Internship (May to Aug) – Early Childhood Support

Description

FamilyAid is a leading provider of solutions to family homelessness. Our mission is to empower parents and caregivers facing homelessness to secure and sustain housing and build solid foundations for their children's futures. 

We prevent family homelessness whenever possible, reduce harm if homelessness can't be avoided by housing families as quickly as possible, mitigate trauma, especially for children, and provide wraparound supports that foster long-term stability. 

We provide children and parents with a path to self-sufficiency via two-generation educational programs, housing search and placement support, and connections to vital resources they need to return to their own homes. 

Our strategic vision and bold strategies to reduce two-generation homelessness successfully served 5,000 children and parents in Greater Boston last year. 

Our supportive, collaborative, diverse workplace of more than 130 professionals is ideal for skilled, result-oriented professionals who are driven to help children and families thrive. FamilyAid has been recognized as a Massachusetts Top Workplace by The Boston Globe and by Charity Navigator as one of the nation's top organizations working to end homelessness.

Position Summary

This internship is embedded within FamilyAid’s 2Gen Navigator team and supports the agency’s early childhood programming across multiple sites. Reporting to the Early Childhood Navigator, the intern will gain a practical, on-the-ground understanding of two-generation (2Gen) approaches to family homelessness, including how early childhood development intersects with family housing stability. Intern responsibilities are calibrated to the student’s skills and educational background, and will be shaped collaboratively between the intern and supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Resource Management: Assist with updating and maintaining early childhood resource lists used by case managers across FamilyAid programs
• Parent Workshops: Assist in planning and facilitating workshops for parents on early childhood development topics (e.g., developmental milestones, play-based learning, school readiness)
• Case Manager Collaboration: Shadow and participate in correspondence with case managers on early childhood topics, gaining      insight into cross-team coordination and resource navigation
• Child Development Screenings: Support the administration of developmental screenings (e.g., ASQ) in partnership with FamilyAid community partners, and assist with follow-up communications to families
• Playspace Coordination: Assist with coordinating the West Newton Playspace, ensuring a welcoming environment and a variety of enriching activities for young children and their caregivers
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate records and contribute to data entry and tracking in support of program goals

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate educational program
• Highly desired:
  • Fluency in another language (ideally Spanish or Haitian Creole)
  • Experience in childcare, early childhood education
  • Familiarity with early childhood developmental frameworks and screenings (e.g., ASQ)
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Exhibits humility through the learning process and can accept feedback
• Familiar with evidence-based practices such as trauma informed care and motivational interviewing
• Comfortable working in person (community based) and virtually
• Flexibility and compassion are essential

Location and Work Conditions: This position is hybrid. In-person team meetings held once per month on Thursdays. FamilyAid’s headquarters are at 3815 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02130.

Work Schedule: This position is 10-15 hours a week with flexibility for more hours as needed by the student. dependent on school requirements, to be discussed with supervisor. Days and hours to be determined, with the flexibility to best meet client and program needs.

FamilyAid is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.