High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Migrant Education Program Bilingual Preschool Specialist

40 hrs/week, Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:30pm, 189 days per year (pro-rated for remainder of 2023-24)

Rate as established by bargaining agreement, Classified Wage Schedule, starting range $21.62 - $26.31/hr.
Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave and vacation, paid holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Definition

The School Readiness Specialist individually meets with families to provide parent and child education, resource and referral information and services that help the preschool child obtain the skills to be ready to enter kindergarten. The School Readiness Specialist meets with students on a weekly basis to provide them with an educational activity or lesson to help prepare them for Kindergarten.

Qualifications

The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent. Preference will be given to applicants that possess an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or any other educational related field. The Bilingual Preschool Specialist must possess good organizational skills. And must be bilingual in Spanish and English with excellent writing and oral communication skills. Must be able to demonstrate expertise in Early Learning and Early Childhood Education and at least 4 competencies, including curriculum design, data-driven decision making, integration of culturally responsive practices, and social-emotional learning. And previous training or experience with children in a similar program is preferred.   Must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds. The Bilingual Preschool Specialist must have a valid driver's license, have access to reliable transportation, and consistent attendance is required. Applicants must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.

Classification   Classified

Reports To   Director of Regional Migrant Education Services

Performance Responsibilities 

1. Foster and build empathetic, trusting relationships with migrant families and students
2. Implement an ongoing process of observation, reflection and planning with the intention of improving professional practices, program service-delivery quality, and child outcomes.
3. Implement and develop curriculum based on research proven strategies for multilingual learners
4. Align curriculum and evaluation strategies to state standards 
5. Develop and implement early learning family engagement strategies and conduct parent workshops
6. Communicates with school personnel, parents, other agency personnel and ESD staff regarding the coordination of early childhood special education services and kindergarten programming.
7. Effectively use coaching, feedback interventions, teachable moments, and active listening to promote the families' abilities to improve their children's skills at home
8. Assess student's readiness for kindergarten through the Migrant Education Preschool assessment toolkit 
9. Work independently and autonomously in a variety of environments
10. Maintain frequent contact with parents of migrant preschool students
11. Collect data and maintain records of progress of students
12. Promote positive growth and education in families assigned to caseload
13. Gather, organize, and maintain records of the student's growth throughout the program
14.  Consistently focus on personal safety while home visiting; seek information and advice from collaborating partners regarding personal safety
15. Protect confidentiality of the student and family's personal information at all times
16.  Design and implement strategies to build and earn trust with families involved in the program, displaying a non-judgemental attitude and genuine, empathetic skills
17. Works in collaboration with Migrant Program Coordinator to enroll, teach, and assess students during after and summer school programs.
18. Fulfill other related duties as assigned
    

Terms of Employment Salary, benefits and vacation are established by policy, funding specifications and the collective bargaining agreement.