Parent Ambassador The Parent Ambassador is a trusted messenger who helps to spread the word about programs and services provided within West Hartford. They engage other caregivers to build relationships, share information and resources, and amplify caregiver voices in decisions within the Local Governance Partner (LGP) work.
General Description:
Early Start West Hartford is a locally-based early childhood initiative operating under the State of Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood. The program builds relationships and partnerships with families, providers, and the broader community. The focus is for families and community members to come together to support the needs of families and children ages birth to five years old. Early Start West Hartford is a Local Governance Partner (LGP) made up of four (4) distinct parts: Fiduciary, Liaison, Parent Ambassadors, and Community Table which all work together. Supervisory Responsibility: This position has no supervisory responsibility. Supervised by: The Early Start West Hartford Liaison.
Core Duties & Responsibilities:
Community Outreach: Connect with families in West Hartford through outreach and engagement efforts in local neighborhoods, and at locations where families can frequently be found (i.e. community events, play groups, parks, libraries, etc.)Caregiver Advocacy: Gather relevant information from families about their experiences raising young children in West Hartford.
Collaboration: Work with the Liaison and community partners to incorporate family voices into the LGP.Resource Navigation: Assist parents/caregivers in accessing available resources and services.
Attend Meetings: Assist in planning and facilitating Community Table meetings, and participate in other related community meetings to gather and distribute news and updates.
Attend Events: Participate in local events to build relationships and share information/resources with families.
Trainings: Participate in required Office of Early Childhood (OEC) trainings and meetings, including, but not limited to onboarding sessions, statewide meetings, and professional development. Some convenings require in-person attendance.
Quantitative Updates: Tracking data for program reports and planning.
Platform Support: Learn and assist with the management of correspondence, including public and social platforms.
Supervision: Participate in supervision meetings with the Liaison, as scheduled.
Comply with the policies and procedures as outlined in the contract by West Hartford Public Schools. Other duties as assigned.
Terms of Employment: Part-time flexible schedule based on program needs, community events, and meeting/training dates. For the period of start date through June 2027. Stipend $25/hour, anticipated twenty (20) hours/month, twelve (12) months, as an independent contractor. 100% grant funded. Anticipated continued funding in subsequent fiscal years.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Familiarity with the needs of families with young children. Strong ability to respectfully communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and family structures. Proactive, and capable of identifying and addressing priorities. Independently takes ownership of opportunities to support program goals. Self-starter with a high degree of autonomy, initiative, and accountability. Ability to visit different locations throughout the community. Ability to work independently and prioritize opportunities based on current needs.
Qualifications:
A parent or caregiver who has/is raising a young child in the community. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Comfortable with technology or acquiring new skills. Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus. Must reside in West Hartford.
Travel Requirements:
Ability to travel to job sites, meetings, and training sessions, as required, using a valid motor vehicle operator's license or other reliable transportation. Equity and Anti-Racism Vision We, the members of West Hartford Public Schools, dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of equity. Equitable schools are those that value and honor ALL in our community as unique individuals capable of maximizing their true potential. We make a solemn promise to identify and dismantle all elements of systemic racism and historical inequities. We vow to clear paths, with a relentless duty to those in traditionally marginalized groups. We pledge to partner with ALL families in the service of the success of each child.
