Are You Our Next Parent Ambassador?
The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington (ECCS) is looking for a new Parent Ambassador to help with community outreach.
The Parent Ambassador will be an independent contractor to the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. This is a 100% grant- and State contract funded position with funding through June 30, 2027. The current stipend is 14 hours per month at $25/hour, payable quarterly. We expect this funding will be renewed.
General Description:
The Parent Ambassador is a trusted community member who helps connect families with local early childhood programs and services. As a parent leader, the Parent Ambassador will build relationships with families, share important information, and ensure parent voices are reflected in the design and implementation of the ECCS’s Local Governance Partner (LGP) work.
More information about the ECCS is at www.southingtonearlychildhood.org.
The Parent Ambassador works under the general direction of the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington.
Examples of Responsibilities:
- Community Outreach and Engagement: Build connections with families in Southington to raise awareness about resources in the community, including Early Start CT programs and other local services, child development and health and safety issues.
- Trusted Messenger: Share accurate, timely, and culturally respectful information with parents and caregivers.
- Parent Voice and Advocacy: Gather input and feedback from families on early childhood experiences in Southington and report the information back the ECCS.
- Support Events and Meetings: Attend and assist with family-focused events, focus groups, or meetings hosted by the ECCS or partner organizations.
- Collaborate with ECCS and Partners: Work closely with the ECCS team to promote family-centered strategies and equitable service delivery.
- Resource Navigation: Help parents understand and access childcare, health, education, and other supports in the community.
- Training: Attend Parent Ambassador training and meetings held by ECCS, Shine Early Learning and the CT Office of Early Childhood.
- Reporting: Provide brief monthly or quarterly updates to the ECCS on outreach activities, family needs, and success stories on a provided tracking form.
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently and respectfully with diverse families.
- Must be able to engage with the public to communicate program services and make referrals to community services.
- Familiarity with early childhood services in Southington is a plus.
Qualifications:
- Must be a parent or caregiver of a young child in the Southington community.
- Must possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
- Must have reliable transportation.
- Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds.
- Must be available, with advanced notice, for Community Table meetings (usually one weekday a month in the afternoon), evenings (usually 1-3 per month) and weekends (to help exhibit at 4-6 community events in late spring, fall and December).
Other Opportunities
The ECCS is also recruiting for two other roles:
Board of Directors – This group focuses on implementing the strategic plan and organizational governance. They meet 10 times a year, usually on the third Tuesday evening of the month, plus some committee meetings. Board members are also invited to help exhibit at community events, especially if the Parent Ambassadors are not available.
Community Table – This group is part of our Early Start CT – Local Governance Partner structure. Parents and stakeholders come together to engage in open dialogue, share insights, and work towards collective community goals. The Community Table is required to meet at least 6 times a year, conduct a Local Needs Assessment and develop a Community Plan.
Interested?
Send an email explaining your interest and background to:
Joanne C. Kelleher, Executive Director
Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington
southingtonearlychildhood@gmail.com
