Early Childhood Programs Language Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary: The Early Childhood Program Language Specialist is responsible for co-planning modeling and coaching Early Childhood Program classroom staff in implementing a developmentally appropriate and responsive early childhood curriculum that supports the learning and language development of preschool-aged for whom English is not their primary language. The Early Childhood Program Language Specialist collaborates and consults with classroom staff to create nurturing safe and engaging classroom environments to support childrens growth in both English and their home language while fostering strong partnerships with families and the broader community.

Essential Functions:

Develop lessons and create learning spaces with classroom staff to support bilingual language acquisition early literacy numeracy social-emotional learning and school readiness.

Integrate childrens home languages and cultures into the curriculum to promote English language development.

Use a variety of instructional strategies and materials rooted in language acquisition research.

Scaffold English language learning using responsive and nurturing strategies.

Provide language-rich learning environments to promote conversation vocabulary development and comprehension.

Conduct regular observations and assessments to monitor developmental progress and language development.

Maintain child language acquisition data and ensure progress through data analysis.

Use data to inform instruction and adapt strategies to meet the needs of children for whom English is not their home language.

Participate in child study teams to multi-disciplinary meetings as needed.

Build trusting relationships with families from varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Communicate regularly with families to support meaningful family involvement in the language acquisition process.

Provide resources and guidance to families to support language development at home.

Collaborate with colleagues including paraprofessionals specialists and administrative staff.

Participate in ongoing professional development related to early childhood education bilingual education interpersonal skills and understanding varied personal backgrounds.

Other Duties: This position description does not express nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department as needed to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

Supervisory Responsibility: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this Job the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods and to climb or balance and stoop kneel crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time 260-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are 8:30am to 4:30pm. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel: This position requires travel throughout Bucks County.

Education and Experience:

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in early childhood education bilingual education or a related field required.

Valid teaching credential or certification in early childhood education or bilingual education as required by the state of Pennsylvania.

Fluency in English Spanish and/or Uzbek strongly preferred.

Experience and working knowledge of second language acquisition theory.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Familiarity with linguistically responsive teaching practices.

Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability veteran status or any other basis protected under federal state or local laws.