Parents as Teachers Instructor

Harrisonville Schools; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrisonville Schools seeks a dedicated Parent Educator to support families in the Parents as Teachers program. The role focuses on guiding parents to understand their children’s development and to implement activities that foster school readiness and positive home learning environments.

The position involves planning, coordinating, and delivering educational activities, collaborating with school staff and community partners, and maintaining accurate program records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• DESE certification in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Vocational Home Economics, Family and Consumer Sciences, or Child Development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, parent education, and family support practices.
• Ability to establish positive, professional relationships with parents, children, colleagues, and community members.
• Commitment to supporting families and promoting well-being of young children.

Responsibilities

• Provide parent education and support to families with children from birth through age five.
• Help parents understand their role as their children's primary and most significant teachers.
• Support parents in developing knowledge and skills to promote healthy child development and school readiness.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver parent education activities addressing development of children and families.
• Promote positive, respectful, and reciprocal interactions between parents and children.
• Provide practical information, resources, and strategies to support children’s learning.
• Respond to family needs with guidance, information, and referrals.
• Support the voluntary and flexible nature of the PAT program while meeting service expectations.

Skills

Child development

Parent education

Family support

Communication skills

Recordkeeping

Education

Bachelor’s degree

DESE Elementary Education certification

DESE Early Childhood Education certification

DESE Family and Consumer Sciences certification

DESE Child Development certification

Tools

Data-entry systems

Technology use

Job description

Parent Educator - Parents as Teachers

Position Overview

The Parent Educator empowers parents to support the developmental needs of their children from birth through age five. Through the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, the Parent Educator provides guidance, education, resources, and support to help parents recognize their role as their children's primary and most influential teachers.

The Parent Educator plans, coordinates, and delivers an instructional program that addresses the intellectual, emotional, cultural, social, and physical development of young children and their families. The program promotes positive, respectful, and reciprocal interactions between parents and children while supporting families in building the knowledge and skills necessary to foster healthy child development.

Parents as Teachers is a voluntary and flexible program that provides practical, effective support to families with young children. The Parent Educator works collaboratively with families, school personnel, community partners, and other professionals to promote positive parenting practices, school readiness, and successful early childhood development.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Appropriate Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certification in one of the following areas:
  • Elementary Education.
  • Early Childhood Education.
  • Vocational Home Economics.
  • Family and Consumer Sciences.
  • Child Development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, parent education, and family support practices.
• Ability to establish positive, professional relationships with parents, children, colleagues, and community members.
• Commitment to supporting families and promoting the developmental, educational, social, and emotional well-being of young children.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of child growth and development from birth through age five.
• Understanding of effective parenting practices and the role of parents as their children's primary teachers.
• Ability to plan and deliver parent education activities that address the developmental needs of children and families.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents, caregivers, teachers, administrators, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, planning, recordkeeping, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate student and family records and complete required documentation in a timely manner.
• Ability to use data-entry systems and technology required for the Parents as Teachers program.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment when working with families.
• Ability to recognize concerns related to child development, family needs, and student well-being and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Commitment to maintaining professional and respectful relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with school personnel and community partners.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of district policies, reporting requirements, and applicable procedures regarding suspected abuse, neglect, discrimination, and harassment.

Parent Education & Family Support

• Provide parent education and support to families with children from birth through age five.
• Help parents understand their role as their children's primary and most significant teachers.
• Support parents in developing knowledge and skills that promote healthy child development and school readiness.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver parent education activities that address the intellectual, emotional, cultural, social, and physical development of children and families.
• Promote positive, respectful, and reciprocal interactions between parents and children.
• Provide families with practical information, resources, and strategies to support their children's learning and development.
• Respond to family needs and provide appropriate guidance, information, and referrals.
• Support the voluntary and flexible nature of the Parents as Teachers program while maintaining program requirements and service expectations.

Program Coordination & Administration

• Process Parents as Teachers (PAT) referrals in accordance with program procedures.
• Complete all required Parents as Teachers paperwork and documentation.
• Enter and maintain accurate program data in the designated data-entry systems.
• Complete and submit required forms, records, and reports within established timelines.
• Maintain accurate student and family records in accordance with program requirements and district policies.
• Ensure that required documentation associated with the Parents as Teachers process is completed and submitted appropriately.
• Monitor and maintain program records to support accurate reporting and effective program implementation.
• Assist with kindergarten screenings and other related activities as assigned.
• Follow established program procedures and district requirements for documentation, reporting, and recordkeeping.

Family, School & Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with parents, caregivers, community members, teachers, and building administrators.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding child development, progress, educational concerns, and available resources.
• Respond to parent questions and concerns in a timely, respectful, and professional manner.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to support children and families as they prepare for school entry.
• Work with community agencies and service providers, as appropriate, to connect families with additional resources and support.
• Maintain effective communication with building administrators regarding program activities, family needs, and relevant concerns.
• Promote positive relationships between families, the school district, and the broader community.

Professional Practice & Development

• Participate in required Parents as Teachers training and professional development activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of early childhood development, parent education practices, and program requirements.
• Apply professional learning to improve the quality and effectiveness of services provided to families.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect confidential family and student information.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, sound judgment, and ethical conduct in all interactions.
• Follow district policies, administrative procedures, program requirements, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and fulfill assigned work responsibilities.
• Dress professionally and appropriately for an educational environment and assigned duties.

Safety, Reporting & Professional Responsibilities

• Follow established district procedures for reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, discrimination, and harassment.
• Promptly report concerns in accordance with Board of Education policies and applicable legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records related to families, children, referrals, and program services.
• Handle concerns, misunderstandings, and difficulties through appropriate professional and administrative channels.
• Work cooperatively with administration, teachers, staff, and community partners throughout the district.
• Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the Building Principal and/or designated administrator.

Professional Expectations

The Parent Educator is expected to:

• Place the developmental needs and well-being of children and families at the center of professional practice.
• Recognize and support parents as their children's primary teachers.
• Promote respectful, supportive, and culturally responsive relationships with families.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional integrity, and ethical standards.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and follow established program and district procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required documentation within established timelines.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with families, colleagues, administrators, and community partners.
• Participate in professional development and pursue continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate reliability, organization, and accountability in fulfilling assigned responsibilities.
• Contribute positively to the district's efforts to support early childhood development, family engagement, and school readiness.

Supervisory & Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Building Principal and/or designated district administrator.

Works collaboratively with: Parents, caregivers, children, teachers, building administrators, district personnel, community members, and community service providers.

Working Conditions & Employment Terms

• Full-time position.
• Salary according to the district's applicable salary schedule and employment terms.
• Employment is based on the district's established full-time work calendar and program requirements.
• Employment contracts and continued employment are subject to applicable district procedures and approval requirements.
• Leave, health insurance, retirement, and other fringe benefits are provided in accordance with applicable Board policies and employment agreements.
• Regular and consistent attendance is expected.
• Work schedules and additional time are based on program needs, family services, required activities, and assigned responsibilities.
• Participation in professional development and continuing education is expected as required by the district and the Parents as Teachers program.
• The Parent Educator is expected to work cooperatively with administration and staff throughout the district.