Parent Ambassador

Parent Ambassador 

Part Time: 10hrs/month (120hrs per year)

Hourly Rate: $25.00 (grant funded)

Early Start CT is a unified state and local system designed to assure that young children and families are thriving and entering school ready to succeed.

Role of the Parent Ambassador � Trusted Messenger

A Parent Ambassador (PA) is a parent leader and partner member in their communities' Local Governance Partnership (LGP). They are a trusted messenger within the community who ensures family voice is brought to the LGP and community table to design LGP and community efforts. 

PA's work together with the LGP's Director and leadership team to promote parent engagement within their local community. They are present in the community prepared to provide families with resources and assist in connecting families to services. 

Parent ambassadors are the local voice that completes the Office of Early Childhood's Parent Cabinet; they raise up local needs and successes to the Office of Early Childhood, which in turn affects policies, programs, and ultimately legislation. 

Expectations:

Participate in formalized and streamlined onboarding/training provided by Shine, as well as on-going professional development. 

Incorporate parent voice and feedback into decision making. Use this feedback to intentionally plan for families-whether that be planning for an event to meet the needs of several families or gathering information and resources for a particular family. 

Help create comfortable spaces for parents to come, learn, share and build relationships. As representatives of their community PA's will work with the intention of being respectful, polite, and kind to all they encounter.

Be a presence in the community! Go to parks, Rails to Trails, Pediatrician offices, School events, Community events, - Always have resources at thier fingertips.

Attend community events and assist with parent outreach (including surveying parents and reporting feedback to LGP)

Complete monthly reports that track activity and outcomes.

Meet regularly with the ESCT team to coordinate work/activities

Attend statewide meetings set by the Office of Early Childhood and Shine.

Parent Ambassadors should Advocate responsibly. Parent Ambassadors are encouraged to actively support causes that benefit families and children; however, Parent Ambassadors are expected to maintain neutrality in public forums regarding political parties and personal political opinions when representing the position and the LGP

Roles and responsibilities of Parent Ambassadors will be further defined within guidelines set by OEC, based on the individual's skill set and the community needs. 

Skills and qualifications:

Requirements: • Must be a parent/or caregiver of a child • Must live in Vernon• Must be able to commit to 10hrs/month (2year term limit)

Demonstrate leadership skills such as being an active listener, taking initiative, showing an eagerness to outreach and talk with other parents to learn about their experiences and needs.

The ideal candidate will have the following skill set:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse populations
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse populations
• Organizational skills including the ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and maintain records
• Problem-solving skills needed to identify and address the needs of individuals and the community   
• Culturally sensitive when working with diverse populations  
• Computer skills necessary to complete surveys, reports, create and send emails, take online training, access online resources
• Familiarity with Vernon. Knowledge of local community resources and social service systems needed for connecting individuals with the appropriate support
• Ability to work independently 

Additionally, the parent ambassador should possess the following:

• Passion for Community: A genuine passion for making a positive impact in the community
• Ability to Handle Stress: The job can be demanding and require the ability to handle sensitive and potentially stressful situations
• Adaptability: Outreach workers need to be adaptable and flexible to meet the changing needs of the community