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 learningKnowledge of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and Board policies and District proceduresKnowledge 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 needsOral and written communication skillsInterpersonal and social skillsAbility to assist and reinforce elements that support a safe, healthy, and effective teaching and learning environmentAbility to assist in adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the student, under the direction of a teacher or administratorAbility to be sensitive and respectful in communications regarding all children and families, regardless of differences in cultural heritage, lifestyle, values, and home environmentAbility 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 assessmentAbility to collect objective and accurate information on student behavior to be provided to licensed professionals, as appropriate and directed by a licensed teacherAbility 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 teacherAbility to effectively employ a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behaviorAbility to establish and maintain rapport with studentsAbility to follow oral and written direction of licensed teachers, seeking clarification as neededAbility 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 parentsAbility to prepare and organize materials to support teaching and learning, as directed by a licensed teacherAbility to reinforce the development of student social skills by using appropriate strategies to modify the environmentAbility to use ethical practices for confidential communication about studentsAbility to use strategies that promote the student's independenceAbility to utilize learning styles theory in supporting instructional practicesAbility to work effectively and collaboratively with families and other external stakeholdersAbility to work with individuals from diverse backgroundsEssential Functions:Attends professional trainingMeets regularly with Coordinator to discuss progress of programCompiles materials and create files for documentation of compliance with the parent involvement componentsDemonstrates knowledge of parent involvement requirements in lawDocuments all activities, assesses and records family progressEnsures that parent involvement outreach efforts encompass the appropriate types of parent involvement to reach out to familiesHelps to develop a family friendly environment at the schoolLinks parents with agencies in the greater Waterbury area that provide social services for familiesPlans and conducts personal visits to homes of children ages 0-3 to support parentsPlans and coordinates parent meetings with children in programPlans and coordinates parent trainings, workshops, seminars, and literacy classesPlans and delivers group meetings on parenting topics and activities for children ages 0-5Plans classes for parents that model effective instructional strategiesProvides monthly tips, strategies, and ideas to parentsProvides regular communication with parents to apprise them of events and opportunities at the schoolProvides school administration and teachers with research articles and handouts for parentsScreens enrolled children, evaluates family needs, refers clients to appropriate servicesServes as a liaison between administrators and staff regarding parent involvement issuesSponsors parent involvement training sessions to help parents work with their children at homeSupports school-level initiativesSurveys parents to assess the effectiveness of the school's parent involvement programWorks to develop activities, and events geared to reach the families of program studentsPerforms other related duties as requiredWorking Conditions, Physical and Mental Requirements:Employees appointed to positions in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class. A physical examination may be required.Waterbury Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.