Guidelines for Parent Helpers

Helping out at your child's school isn't just something nice to do that gives a teacher a break. The Michigan Department of Education notes that parental involvement can lead to higher grades, better test scores, increased motivation and improved self-esteem. Whether you are a teacher or a parent who is already involved in classroom or other kid's activities, creating thorough guidelines for parent helpers can help to ensure successful involvement.

  1. Bylaws

    • Whether your child's school has a parent-teacher association or any other parent-school group, bylaws can provide guidelines for all parent helpers who want to serve the school. Bylaws are the rules that help parents, teachers and leaders understand how the organization operates. Additionally, it might include organizational topics such as who is in charge of classroom level helpers, membership requirements for parents and electing PTA officers. While it is often helpful to have a parent volunteer with a legal background to review the bylaws, it's not a requirement.

    School Requirements

    • Most schools have specific policies when it comes to parent helpers. Although each parent helper has a child who attends the school, this doesn't exclude them from policies that cover issues related to child and school safety. For example, parents might need to receive background criminal and child abuse clearances that are similar to those the school staff requires. Additionally, some schools might ask that parent helpers read the school's handbook or policy guidelines and sign some form of documentation that they have done so before volunteering.

    Dress

    • While you might feel comfy in your sweats or you might absolutely love your reflection in that little black dress, some forms of dress aren't appropriate for school. Guidelines for parent helpers might include an adult dress code that you must adhere to when in the school building. For example, the Travis Unified School District in Fairfield, California, asks parents to avoid inappropriate clothing items such as low-cut shirts and short shorts for women.

    Boundaries

    • Although you certainly are doing your child's teacher a favor by helping out in the classroom, she might provide you with guidelines for boundaries with her and the students. The website for PTO Today recommends that parents learn the guidelines for boundary expectations regarding names -- should the students call you Mrs. Smith or is Jane acceptable? -- and answering personal student questions. Some children, particularly young kids, might ask you questions such as how old you are, how large your house is or if you are married. Before going into the classroom, ask the teacher for guidance when it comes to answering these types of questions and creating boundaries with the kids.

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