Room Parents

What is a Room Parent?

A Room Parent is a volunteer who helps out in their child’s class to support the teacher. Room Parents help with classroom events and facilitate communication between the teacher and the other parents in the class. Room Parents are also a subset of the PTA.

What does a Room Parent do throughout the year?

• Meet with the teacher as soon as possible to review expectations and plans.

• Connect with the PTA and promote PTA goals and events.

• Plan and recruit volunteers for classroom projects and events. (Remind volunteers to fill out the volunteer packet. For Room Parents too.)

• Coordinate holiday staff gift and end of the year gift from the class (group-funded)

• Assist PTA during Staff Appreciation Week.

• Create a contact list and facilitate communication between the teacher and other parents in the class.

• Any other specific things to assist your child’s teacher.

• The time commitment varies depending on the teacher’s needs, PTA events, and more.

What makes a great Room Parent?

Strong Planning and Organizational Skills: 

• The best Room Parents keep all the requests and opportunities organized throughout the year.

Excellent Follow Through:

• Tracking plans and details, and seeing them through is another characteristic of a strong Room Parent.

Is Fair and Gives Equal Chance for Involvement:

• Great Room Parents are inclusive of all.

• Enjoys Collaborating with Others:

• The best Room Parents like working with others.

Excellent Communication Skills: 

• The best Room Parents communicate effectively and efficiently with the teacher, other parents, and the PTA.

Acts as a Partner with the Classroom Teacher:

• Due to the fast pace of the school year and school events, good Room Parents recognize the importance of collaborating with the teacher and acting as their partner to make it all happen.

What are some mistakes to avoid as a Room Parent?

• Mistake #1: Mistaking the role as the sole decision maker. The Room Parent works with the teacher as well as other interested parent volunteers to make decisions about activities and needs for the classroom. Make a point to include other parents as much as possible.

• Mistake #2: Doing everything yourself. Building upon the first mistake, being a Room Parent doesn’t mean that you are the only parent who can or should be doing things. Instead, you are the parent who is coordinating with the teacher and the PTA to get a list of opportunities to donate items or volunteer time, and then communicating those opportunities to the other parents.

• Mistake #3: Assuming what the teacher wants. Every teacher will have a different idea about what a Room Parent should do and what they need them to do. Similarly, every teacher will have different needs for supplies and volunteers. It’s important to meet with the teacher to review expectations and plans. This is especially important to cover in advance of any class gatherings/parties.