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Reports to: Program Manager

Compensation: $60,000

Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (35 hours per week)

Location: New York, NY (Harlem) – On-site 4.5 days per week

About the Position

The Children’s Storefront (TCS) works with parents and caregivers to build their babies’ brains during the first 1,000 days of life, laying a strong foundation for lifelong success. Our Caregiver Coaches are the “on the ground” champions of this mission (often literally!), facilitating free, play-centered sessions for families in Harlem and across New York City.

In this role, you will lead group sessions—primarily in person, with some virtual components—using our Play & Learn curriculum. Rooted in the Serve and Return model developed by Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, the curriculum uses activities such as singing, reading, and guided play to help parents and caregivers recognize and respond to their child’s developmental cues.

Rather than instructing children directly, Caregiver Coaches serve as supportive partners for adults by providing positive encouragement, modeling responsive play, and translating early childhood neuroscience into practical parenting strategies families can use every day.

Beyond facilitating sessions, you will help build a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental community where caregivers can share cultural traditions, parenting experiences, and wellness challenges. You will also serve as a brand ambassador by participating in neighborhood outreach, community tabling, and special events to help introduce new families to The Children’s Storefront.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery

• Prepare weekly curriculum activities and coordinate session plans with co-facilitators.
• Facilitate engaging group sessions while explaining the science behind early childhood brain development in accessible, practical ways.
• Build trusting relationships with families by providing individualized support that reflects each caregiver’s background, experiences, and strengths.
• Foster an inclusive community where caregivers learn from one another through shared experiences and discussion.
• Clean and sanitize the playspace after in-person sessions, including toys, instruments, learning materials, surfaces, and light vacuuming as needed.
• Host and support partnership programs, including:
  
  • Big Note, Little Note with Carnegie Hall
  • Brain Food with NewYork-Presbyterian
• Participate in community outreach and special events, including tabling, presentations, clothing drives, food distributions, and similar activities.
• Collaborate with the coaching team, Program Manager, and Director to continuously improve programming based on observations, caregiver feedback, and emerging best practices.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Record session attendance in Neon CRM and help maintain accurate program data.
• Communicate with caregivers through attendance reminders, follow-up emails, and phone calls.
• Assist with additional duties and special projects that support program growth.

Professional Growth & Team Collaboration

• Participate in all staff and organizational meetings.
• Maintain dependable attendance and communicate proactively regarding scheduling, absences, or coverage needs.
• Participate in regular supervision, reflect on coaching sessions, and actively incorporate feedback into your work.
• Stay informed about current research, play-centered learning models, and infant and toddler development through ongoing professional development and training.
• Demonstrate The Children’s Storefront’s values of anti-racism, community care, and respect in all interactions with families and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of professional experience working directly with infants, toddlers, and their families, preferably in community centers, playgroups, early childhood education, or family support settings.
• High school diploma or GED required; additional education or training in early childhood development, early intervention, family studies, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Outstanding communication and active listening skills, with the ability to translate early childhood research into practical, encouraging guidance for parents and caregivers.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and success working collaboratively as part of a small, close-knit team.
• Ability to move comfortably throughout a playspace to engage with toddlers at their level and assist with light setup and cleanup. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified candidates.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and community-centered approach to building authentic relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong commitment to racial equity and ongoing self-reflection to support anti-racist practices.

Benefits

• 100% Employer-Paid Health, Dental & Vision Insurance – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums are fully covered by the organization.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Retirement savings plan available (no employer match at this time).
• Generous Paid Time Off – Flexible vacation and sick leave, paid organization holidays, and a paid year-end office closure from December 24 through January 1.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience to HR@thechildrensstorefront.org with the subject line:

Caregiver Coach – [Your Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.