Best Starts for Kids, in partnership with WestEd, is inviting applications for the Cultivating Prenatal to 5 Community-Based Facilitators program, with applications due by November 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM. This opportunity aims to recruit individuals passionate about community knowledge sharing, training facilitation, and early childhood development to become facilitators supporting prenatal to age 5 programming. This program aligns with Best Starts’ Workforce Development strategy and focuses on communities experiencing service gaps or limited outreach.

The program runs for six months, from January to June 2025, combining large and small group trainings, individual mentorship sessions, and ending with a celebratory event. Facilitators will co-develop and lead workshops on topics such as healthy childhood development, equity, and early childhood mental health. The program particularly encourages applicants from diverse linguistic and professional backgrounds who can train in multiple languages, and those who can demonstrate alignment with Best Starts for Kids’ values.

Eligibility extends to those with a passion for sharing knowledge in their communities and an interest in creating workshops around early childhood development themes. There is no strict requirement regarding professional experience; individuals at different stages in their career journey are welcome. The program values applicants who understand the principles and goals of Best Starts and can communicate these effectively within their communities.

An information session will be held on November 14, 2024, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. Interested individuals can email support-BSK@wested.org to register and receive the Zoom link. Additionally, written questions regarding the RFA can be submitted by November 15, 2024, to Diana de la Lanza at bsk-wested@wested.org, with responses provided via email.

The timeline includes application review from November 25 to December 6, with an interview period from December 6 to December 13. Notifications of selection will be sent by December 20, and sessions will begin on January 22, 2025. Free technical assistance is available to help applicants prepare strong submissions, including guidance on application content, editing, and alignment with program goals. Interested applicants can find further details and sign up for assistance on the Best Starts website.