Community Connections (CCI) provides many programs for people with
disabilities in Southwest Colorado. CCI's mission is to create
opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives in our community. For many
years, CCI has offered an early intervention program for children ages 0-3.
In 2023, CCI began partnering with San Juan BOCES and Team UP to move the
LENA Home program to CCI for regional implementation. LENA programs use
technology to measure verbal interactions between caregivers and young
children and education to increase those interactions.
Service Position Summary: The Early Language Coordinator will deliver the
LENA Home program to engage and empower families with evidence-based practices
that support the learning and growth of children, birth to three years old.
The Early Language Coordinator will serve directly with families to support
their child's language and overall brain development through increasing the
adult interactive talk in the child's family environment, and may also
help to engage other CCI staff in delivery of the program. This member will be
based in Durango but will serve Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata,
Montezuma, and San Juan Counties and collaborate with other LENA providers
in the region to maximize the use of resources, including equipment and
incentives. As a member of Talk Grow Learn, the Team UP of Southwest
Colorado collective impact action team, the Early Language Coordinator will
also communicate and partner with additional family resource agencies in the
region. The Early Language Coordinator will also help to recruit families to
LENA and other early childhood programs by helping the Action Team to manage
families who are using the phone app known as "Baby BEE Ready."
Duties include:
Actively recruit LENA participants for continuous LENA programming with
outreach to
underserved communities and families who do not qualify for Early Intervention
services
partner agencies and local organizations serving families with young children
Attend local events to inform and actively recruit and enroll families in LENA
programming
In collaboration with other organizations, and independently with
families, facilitate and support implementation of LENA HOME program to
families in a home, family group, in-person or online setting by providing
information and coaching and empowering families to increase interactive talk
and learning in the child's environment
Schedule and provide home visits, in person or online, with interested and
participating families
Collaborate with Early Intervention providers to deliver the program to
families involved in Early Intervention
Participate in CCI's Diversity Committee
Develop plans and metrics for serving a representative cross-section of the
region
Participate in and be an active member of the Talk, Grow, Learn (TGL)
Action Team
Manage the Baby BEE ready app for families utilizing program (a place to
find early childhood supports and earn incentives) for the TGL Action
Team, including: Serve as the point-of-contact, manage the
point-system, update activities, and distribute prizes
Conduct outreach to the community via stakeholder meetings,
communications, and presentations
Manage curriculum and materials for the program, including inventory sharing
with collaborating organizations
Communicate with Site Supervisor on progress and anticipated program supply
needs
Assist with regional LENA Grow program (childcare center-based) as
available and appropriate
Track host site and AmeriCorps data
Attend Team UP AmeriCorps regional trainings, cohort connection days, and
Days of Service
Desired Qualifications:
Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive
change
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer
literate
High School Graduate or GED required, college graduate or quivalent work
experience preferred
Ability to pass criminal history check
Reliable transportation & proof of auto insurance
U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
Excellent communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively both
verbally and in writing; computer literate
Understanding of culturally diverse populations
Self-motivation, ability to take initiative
Ability to plan, coordinate with others, and organize schedule,
including travel time
Skills or experience preferred: community and volunteer organizing; early
childhood development, family training experience
Those who understand the importance of a rich home language environment in the
first three years of life in supporting a child's overall later success,
and who want to support the health and success of the children in a rural
community, are encouraged to apply
Term of Service - Time Commitment: This is a Full-Time national and
community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1700 hours
during the year (approximately 40 hours/week.) The position begins
September 9, 2024 and ends August 31, 2025. Flexible hours are required,
including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Service on certain dates
Training and Support Provided: Team UP AmeriCorps members receive
significant training and experience in community engagement, project
implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20%
of total hours served may be spent in applicable, approved trainings.
Members will be supervised and supported by Scott Kuster, Director of
Children and Family Services (scott@cci-colorado.org), as well as by