Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.
Are you passionate about supporting families and making a meaningful impact in the lives of young children? Acelero Learning is seeking a dedicated Family Support Advocate (FSA) to partner with families and promote children’s healthy development and school readiness.
Why Acelero?
Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young children’s inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.
Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.
Your Role:
As a Family Support Advocate, you will serve as a key member of the family engagement team, working directly with families to build strong partnerships that support children’s development and school readiness. In this specialized role, you will provide individualized and intensive support to families facing significant challenges, including housing instability, foster care involvement, substance abuse, family violence, and mental health concerns.
You will connect families to critical community resources and services, helping them stabilize their circumstances and enhance overall well-being. This role may support families across multiple center locations based on program needs.
What You’ll Do:
Family Engagement & Support: Build trusting relationships with families to promote positive environments that support children’s growth and development.
Targeted Case Management: Provide intensive, individualized support to vulnerable families, helping them navigate crises and access needed services.
Community Partnerships: Establish and maintain relationships with external service providers to connect families with counseling, housing, healthcare, and other resources.
Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams to ensure coordinated, high-quality family services.
Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate, timely records and reporting in alignment with program standards and requirements.
What You Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, Family and Child Development, or a related field
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with vulnerable families and communities
Strong commitment to family engagement and achieving positive child and family outcomes
Experience working with families of children ages 0–5 preferred
Knowledge of high-risk assessments, including depression, domestic violence, and substance abuse
Bilingual (Spanish) preferred; may be required based on location
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer skills
Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation and required insurance coverage
Additional Requirements:
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as needed
Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
Successful completion of physical exam, background check, and fingerprinting
When/Where/How Much:
When: June 2026
Where: South Amboy, New Jersey
How Much: Starting at $25/hour
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families
A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being
Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options
Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) with company match
Disability and Life Insurance
Professional development reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness programs and employee perks
Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?
- Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Supportive working environment
- Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
- Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.
We envision a world where children become champions of their own making; where nothing stands in the way of their infinite promise.
Acelero Learning was founded in 2001 by a former Head Start teacher and Children Defense Fund staffer, with a clear mission -- to work with local communities to improve the quality of Head Start programs. In 2005, Acelero Learning began to directly administer Early Head Start and Head Start programs through delegate agencies -- locally managed affiliates with their own local boards of directors that received dedicated support from the Acelero Learning Support Center in New York.
Today, Acelero Learning affiliates operate a network of Head Start and other early childhood programs serving nearly 5,000 young children and families across the country. Our affiliates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Camden, Monmouth and Middlesex Counties in New Jersey, Clark County, Nevada, Aiken and Barnwell Counties in South Carolina and Racine and Milwaukee counties in Wisconsin have each improved the delivery of early childhood education in their communities -- increasing enrollment, improving teacher salaries and dramatically expanding the number of hours of programming for children and families.
