Head Start Parent Involvement Specialist

Head Start Parent Involvement Specialist

This is a Promotional/Open Competitive recruitment to create an eligibility list for one (1) vacancy and for future vacancies. The current vacancy is for a bilingual Spanish speaker. Successful candidates are expected to work eight (8) hours a day, five (5) days a week, and ten (10) months per school year. Candidates must submit proof of all required documents to be considered for the recruitment process.

Under general supervision, the Parent Involvement Specialist oversees the parent involvement component of the Head Start/State Preschool program, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, serving as a parent advocate, providing parents with training regarding their rights and responsibilities, and coordinating parent involvement activities. The position performs related duties as assigned.

An incumbent in this class independently performs responsibilities related to the improvement of parent participation in the education and development of Head Start students, in compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Oversee and lead the parent involvement component of the Head Start program.
• Plan and schedule training sessions, Parent Policy Committee meetings, Parent Education meetings, and other parent involvement-related events throughout the school year; plan and provide two‑day intensive training for incoming Parent Policy Committee members; coordinate, facilitate, and secure speakers and locations for parent education meetings and other events.
• Recruit and train parent volunteers to serve on the Parent Committee, Policy Committee, and Policy Council; train parents to review and make recommendations for the implementation of federal and state rules and regulations applicable to areas of assigned responsibilities; train and prepare Policy Committee parents to assist with the program’s annual self‑assessment; train and prepare parents for their role on various sub‑committees such as Personnel, Finance, Program, and Health.
• Develop and distribute flyers and pertinent information for all parent involvement‑related events; coordinate childcare arrangements for meetings and training sessions.
• Transcribe and distribute minutes from Policy Committee meetings to teachers, parents, staff, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
• Serve as a liaison between parents, administration, teaching staff and Los Angeles County Office of Education; serve as a parent advocate and assist parents with their concerns employing conflict resolution and/or mediation skills; monitor monthly Parent Committee site meetings to ensure parents are given the opportunity to participate fully in the program.
• Write and/or revise policies and procedures; coordinate and compile data necessary for surveys and reports.
• Train teaching staff on their role in parent involvement to maximize the parents’ potential in the classroom.

• Participate in various community‑based programs and networking groups.
• Prepare and submit time reports for payment of childcare attendants.
• Coordinate and facilitate recognition breakfast/meeting for volunteer Parent Policy Committee.
• Provide support at conferences (local and out‑of‑state), ensuring parents have proper orientation and guidance to maximize experience and learning opportunities as well as serve as custodian of funds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of community resources and services applicable to carrying out assigned parent involvement and education programs and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of values, problems and concerns of various cultural groups living in the community.
• Knowledge of office administrative practices and procedures, including record‑keeping.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability To

• Recruit and maintain the interest of parents and help increase their participation in school activities.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply school programs, policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Interact effectively with parents of diverse backgrounds,…