School-Community Representative Responsibilities

The SCR, under the direction of the Principal and HT, fosters positive school, home, and community relations and collaborates with the PRT in implementing a menu-based system of parent involvement and engagement. The SCR works actively to keep parents informed, compliance levels high, and attendance levels high while mobilizing resources in the community on behalf of families and community members.

Typical tasks for the SCR may include:

  • Aid in ongoing recruitment of new pupils.
  • Maintain a file of children in need of shots/physicals.
  • Work actively to identify alternative participation solutions when needed.
  • Participate in leadership meetings within the school and citywide in collaboration with the HT and PRT.
  • Assist the PRT in organizing the work and meetings of the Parent Group, such as a Parent Advisory Council (PAC).
  • Maintain a daily log (electronically, if possible), placed on file with the school office at the end of the school year.
  • Maintain electronic files of school calendars, newsletters, meetings, fliers, and announcements.
  • Maintain pupil information file (electronically, if possible) with name, address, and phone numbers in an electronic and secure format.
  • Conduct home visits to participating families.
  • Check pupil and parent attendance and call or visit homes to provide insight on problems to teachers.
  • Work supportively with the PRT and jointly establish a time when the SCR can participate and assist in parent program activities.
  • Accompany the PRT on parent field trips.
  • Check resource agencies and be knowledgeable about the attendance area.
  • Maintain electronic file of community resources.
  • Coordinate activities with the unique needs of the center.
    “A mother confided in me that she was not a legal citizen and feared coming to school or taking part in her child’s education out of fear that someone would find out. She couldn’t volunteer, and she couldn’t come to events. She wanted this to change, she wanted to start the immigration process, but had no idea how.

    I walked with her through every stage of this process, and she couldn’t believe I would do this for her. Today she has her driver’s license and wants to go back to school. She volunteered in the classroom for the first time last year.”

    – Beth Kelley, School-Community Representative
    McLean County Unit 5 School District

    Requirements

    • High school diploma or equivalent credential (i.e., GED)
    • Strong knowledge base of the CPC P-3 program, preschool to 3rd grade
    • Extensive knowledge of community organizations, groups, and resources in the surrounding area
    • Experience working with families in a variety of ways, including home visits, Parent Resource Room events and meetings, and providing direct services
    • Problem-solving skills in addressing the needs of children and family members
    • Capacity to work effectively within a Collaborative Leadership Team

    We Can Do This Role?

    Various school districts have different titles for similar roles. Below are examples of personnel that may fulfill the SCR role.

    • Community activist and parent of a child in the CPC
    • Family coordinator
    • Family engagement coordinator
    • Community liaison
    • Outreach coordinator
    • Attendance liaison
    • Home school liaison
    • Former social worker in the community
    • Former nurse in the community
    “When you develop a real relationship with the families and show them that you care, they will open up and accept help from you, as opposed to you approaching them as if you’re going to judge them. When they see that we are truly listening to their needs, that we want to help in any way possible, they begin to let their guard down.

    Any questions they have, anything we can help with, our doors are always open and we’re always available. We never turn anyone down when they come to us for help of any kind.

    The workshops we offer are customized to their needs. If they need a job, we can help them with resumes and applications. If they need a place to wash their baby’s clothes, we invite them to use our washer and dryer. We encourage them to stop by the Parent Resource Room or come see me in my office any time to talk.

    It is a lot of footwork, home visits, and asking yourself, “What can I say to these parents to make them want to come to our CPC, because we offer the best resources and learning opportunities for them and their children?” Each family’s life that we get to change is life-changing for us as well. The number one thing is to be compassionate, concerned, loving, truthful, and respectful.”

    – Regina Thompson, School-Community Representative
    Chicago Public Schools