Schenectady Community Action Program

Sydney Obman, a preschool teacher at our Bellevue Early Learning Center, is featured in the Provider Spotlight in the latest issue of Brightside Up's Home & Classroom magazine!

Families are regular visitors in Sydney's classroom, joining cardboard-building challenges, art shows, and everyday activities. She builds lessons around what her students are excited about. When her class got hooked on a movie, she turned it into a building study, and the kids designed a stage to perform the songs. Simple sign language, peer buddies, and multiple languages help every child in her room take part.

When a conflict comes up, Sydney asks her students, "I wonder how we can fix this problem?" Then she lets them work it out together.

Congratulations, Sydney, and thank you for everything you give our kids and families!

Read the full issue: https://conta.cc/4hqjCKo

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Want this for your child? SCAP's early learning programs are free for eligible families. Enroll at https://conta.cc/3TMfoid

Want to work alongside teachers like Sydney? We're hiring. Apply at https://conta.cc/4dbhIw5

Congratulations to Julie Halsdorf, Family Service Coordinator with SCAP's Early Learning Programs, on being selected for the Capital Region Chamber's Leadership Capital Region Class of 2027!

Leadership Capital Region brings together professionals from across the region to build leadership skills and deepen their understanding of the community. Julie works directly with the families in our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and she'll bring that perspective to a class of leaders from business, healthcare, education, and nonprofits.

We're proud to have her representing SCAP. Congratulations, Julie!

Is your child between the ages of 5 and 12? SCAP's Social Skills Group might be exactly what they need.

Our free, parent-involved group gives kids a chance to build social skills through board games, crafts, and community outings — all led by our Child Development Specialist. Two age groups meet once a month:

📅 Ages 5–8 | 3:30–4:30pm
📅 Ages 9–12 | 5:00–6:00pm

To get started, contact us at:
📧 [email protected]
📞 (518) 377-2015

Want to make a real difference in Schenectady? We're hiring!

SCAP has openings for Lead Preschool Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and Case Managers — roles that directly support families working to build stable, sustainable lives. We offer competitive wages, sign-on bonuses up to $5,000, full benefits, and a team that's genuinely committed to this work.

See all open positions: https://tinyurl.com/yj3mptaf

Thirty years ago, Olga Diaz walked through our doors. Today, she is one of the most beloved people in this organization and in this community.

As a Community Resource Navigator and Outreach Specialist, Olga has spent three decades connecting Schenectady families to the resources they need. She grew into a role that puts her compassion and her knowledge to work every single day. In 2019, the New York State Community Action Association honored her with their Service Award. But anyone who has ever worked alongside her, or been helped by her, didn't need an award to know how special she is.

Her colleagues describe her in simple words that say everything: kind; empathetic; selfless; hardworking. They say she always has a smile on her face. That she helps people even when she's not at work. That you only need to talk to her once to understand exactly who she is.

Thirty years of showing up. Thirty years of caring. Thirty years of Olga.

We are so lucky. 🧡

SCAP is hiring! We're looking for passionate people to join our team in the following roles:

🤝 Housing Retention Case Manager: $22–$28/hr
🤝 Re-Entry Case Manager: $22–$28/hr
🤝 Family-Centered Services Case Manager: $22–$28/hr
📚 Lead Preschool Teacher: $25–$33/hr + $5,000 sign-on bonus
📚 Teacher Assistant: $18.55/hr + $2,500 sign-on bonus

All positions include full benefits, 403(b) with company match, and paid time off. Early Learning roles also include unemployment benefits during school breaks.

Apply today: https://tinyurl.com/yj3mptaf

Spots are filling fast! SCAP's Head Start and Early Head Start programs are nearly full for the upcoming year — but we still have a few openings left.

If your child is birth to 4 years old and your family is income-eligible, this is your chance to secure FREE, high-quality early childhood education that includes nutritious meals, developmental screenings, health services, free diapers for enrolled infants and toddlers, and much more.

SNAP recipients are automatically eligible.

📞 Ages 3 & 4: Call 518-377-8539 or email [email protected]
📞 Infants & Toddlers: Call 518-377-2015 or email [email protected]

Don't wait — these spots won't last!

SCAP is hiring! We're looking for passionate people to join our team in the following roles:

📚 Lead Preschool Teacher: $25–$33/hr + $5,000 sign-on bonus
📚 Teacher Assistant: $18.55/hr + $2,500 sign-on bonus
🤝 Housing Retention Case Manager: $22–$28/hr
🤝 Re-Entry Case Manager: $22–$28/hr
🤝 Family-Centered Services Case Manager: $22–$28/hr

All positions include full benefits, 403(b) with company match, and paid time off. Early Learning roles also include unemployment benefits during school breaks.

Apply today: https://tinyurl.com/yj3mptaf

Do you want to make a real difference in Schenectady? We're hiring.

SCAP has openings for Case Managers, Lead Preschool Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and more -- roles that directly support families working to build stable, sustainable lives. We offer competitive wages, sign-on bonuses up to $5,000, full benefits, and a team that's genuinely committed to this work.

See all open positions: https://tinyurl.com/yj3mptaf

Know a family that could use a hand? SCAP is enrolling children ages 0–4 in free, education-focused child care at six Schenectady locations. Income-eligible families can apply today — call (518) 377-2015 or share this post with someone who needs it.