Preschool Specialist

We offer a generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Rx plan, flex spending accounts, employee assistance program (EAP), paid holidays, basic & voluntary life insurance, STD/LTD & employer paid contribution into PERS (Oregon Public Employees Retirement System). We support our employees’ continued education through our Tuition Reimbursement Program.

**Per Governor Browns vaccine mandate, MESD is requiring all newly hired employees to be fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021 or at the time of hire, whichever is greater**

Department:  Education Services - Special Education

Days per school year:  210

Hours per week:  40

Start Date:  As Soon As Possible  

REPORTS TO:     Designated Supervisory Personnel 

POSITION PURPOSE: 

To assist the Coordinator of Curriculum & Instruction in providing leadership and technical assistance to local districts in the implementation of Preschool for All; to work collaboratively with district teams in preparation for culturally responsive, high-quality preschool classrooms; to provide in-service trainings and assistance to district staff; to support district teams to selecting, developing and implementing curriculum, instruction, family engagement, and assessment activities for high-quality preschool experiences. This position will work closely with Mt. Hood Community College Child Care Resource & Referral’s coaching staff and the Preschool & Early Learning Division staff at Multnomah County. 

NATURE & SCOPE: 

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position carries no administrative authority or responsibility. 

ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES: 

1. Trust: Develop trust among coworkers through honesty and fairness. 
2. Communication: Communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner. 
3. Vision: Lead with vision and follow-through 
4. Personal Qualities: Be respectful, caring and courageous 
5. Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in, and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD. 
6. Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. Assist the Department of Instruction/School Improvement and Preschool & Early Learning Division staff at Multnomah County with assessment of needs of local districts and development of local implementation of long range goals pertaining to Preschool for All implementation. 
2. Support individual districts to prepare for new or expanded preschool offerings and assist with the facilitation and implementation of specified projects in curriculum, instruction, coordination, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices. 
3. Maintain alignment with the goals of the Preschool for All (PFA) initiative and the PFA coaching team at Mt. Hood Community College Child Care Resource & Referral. 
4. Facilitate regional coordination and implementation of best practices in early learning, early literacy, and culturally affirming/responsive practices in school district preschools in partnership with Preschool & Early Learning Division staff at Multnomah County. 
5. Support culturally responsive and inclusive teaching, curriculum development, and family engagement for diverse populations. 
6. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with districts, Child Care Resource & Referral, ESD staff, community partners in service of preschool and early learning. 
7. Develop and facilitate training, professional learning and technical assistance opportunities for district staff in early learning, inclusive practices, culturally relevant teaching, family engagement, and early literacy development in preschool.
8. Conduct research, locate resources and provide written information relating to preschool implementation as needed or requested. 
9. Organize, plan for and meet deadlines and coordinate multiple projects as assigned. 
10. Assist with locating, writing, facilitating and implementing grants or grant opportunities for MESD or local districts. 
11. Maintain regular and timely attendance. 

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Attends MESD curriculum advisory meetings, department meetings, and other meetings as requested. 
• Consults with principals and curriculum directors to assess needs of individual districts and assist them with design of professional development. 
• Contributes to a positive and productive work environment. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work is performed in a wide variety of locations, including office and school environments. Work typically involves sitting, walking and attendance at evening and weekend meetings. This position requires the use of computers, office equipment and frequent local/regional travel. The ability to work remotely on a computer for a long period of time is required. Occasional out of state travel may be required. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• Knowledge and experience in the Oregon Early Learning Standards, Common Core State Standards, Social Emotional Learning, Dyslexia, Trauma-Informed Practices, Culturally Affirming/Culturally Relevant curriculum, instruction, and assessment. 
• Possess strong interpersonal skills that allow for collaborative relationships with district personnel and other agency staff 
• Strong commitment to racial equity and experience utilizing a racial equity lens in decision making 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Ability to be fluid, flexible and comfortable with committee work and special projects and work with a rapidly changing set of responsibilities. 
• Experience facilitating staff development. 
• Experience supporting students whose first language is not English. 
• Experience with effective digital teaching and learning experiences is preferred. 
• Experience in early childhood education is required, including building partnerships with families.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Valid Oregon Teaching License. Any combination of experience and/or education that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job. 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

1. Master’s Degree with training in educational emphasis in the appropriate fields of curriculum, instruction and assessment; 
2. 2 years’ experience teaching in a preschool setting;
3. 5 years’ experience teaching in a public school setting; 
4. Experience providing staff development in curriculum, instruction and assessment areas.