Parent Educator (Youth Developer

Parent Educator (Youth Developer)

At the school-based Family Resource Center (FRC), this class is accountable for providing support, encouragement, and information to families via group meetings, playgroups and personal home visits to help optimize child development during early years of life. This position requires works with the FRC Coordinator and Principal to facilitate and oversee operations at the Center for Enrichment under the Positive Youth Development component of the FRC.

Minimum

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and respect for the diverse backgrounds (cultural, linguistic, environmental) of students and how these characteristics affect the student's life and learning
• Knowledge of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and Board policies and District procedures
• Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Scientific Research Based Interventions (SRBI)
• Knowledge of the similarities and differences between cognitive, communicative, physical, social, and emotional needs of students and the factors that influence these different needs
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal and social skills
• Ability to assist and reinforce elements that support a safe, healthy, and effective teaching and learning environment
• Ability to assist in adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the student, under the direction of a teacher or administrator
• Ability to be sensitive and respectful in communications regarding all children and families, regardless of differences in cultural heritage, lifestyle, values, and home environment
• Ability to collect and record performance data on students under the direction of a licensed teacher, while respecting student confidentiality and the laws regarding ethical practices of assessment
• Ability to collect objective and accurate information on student behavior to be provided to licensed professionals, as appropriate and directed by a licensed teacher
• Ability to draw on knowledge and resources regarding a variety of developmental and age-appropriate instructional methods, techniques, and materials when supporting the instruction of the licensed teacher
• Ability to effectively employ a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behavior
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with students
• Ability to follow oral and written direction of licensed teachers, seeking clarification as needed
• Ability to participate as a member of the educational team when requested to attend conferences with families or primary caregivers, with an understanding of some of the concerns of parents
• Ability to prepare and organize materials to support teaching and learning, as directed by a licensed teacher
• Ability to reinforce the development of student social skills by using appropriate strategies to modify the environment
• Ability to use ethical practices for confidential communication about students
• Ability to use strategies that promote the student's independence
• Ability to utilize learning styles theory in supporting instructional practices
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with families and other external stakeholders
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Essential Functions:

• Attends professional training
• Meets regularly with Coordinator to discuss progress of program
• Compiles materials and create files for documentation of compliance with the parent involvement components
• Demonstrates knowledge of parent involvement requirements in law
• Documents all activities, assesses and records family progress
• Ensures that parent involvement outreach efforts encompass the appropriate types of parent involvement to reach out to families
• Helps to develop a family friendly environment at the school
• Links parents with agencies in the greater Waterbury area that provide social services for families
• Plans and conducts personal visits to homes of children ages 0-3 to support parents
• Plans and coordinates parent meetings with children in program
• Plans and coordinates parent trainings, workshops, seminars, and literacy classes
• Plans and delivers group meetings on parenting topics and activities for children ages 0-5
• Plans classes for parents that model effective instructional strategies
• Provides monthly tips, strategies, and ideas to parents
• Provides regular communication with parents to apprise them of events and opportunities at the school
• Provides school administration and teachers with research articles and handouts for parents
• Screens enrolled children, evaluates family needs, refers clients to appropriate services
• Serves as a liaison between administrators and staff regarding parent involvement issues
• Sponsors parent involvement training sessions to help parents work with their children at home
• Supports school-level initiatives
• Surveys parents to assess the effectiveness of the school's parent involvement program
• Works to develop activities, and events geared to reach the families of program students
• Performs other related duties as required

Working…