Purpose: The certified parent educator implements the PAT model, emphasizing parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being in their work with families. Utilizing the PAT Foundational Curriculum and 3 Through K Curriculum in culturally sensitive ways, the parent educator partners, facilitates and reflects with families. Salaried position with flexible hours to meet the needs of 20 to 25 families, pregnant or parenting children birth through KindergartenResponsibilities
- Engage in client recruitment activities
- Complete an initial and annual family-centered assessment with each family
- Develop, monitor and review goals with each family
- Provide personal visits focused on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being (including planning, delivering and documenting the visit)
- Use the PAT Foundational curriculum and 3 through K curriculum to share research based information with families
- Provide monthly group connections to give families an opportunity to build social connections with each other, engage in parent-child interaction activities, and increase their knowledge of ways to support children's development
- Complete at least an initial and annual developmental screening and health review for each enrolled child
- Connect families to resources that help them reach their goals and address their needs
- Help parents and children transition to other services as needed, to preschool, or to kindergarten
- Maintain and submit in a timely way all required family and program documentation
- Organize and inventory supplies/materials, etc.
- Participate in weekly reflective supervisions and team meetings
- Obtain competency-based professional development and renew parent educator certification annually
- Participate in continuous quality improvement
Qualifications:
- Bachelor or four-year degree in early childhood education, social work, health, psychology or a related field is recommended (or equivalent degree outside of the US). Supervised experience working with young children and/or parents is also recommended..
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills (e.g., nonjudgmental, objective, reflective, empathic, patient, tactful)
- Ability to establish rapport with families and empower them by building on their strengths
- Strong organizational and record keeping skills
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated (often in the field)
- Computer skills; including web browsing, e-mail, Internet, and word-processing
- The parent educator must complete the Parents as Teachers Foundational and Model Implementation Trainings before delivering PAT services.