Council approves three parent-ambassador slots and family engagement coordinator tied to state early-childhood grant

The City Council on Tuesday approved two personnel actions tied to a state early-childhood administrative grant: three part-time parent-ambassador roles and a full-time family and community engagement coordinator. Councilwoman Cheryl Tebow moved the measures and the council voted separately to approve each position. The parent-ambassador roles are nonbargaining, grant-funded positions paid $25 an hour, limited to 10 hours per month, with up to three appointments and two-year terms. The family and community engagement coordinator is a full-time, nonbargaining position at salary level 3 and will work closely with existing early-childhood staff. Donna Osich, the city’s early-childhood liaison, said the state grant was larger than anticipated this year — $300,000 rather than $100,000 — and that the additional funds allow staffing and benefits to be paid from the grant. “This will allow us to hire — our duties expanded,” Osich said. “The grant will cover our salaries and benefits, which is new.” Why it matters: The new roles are intended to increase parent outreach, coordinate early-childhood programs and monitor preschool providers. Officials said the funding is grant-dependent and that the positions and benefits are covered by the state award, apart from a local match already reflected in budget materials. What’s next: Both position creations were referred to the Board of Finance for formal funding authorization; council members congratulated staff and said they expect closer monitoring and coordination with schools and community partners.