American Indian Home School Liaison (7.5 hrs./day)

Position Type: American Indian Educaton/American Indian Education School Liaison

Date Posted: 9/3/2025

Location: Washington Elementary School

Closing Date: 09/09/2025 AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM Indian Home/School Liaison or Cultural Liaison

Reports to: Primarily the Director of American Indian Education, with coordination and oversight from the building principal. Position purpose: To serve as a cultural bridge, advocate, and academic support for the American Indian students in ISD #94. This role plays a key part in building strong relationships between families, schools, and communities while promoting academic and cultural success. Key Responsibilities: Academic & Student Advocacy:

Advocate for American Indian students, including those with special learning needs. Monitor student progress, identify learning needs, and recommend support strategies. Participate in IEP meetings, CST meetings, staff/student conferences, student planning sessions, and/or other meetings requested by the Director of American Indian Education or building principal. Provide targeted tutoring in basic skills and classwork under the guidance of teachers. Communication & Cultural Connection:

Act as a liaison between families and the school staff to promote open communication and mutual understanding. Empower families to find and use their voices in conversations about their children's education, ensuring their perspectives are respected and included in decision-making. Educate families about school procedures, policies, and how decisions impact student success. Promote awareness and appreciation of American Indian culture within the school environment. Assist parents/guardians in navigating the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and other school communication tools. Collaboration & Coordination:

Maintain consistent communication with American Indian Education staff, school personnel, social workers, counselors, and other student support specialists. Collaborate with school personnel while aligning with the mission, standards and expectations of the American Indian Education Program. Scheduling & Organization:

Maintain student records and required forms, including obtaining American Indian Education Program eligibility documents, collecting signatures, and coordinating home visits as needed. Develop and maintain a consistent support schedule with students and teachers. Ensure that student progress data is shared with the AIE Director, and when appropriate, the building principal. IHSL Role Special Education:

Support Special Education Processes: Participate in classroom observations and student interactions to help determine whether concerns are rooted in cultural or linguistic differences rather than disabilities. Ensure Culturally Respectful Assessments: Collaborate with staff to carry out evaluations and interventions that are sensitive to students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Facilitate Communication Between School and Home: Assist school teams in engaging families in the special education process, helping them understand their rights and responsibilities while ensuring their voices are clearly heard and respected. Aid in Early Intervention: Help gather background information and cultural context for students being considered for special education referrals, including behavioral, academic, and language-related data. Interpret Cultural Norms: Educate school personnel about cultural customs, communication styles, and community expectations that may influence student behavior, learning, and family engagement. Participate in Due Process Support: Assist in carrying out due process procedures, ensuring communication is accessible, respectful, and aligned with both legal and cultural expectations. Additional Contributions:

Encourage and support student involvement in school community activities. Help organize and support cultural events and celebrations in the school district. Provide occasional phone support and assist fellow staff with students as needed. Attend parent/teacher conferences and Parent Committee Meetings. Working Relationships:

Daily collaboration with American Indian students and families, school staff, academic tutors, and fellow Indian Education team members. Regular communication and coordination with the

Director of American Indian Education

and the

building principal .

Qualifications:

Associate's degree or higher education preferred, reflecting a strong academic foundation to support student success.

Skills & Tools Required:

Comfortable using or learning school platforms including Infinite Campus, AppleWorks, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and SMART Board tools. Familiar with Mac and PC computers, copy machines, and phones.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

Flexibility to adapt to evolving educational standards and mandates. A compassionate and patient demeanor to support diverse learners. Capacity to individualize support and teaching methods to meet a range of student needs.

Why Join Us?

Make a meaningful impact in the lives of American Indian students and their families. Gain valuable professional experience while promoting cultural heritage and academic achievement. Salary and Benefits The starting pay for this position is between $21.15/ hr. and $23.24/hr. and is based on AFSCME Paraprofessional, AIE, COTA Contract. We are proud to offer a wide array of benefits to our employees, including dental, HRA contribution, life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care, an employee assistance program, and retirement contributions. You will be eligible for earned sick and safe time and personal days.

FLSA Status:

Non-exempt

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. All staff in the American Indian Education Program is required to be flexible and assume other duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as assigned by the building principal and/or the AIE Director.