homes to conduct an environmental scan to prepare to help them meet licensing/certification standards, visit inspections, licensing requirement walkthroughs and professional development related to early childhood development.  
• Identifies areas of need for financial support or external resources for participants.  
• Conducts outreach with community partners to support program enrollment and access to participant resources. 
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bilingual in Spanish and English. 
• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field. 
• At least five (5) years of early childhood experience. 
• Eligibility to obtain Professional Development Instructor status in the Arizona Early Childhood Network Registry.  
• Ability to travel throughout the state, have a current/valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation at all times. 
• Ability to meet background check requirements upon initial hire and for the duration of employment. 
• Have and maintain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. 
• Possess knowledge of childcare licensing requirements. 
• Excellent knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood care settings. 
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. 
• Awareness of community resources and support for the needs and unique characteristics of unlicensed Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers. 
• Strong presentation skills and excellent communication, including both verbal and written. 
• Excellent collaboration and relationship-building skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft office, email systems, and related technology. 
• Able to maintain an established work schedule, attend appointments, adapt schedules to meet unexpected needs, and utilize time effectively. 
• Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality in working with participants. 

Please note: 

• Qualified candidates will be invited to an in-person interview. 
• Starting hourly rate: $24.00-$27.00 per hour 

Why Candelen? 

At Candelen, we care about our team just as much as we care about the communities we serve. Here’s a glimpse at what we offer: 

• Competitive salary and the opportunity for mission-driven work 
• Generous paid time off, including holidays and wellness weeks 
• Employer-paid benefits for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance 
• Retirement plan with employer match 
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team culture