The school is your child’s second home and as such he will be spending a great number of hours inside this institution. Make sure he is familiar with these people, whom he will meet every day in school, and that he is aware where to get help from when he needs it:

#1 The Principal or School Director
He is in charge of the whole school operation, particularly concerning academics and student activities. He plans, implements, and evaluates programs, and deals with almost everyone in school – students, teachers, parents, staff, etc. You may seek help from the principal on matters concerning school rules, program development, and other areas that cannot be decided by teachers or other school personnel. Introduce your child to the principal by telling him that he is the head of the teachers, or the ‘boss’ of everyone in school.

#2 Level Coordinators
For most medium-sized or big schools, level coordinators are the middle managers who play a major role in the daily rudiments of school life. They are in charge of a group of teachers, e.g. preschool, primary, middle school, and high school. If you have questions regarding activities in your child’s level and concerns about your child or your child’s teacher, it is best to seek the help of the coordinator. Ask your child to approach their coordinator as they are the best person to ask for help in their daily school life, in case the teacher is not available.

#3 Guidance Counselor
The guidance counselor ensures your child’s socio-emotional welfare and assists in developing self-awareness, decision-making, and their capabilities to handle stresses. You may seek the counselor’s help if you have noted behavioral concerns or changes that are affecting their studies and overall well-being. If you have concerns at home that may affect your child’s school life or problems of your child in school affecting how he is at home, you may seek the counselor’s help in identifying the concerns and recommending appropriate intervention to address the child’s needs. Let your child seek out his counselor and assure him that this is the person he can talk to outside of the home about his problems or things that are bothering him, and that his secrets are safe with the counselor.

#4 Guard
The guards are in charge of the school’s overall security. They make sure that security rules are followed when it comes to wearing the school ID and proper uniform, visitors seeking an appointment with school authorities, among others.  If you are asked to show your fetcher’s card when you pick up your child, cooperate as this is one way to enforce order and ensure security. Inform your kids that the guard makes everyone safe and secure in school, and that they should let the guard know immediately if a stranger approaches them or bothers them.

Familiarizing your child with important figures in school will help establish a sense of safety while encouraging respect for authority.

#5 School Personnel 
They are not teachers but they work in the school office to take care of schedules, circulars, fees, and other administrative concerns. These people could be the cashier, principal’s secretary, or canteen head, etc. It would help if your child is familiar with them so they know where to go when incidental concerns arise like paying minimal fees, asking for a special form, or a general inquiry.

#6 School Nurse and Medical Staff
When children get bruises and tummy aches, or throw up after running around, the students are sent to the school clinic. The school medical staff – the nurse, doctor or the dentist – tends to them and are tasked to call the parents to inform them of the child’s situation. They will also inform you if further treatment or medication is needed. Tell your child that the medical staff will assist them if they are not feeling well, and that he should inform them immediately if he hurt himself, had a bad fall or bump, or an accident.

#7 Teacher Aide and Maintenance Staff
Most kids call them kuya, ate, manong, or manang, and indeed they are the able helpers in school who see to it that the classrooms and corridors are kept clean, and assists in housekeeping chores. Teach your kids to know the Ate or Kuya in charge of their class, treat them with kindness and respect, and to get their help if something in the classroom gets broken, if they spilled their juice, or need help in the washroom.

#8 Librarian or Multimedia Staff
Encourage your child’s love for reading by introducing your child to the librarian or multimedia personnel and showing them the library. They can best help your child to choose the books or resources appropriate for their age, and show them the school’s latest collection of books and multimedia materials that can supplement your child’s learning. Tell your child that they may seek the help of the librarian if they are looking for a certain book and/or would want to borrow it.

It takes a community to raise a child.

Whether your child belongs to a big university or a small preschool, there are people who can help him in school to ensure that he not only learns, but is happy and secure.

This article first appeared in Smartparenting.com.ph, June 2011, but has since been updated.