As it stands, it's on the parents to figure out the steps associated with clearances and requires perseverance to complete the various forms and obtain a TB test. Many can do this, and many cannot. Clearances create a safety advantage for both the school and parent however, so it made sense that the school could partner in the process and gain many advantages for all involved.
Efficiency (and fun) were the uppermost goals. We hosted a Get Connected @ Crawford Central night, organized by stations that addressed each step of the process. An important part of the event was gaining volunteers or community partners to step in where appropriate. For example, a spouse of one of the staff, a physician's assistant, did the TB testing. A community partner helped by managing the fingerprinting requirement.
Laptops and online support were available where needed to complete forms like the Act 45 Criminal Record. Food added to the festive nature of the evening and child care made it possible for parents to make the best use of time. It was a collaborative effort and a sense of "we're all in this together" prevailed. Importantly, the district could draw on funds from the grant to pay for associated costs, which often acts as another barrier.
Perhaps because the event produced results, all in a spirit of good fun, other parents expressed interest in gaining their clearances. In response (and unexpectedly) a teacher voluntarily stepped forward to guide more parents through the process. Another organic support that emerged was the cohort of parents who dubbed themselves Clearance Coaches. They voluntarily acted as peer supports for other parents.
The good will and our novel approach to an intractable problem has also extended in altogether different ways. For example, we now have a grill that we can take out to different neighborhoods. This allows us to be accessible outside the school and engage with our communities in more personal ways - and in a way that takes the school staff out of their comfort zone.
First, be familiar with the process so that all steps are known and organized. Finding low cost or no cost supports and resources helps. Food also helps make something ordinary, fun, and child care is critical. Parent engagement has to be intentional: Plan for it. Let parental engagement become part of your thought process - that's the key message.
