PROGRAM ASSISTANT – PARENT ENGAGEMENT

NHA•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Area Director, the Program Assistant – Parent Engagement manages projects and activities that support an integrated, multi-faceted parent engagement service delivery system. The position coordinates family engagement services for children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start and works with program staff to implement policies, procedures, and practices that support compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and Head Start Act and advance the Family and Community Engagement Framework. The Program Assistant plans, develops, delivers, and evaluates parent and staff trainings, workshops, meetings, conferences, and other family engagement activities. The role supports parents’ participation in school readiness and program activities, parent committees, and Policy Council; partners with staff and families to strengthen communication; and coordinates with community agencies and subject-matter experts. It also coordinates, monitors, and reports program data, maintains activity records and resource materials, assists with program planning and reporting, and supports the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures. The position regularly works in an office environment for planning and travels to conduct site visits and provide support at centers. Physical demands include sitting or standing for extended periods and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Child Development or a closely related field, or at least three years of increasingly responsible experience providing direct services to low-income children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including experience designing, planning, and implementing parent engagement activities.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to Head Start and the assigned areas of responsibility.
Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Head Start Act.
Knowledge of NHA goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of child development theories and strategies, community resources, and adult learning concepts.
Knowledge of computers and related software programs.
Ability to organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment.
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain program regulations, policies, and procedures and make sound decisions accordingly.
Ability to instruct and train individuals in group and one-on-one settings.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and prepare clear, concise, accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Ability to exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy, and judgment when dealing with volunteers, parents, and staff.
Ability to develop and implement program plans, organize work around multiple assignments, and follow up on assigned tasks.
Ability to present information and respond to questions primarily in English; demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret technical instructions, and work with abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to sit or stand for long periods and lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to travel to centers for site visits and provide staff support.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of experience in a program emphasizing the parent’s role in child development.
Experience communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.
Prior experience with community-based groups and/or parent groups.
Experience as a trainer.

Responsibilities

Work with program staff to implement policies, procedures, and practices that support compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Act and the goals of the Family and Community Engagement Framework.
Coordinate family engagement services for children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start program options.
Plan, develop, deliver, and evaluate family engagement training for staff and parents.
Help plan and implement parent meetings, workshops, conferences, training, and other activities based on families’ needs and interests.
Plan and organize family engagement outreach, programs, and activities.
Develop trainings and workshops that help parents and families participate more effectively in school readiness activities.
Confer with site personnel, parents, and community agencies to increase parent engagement.
Prepare materials for parent engagement activities.
Attend and assist with Area Parent Advisory Committees.
Participate in professional development and keep abreast of developments and research in parent engagement.
Facilitate or lead parent engagement activities.
Coordinate, monitor, and report program data related to parent engagement.
Develop and implement annual leadership training for Head Start and Early Head Start parents; track and monitor parent training requests.
Encourage and partner with parents as they become or remain actively engaged in Head Start activities.
Orient parents to the philosophy, policies, and practices of parent engagement in the Head Start Program.
Promote and support parent or guardian engagement in Parent Committees and Policy Council.
Coordinate with grantee specialists to arrange workshops and training sessions led by subject-matter experts.
Provide staff assistance with planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting on program activities.
Assist with developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures and updating resource materials.
Assist with pre-service and in-service trainings.
Design family engagement activities that help families support their children’s learning.
Help staff and families develop strong partnerships and improve communication.
Maintain records of work activity and the family engagement resource office.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.