Child & Family Engagement Worker (Part- Time Term Position)

20 hours/week, Maternity Leave Coverage from November 2, 2026 to April 8, 2027

Role Purpose

The Child & Family Engagement Worker (PT) strengthens KARA’s Early Years programming by creating warm, engaging, prevention-focused spaces where caregivers and children can learn and grow together. Rooted in KARA’s values of connection, compassion, and collaboration, this role supports families with children ages 0–6 through high-quality early learning programs, parent education, and individualized guidance when needed.

The PT CFEW helps build protective factors for families by offering developmentally rich programming, supporting caregivers in understanding early childhood development, and building meaningful relationships with families and community partners. Through visible, consistent community engagement, this role contributes to KARA’s broader vision of strengthening family connection and increasing community participation across North Edmonton.

Definition of Parent Education (Early Years)

At KARA, Parent Education refers to experiences that increase a caregiver’s understanding of child development, confidence in their parenting role, and ability to support their child’s social, emotional, and developmental growth.

In the Early Years, Parent Education often takes the form of:

- Parented early learning programs (e.g., Books & Bites, Play Adventures, sensory-based learning)
- Practical life-skill development for parents of infants and toddlers
- Conversations and reflective learning built into programming
- Skill-building related to routines, sleep, communication, emotional regulation, and behavior

The PT CFEW models healthy communication, responsive caregiving, and positive adult–child interaction while creating a safe space for parents to ask questions, share experiences, and build community.

Key Responsibilities – Parent Education (Early Years)

- Facilitate engaging parented Early Years programs grounded in child development and attachment-based practice.
- Create welcoming, inclusive environments for caregivers and children to learn together.
- Respond to parent questions and provide guidance based on evidence-informed approaches.
- Collaborate with Family Navigators to ensure caregivers receive wraparound support where needed.
- Track participant attendance, engagement, and learning outcomes.




- Support program evaluation through observation notes and feedback forms.

Definition of Early Years Programs

Early Years programs are hands-on learning experiences designed to build children’s motor, cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills while deepening caregivers’ understanding of child development.

Examples include:

- Books & Bites
- Play Adventures
- Sensory Foundations
- Parent–child literacy or nutrition-based programming

These programs strengthen protective factors by connecting parents to community, expanding learning opportunities for children, and promoting consistent routines at home.

Key Responsibilities – Early Years Programs

- Deliver developmentally appropriate programming using play-based, trauma-informed approaches.
- Model positive adult–child interaction and coach parents on ways to support learning at home.
- Prepare program materials and maintain organized, accessible learning environments.
- Adapt activities to match diverse developmental levels and learning needs.
- Support transitions within the program space (arrival, activities, clean-up).
- Track outcomes and share key insights with the Program Manager.

Definition of Family Support (Light Touch Navigation)

While Family Navigation is not the primary focus of this role, the PT CFEW offers light-touch support to families participating in programs. This includes:

- Answering questions about child development and parent resources
- Providing referrals to KARA’s Family Navigators for more in-depth support
- Documenting brief conversations and follow-up recommendations

Key Responsibilities – Family Support

- Provide brief, supportive guidance to caregivers during or after Early Years programs.
- Identify when families would benefit from a Family Navigator referral.
- Document brief support interactions using KARA’s data standards.
- Share emerging parent needs with the Program Manager to inform program design.

Community Development & Partnerships (Early Years Focus)





This role contributes to KARA’s visibility and outreach within Early Years communities. The PT CFEW builds warm relationships with families, community partners, and local organizations to increase awareness and participation.

Key Responsibilities – Community Development

- Build and maintain supportive relationships with families attending programs.
- Engage with community leagues and Early Years partners to support program attendance and visibility.
- Promote Early Years programs through conversations, resource sharing, and light outreach.
- Assist with identifying community trends, gaps, and opportunities that support family wellbeing.
- Attend occasional community events in collaboration with the Program Manager or Team Lead.

What We’re Looking For:

At KARA, we understand that candidates might consider training to be more significant than experience. However, we value practical experience, the ability to be coached, and personal lived experiences. Our ideal candidate is someone who comprehends how their educational background and experiences can be utilized to develop programs and deliver services aligned with our mission statement. We welcome applications from everyone interested in joining our team.

- Education: Child and Youth Worker, Educational Assistant, Social Work diploma

- Passion for working with school-aged children and their families.

- Experience in program development and facilitation.

- Robust communication and relationship-building skills.

- Creativity in resource management and event planning.

- Ability to thrive in both team settings and independent work.

Additional Requirements:

- Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector)

- Intervention Record Check

- First Aid/CPR (within 6 months of hire)

- Valid Driver’s License

What We Offer:
Benefits:

- Professional Casual dress
- Paid time off
- Staff & Professional Development

Our values are compassion, acceptance, resilience, playfulness, and commitment. If you meet the entrance criteria, hold similar values and are looking to join a dynamic team that works hard to empower and support children and families, please submit your Resume and Cover Letter to [email protected].

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: $25.16 per hour

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Work Location: In person

📌 CHILD & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT WORKER (Edmonton)
🏢 KARA Family Resource Centre
📍 Edmonton