Parent Mentor

Louisiana Childrens Museum•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

At LCM, play is serious business—and we’re on a mission to show every child that they matter. From splashing along the Mississippi River to creating masterpieces in the Studio in the Park, we believe learning happens best when curiosity leads the way. Working here means being part of a team that strengthens families, sparks imagination, and creates unforgettable moments every single day. Research tells us that the first 1000 days of life – the first three years – are critical to a child’s healthy development. During this period, a child’s attachment and bond to their primary caregiver(s) are shaped, and 85% of the brain's architecture is formed. These gains build on each child's enormous potential and are largely shaped by positive experiences between the child and their caregiver. The Louisiana Children’s Museum’s First 1000 Days program supports parents during one of the most important stages of early childhood development. Through in-person engagement and thoughtfully designed email communications, families will receive week-by-week information, resources, and guidance tailored to their child’s developmental milestones. The Parent Mentor will communicate regularly with First 1000 Days program parents to build a supportive community. Parent Mentors will facilitate activities that will support families’ health and wellness, and relationship building in the first three years of the baby’s life.

Requirements

Associate’s degree
A minimum of 1 year of positive parenting experience working with children ages 0-3 years old
A minimum of 1 year of experience working with diverse communities
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Proficient in MS Office 365 Suite

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish preferred)

Responsibilities

Promote the culture, mission, and brand of the Louisiana Children’s Museum while projecting a positive image to families, staff, volunteers, and the community.
Serve as a consistent parent mentor for one cohort throughout the full three-year First 1000 Days program.
Build and maintain positive, supportive relationships with parents, caregivers, children, and families in the program.
Provide supportive listening, encouragement, and targeted positive reinforcement to parents regarding their interactions with their child.
Model child-centered, developmentally appropriate practices, including nurturing guidance, positive support, and appropriate structure.
Respond to parent questions related to early childhood development and parenting, and seek additional information or resources as needed.
Serve as a communication hub for families regarding program activities and resources.
Communicate regularly with families via email and text, including sending weekly developmental tips and social-emotional prompts.
Maintain timely, responsive communication, offering individualized feedback and support to families.
Support documentation of family engagement and communication for program evaluation and continuous improvement.
Attend and support monthly in-person cohort meetings, including assisting with setup and breakdown, participant sign-in, materials, and facilitating play and parent engagement during In Dialogue sessions.
Work collaboratively with LCM team members to support cohort success.
Meet regularly with the Early Learning Director for training, reflection, and feedback related to program implementation and family engagement.
Other duties as assigned.
Approximately 5 hours a week / 20 hours a month.