Instructional Support Specialist

Families and Communities Rising, Inc. (FCR, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization that has provided early education and resources to families for over 50 years! FCR Head Start/Early Heads Start programs are currently seeking a dedicated Instructional Support Specialist. The Instructional Support Specialist plays a vital role in fostering a supportive learning environment for children, teachers, and families within the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This position is responsible for providing direct support in classrooms, assisting teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate strategies, and offering individualized support to children displaying challenging behaviors or requiring emotional support. Additionally, the Instructional Support Specialist collaborates with families, teaching teams, and specialists to promote social-emotional development and ensure positive learning experiences for all children.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist teaching teams in implementing strategies that promote positive behaviors and socialemotional development.
• Work directly with children who display challenging behaviors to provide individualized interventions and deescalation techniques.
• Support teachers in maintaining an inclusive, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment.
• Model and coach teachers in best practices for behavior management and emotional support.
• Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention strategies as needed.
• Provide direct emotional and behavioral support to children struggling with selfregulation, transitions, or social interactions.
• Implement strategies based on the Pyramid Model or Conscious Discipline to encourage positive socialemotional growth.
• Conduct observations and collaborate with teachers to adjust classroom strategies for individual children.
• Use traumainformed approaches to help children develop coping skills and emotional regulation techniques.
• Work closely with families to provide guidance on supporting their child’s socialemotional development at home.
• Participate in home visits or family meetings to discuss strategies and provide resources.
• Serve as a liaison between teaching teams, mental health specialists, and family support staff to ensure coordinated care for children with behavioral or emotional needs.
• Offer workshops or small group sessions for parents on behavior guidance, emotional regulation, and child development.
• Assist in developing and facilitating training for teachers on classroom management, emotional support techniques, and individualized behavior strategies.
• Work alongside mental health consultants, disabilities specialists, and program leadership to enhance overall support for children with additional needs.
• Participate in team meetings, professional learning communities, and reflective supervision sessions.
• Stay informed on current research and best practices in early childhood mental health, behavior management, and inclusive education.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities)

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field (Bachelor’s preferred)
• Experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting, particularly those with behavioral or emotional challenges.
• Knowledge of behavior intervention strategies, socialemotional curricula (such as Second Step or Conscious Discipline), and traumainformed practices.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with teachers, families, and community partners.
• Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and early childhood mental health best practices.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fastpaced environment and adapt to the evolving needs of children and classrooms.
  
  

Key Competencies

This role is essential in ensuring that all children, regardless of their challenges, receive the support they need to thrive in a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Wage will be starting at $18/hr and is based on experience and education