Family Engagement Specialist /Educational Assistant (Title)

Primary Purpose:

Parent Support Specialist - Work to increase and improve parent/family involvement on the campus. Provide support and education to: help parents overcome barriers to parental involvement; to learn how to support and encourage their children in school; and train parents for greater communication between the home and school. Work under general supervision of Parent Community Specialist.

Educational Assistant - Assist in preparation and management of classroom activities and administrative requirements. Work with students in small groups helping with both basic math and reading skills in the primary grades. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Education / Certification:

1. High School Diploma.
2. Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate.
3. Completion of at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester hours of college coursework); or have obtained, at minimum, an associate's degree; or met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment knowledge or, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and math or knowledge or, and the ability to assist in instructing reading and writing readiness, and math readiness, as appropriate.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

1. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with campus/district personnel, parents, schools, and the community.
2. Skills in speaking, writing, and reading a second language predominant in the communities desirable.
3. Basic computer knowledge.
4. General understanding and knowledge of the educational and campus environment.

Experience / Other Requirements:

1. Experience as a parent volunteer is preferred.
2. Some experience working with children.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Parent Support Specialist

1. Set up and maintain the Parent Resource Center on the campus.
2. Compile and present a campus survey to all staff and parents to determine the needs and interest of the parents.
3. Organize and facilitate educational and informational workshops at their individual campuses.
4. Provide support to all parents of eligible students based on the funding source guidelines by identifying campus, district, and community resources that are available to parents and their children.
5. Encourage families to serve as members on campus and district student support teams.
6. Work closely with PTA, campus parent organizations and other staff members to help organize various parent volunteer opportunities.
7. Serve as a liaison between the school and the parent/families of the school.
8. Attend monthly meeting and in-service training with the District Parent Community Specialist.
9. Deliver training to the parent community.
10. Attend school and community meetings.
11. Make personal contact with parents to encourage parental engagement.
12. Provide information to parents/families in order to improve home-school communication.
13. Work with the district's Parent Community Specialist to prepare and provide data to the district.
14. Work with the principal to investigate complaints from parents/families.
15. Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.

Classroom Educational Assistant

1. Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
2. Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
3. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
4. Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
5. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
6. Work with individual students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
7. Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
8. Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
9. Maintain confidentiality.
10. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
11. Perform related duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:


None.