Parent Educator (Part-Time) - 2026-27

(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible).

POSITION PROPERTIES

PURPOSE

Columbia Public Schools is seeking three part-time Parent Educators for the Parents as Teachers program. The vision of the program is that all children will develop, learn and grow to realize their full potential. The mission is to promote the optimal early development, learning and health of children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers recognizing that they are their children's first and most influential teachers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Complete all required professional development to obtain and maintain certification as a Parent Educator.
  • Keep current on literature and research in the field of child development and parenting issues.
  • Plan and conduct visits using the Parents as Teachers curriculum, creating individualized lessons to meet the needs of each child and family using professional discretion and your knowledge of the child’s developmental stage and the unique needs of the family.
  • Instruct, support, and educate parents on child development and evidence-based development centered parenting practices in attachment, discipline, health, nutrition, sleep, transitions/routines, safety, and healthy births.
  • Document the visit lesson plan prior to the visit and concisely and objectively document the "personal visit record" within two business days after the visit occurs including updating developmental milestones.
  • Provide group events and classes.
  • Complete developmental, social emotional, health, vision, and hearing screenings, document the screenings, and make referrals using professional discretion and considering parent concerns and experiences.
  • Be knowledgeable and current on community resources and networks to be able to connect families to those resources.
  • Meet with supervisor and small groups for reflective supervision.
  • Attend staff meetings, mentor meetings, and other meetings scheduled by the supervisor.
  • Maintain a flexible work schedule that will include some evenings.
  • Participate in recruitment and community outreach activities.
  • Be able to climb stairs, carry materials into homes, and sit on the floor.
  • Maintain a driver’s license and have use of a reliable car.
  • Communicate clearly using both written and spoken language.
  • Keep current with communication from supervisor and district.
  • Understand and adhere to Board policies.
  • Other duties as assigned

   

Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:        Coordinator of Parents as Teachers

Supervises:        None

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: A bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or related field such as Human Development and Family Studies, Education, Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, etc. OR a bachelor's degree in another area, coupled with professional experience and or training in early childhood or family/community support. Parent Educators must have personal and reliable transportation for home visits. While teacher certification is not required, ability to attend and pass all trainings to obtain and maintain certification as a Parent Educator from the National Center for Parents as Teachers is required. The candidate will attend online trainings provided by the PAT National Center starting in July and subsequent DESE trainings thereafter in order to obtain the certification.

Preferred:  Supervised experience working with young children and their families is preferred as is experience working with interpreters. Candidates should be highly organized, accountable, able to work independently, and self-motivated. They should be comfortable with technology and computer use for documentation, teaching, and communication. Parenting experience is also preferred.

Ideal Candidate: Speakers of other languages such as Arabic, Pashto, Spanish, Kinyarwanda, Swahili or other minority languages are highly desirable as well as individuals with experience working with traditionally underrepresented communities or under-resourced families. The ideal candidate has both minimum and preferred qualifications and experience in the home visiting field. He or she enjoys working with families and children, sees the best in others (colleagues, parents, children) and demonstrates the CPS values of trust, grace, integrity, collaboration, transparency and empathy.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language: Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board policy, administrative procedures and forms and governmental regulations and guidance; Read, analyze, and implement curriculum and assessment data to plan instruction; Complete forms, write reports and engage in written correspondence with parents; Present information effectively and respond to questions; Write clear and complete lesson plans. These are essential functions of the job.

Computation: Work with mathematical concepts, such as probability and statistical inference, and analyze data for instruction; Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. These are essential functions of the job.

Reasoning: Solve a variety of problems in many different situations; Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form; Apply knowledge of current educational theory and instructional techniques while presenting subject matter to students; Demonstrate executive functions such as planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating information and behavior as they pertain to student performance and achievement. These are essential functions of the job.

Other Skills and Abilities: Identify needs and abilities of individual persons and to adapt instructional methods accordingly. Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously. These are essential functions of the job.

Technology: Integrate technology into daily instruction; present information to students using a variety of media; Access and present information from online sources in a manner that enhances instruction; lead and monitor students as they perform online research; Instruct in buildings/classes where students are actively using 1-to-1 technology such as laptop computers, iPads, and other devices; Use district software for recording documents/records and finding family information; Readily utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district; Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology use. These are essential functions of the job.

Physical Demands: An individual who holds this position must have the ability to: Speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously; Move around classrooms, school buildings, homes. Climb stairs, carry materials into homes, interact with individuals on the ground or floor; Must be able to lift up to 20lbs; Read handwritten or printed material. These are essential functions of the job.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Conditions and Environment: The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school or home environment that is noisy and active.  Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation. These are essential functions of the job.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $44,000 - $66,000