Parent Resource Teacher

The PRT schedules activities with a focus on preschool and kindergarten families, and manages the Parent Resource Room, located within or attached to the Child-Parent Center. This room provides a warm and friendly environment within the school, where parents can come in, learn, and become active members of the school community. Moreover, this resource room connects parents with each other and provides an opportunity for parents to create roles for themselves.

The PRT, under the direction of the HT and the Principal, develops and maintains a parent involvement and engagement program in collaboration with the SCR and Parent Involvement Liaison (PIL) to ensure that parents actively participate in a wide range of school, home, and community activities emphasizing:

  • Supportive home environment (homework help, parenting practices)
  • Healthy family (family nutrition education, health and safety, consumer education)
  • Development (child development, personal development for all family members)
  • Parent education (literacy, necessary skills to reinforce the child’s academic experience, postsecondary education, and workforce training)

Typical tasks for the PRT may include:

  • Develop and maintain a menu-based system of engagement in collaboration with the SCR primarily for families of preschool and kindergarten children.
  • Maintain a registry of parent participation using the Parent Involvement Log (Online Portfolio) and at the end of the school year, place the registry on file in the school office.
  • Maintain an accounting of the parent program expenditures.
  • Provide monthly communication with families in the form of a Parent Involvement Calendar and newsletter.
  • Conduct annual Family Needs Assessments for preschool families.
  • Participate in leadership meetings and events within the school and community.
  • Partner with teachers and school staff in creating a strong learning environment.
  • Coordinate professional development opportunities for the SCR and other school staff.
“Keeping a Parent Involvement Log in the ETO Online Portfolio is important to track the effectiveness of our program. Parents sign in when they attend activities in the Parent Room, in the classroom, and at school events. This log helps us to be sure we are responding to specific parent needs and interests.

Tracking parent involvement each year allows us to plan for successful activities the next year and provides continuity for all the families that stay with us throughout their child’s progress through the grades.”

– Veronica Scott, Parent Resource Teacher
Chicago Public Schools

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher and State Type 04 certification (varies by state)
  • Leadership experience in implementing family involvement activities in schools and communities
  • Advanced knowledge of the CPC P-3 program, preschool to 3rd grade
  • Extensive experience in working with families in a variety of ways, such as home visits, family events and meetings, and providing direct services
  • Problem-solving skills in addressing the needs of children and family members
  • Ability to lead and 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 PRT role.

  • Family liaison
  • Former teacher
  • Former CPC HT
  • Parent engagement coordinator
  • Family involvement coordinator
“I have customized and integrated the CPC P-3 model for our diverse community by providing different activities for families at different times and days of the week.

Families in preschool–1st grade also receive a monthly activity calendar that aligns with what is happening at school. I’ve implemented transition activities for families in preschool–1st grade.”

– Zang Vang-Lee, Parent Resource Teacher
St. Paul Public Schools