Preschool Specialist

The Preschool and Early Learning (PEL) Division, a part of Multnomah County Department of County Human Services (DCHS), is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual with advanced knowledge of and extensive experience serving Black and African American communities to provide services as a Preschool Specialist. 

Multnomah County voters chose to invest in high-quality, culturally affirming, joyous early learning opportunities for all 3 and 4 year-old children. This investment will transform educational experiences for young children and their families and we want you to help make it a success! 

As the Preschool Specialist with the Preschool & Early Learning Division in the Department of County Human Services (DCHS), you will play a key role in the implementation and success of the Preschool for All initiative. In this role, having advanced knowledge of and extensive experience with Black/African American communities is essential to delivering culturally responsive services, building trust, and advancing racial equity. You will bring a deep understanding of the traditions, values, customs, and history of the community being served. You will design and implement program elements and supports for contracted preschool providers with a specific focus on racial equity. You will support the development and coordination of preschool program policies and projects. You will help gather and utilize input from providers of color and culturally specific organizations to inform system improvements. You will act as a program representative for the Preschool & Early Learning Division with school districts, community partners, and preschool providers. 

Your experience and demonstrated commitment to racial justice will guide Preschool for All to build and sustain strong partnerships with preschool providers that are founded on a shared goal of high-quality, culturally affirming experiences for Black, Indigenous, and Families of Color. 

• →Develop strong partnerships with Black, Indigenous and Providers of Color, Child Care Resource & Referral, and other community partners. 
• →Support the development of policies and strategic planning for the Preschool for All program based on the needs and feedback of preschool families and providers, racial equity, and trauma-informed practices
• →Act as subject matter expert about early childhood programs, including preschool best practices, quality measurements, and culturally relevant approaches within the preschool initiative. 
• →Utilize expertise in early childhood education to recommend and implement guidelines, program supports, and procedures for growth of culturally uplifting, developmentally appropriate preschool experiences for children in Multnomah County
• →Develop and maintain communication and reporting systems for Pilot Site programs

• →Act a main  point of contact for a caseload of PFA Preschool providers to provide ongoing support and technical assistance. 
• →Onboard new preschool programs, provide responsive, ongoing communication and support, and oversee contractual requirements
• →Cultivate relationships with partners across multiple jurisdictions, disciplines and community groups to ensure strong communication and collaboration across the new preschool system
• →Support the development and ongoing coordination of workflows and communication procedures between providers, PFA Intermediary Organizations, Child Care Resource & Referral, and the Preschool and Early Learning Division 
• →Develop program manuals, training plans, and other needed documents regarding programmatic requirements and supports 
• →Develop informational resources and materials and conduct trainings for preschool providers, educators, coaches and community partners
• →Collaborate and communicate with the other members of the Policy and Partnerships team to create and implement effective cross-sector strategies

• Knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding equity, inclusion, implicit bias, institutional racism, and other forms of systemic oppression
• Knowledge and understanding of cultures, customs and social experiences of communities experiencing marginalization and barriers to opportunity, especially for Black and Indigenous child care providers and families, and Families and Providers of Color
• Experience using knowledge and understanding of institutional racism and systemic oppression to build and/or change processes, policies, and/or procedures 
• Experience with data analysis and using data to inform change utilizing a racial equity lens or framework
• Experience in planning and leading projects, programs, and/or initiatives
• Advanced knowledge of early childhood systems, early care and education, and preschool quality
• Experience managing contractual relationships
• Knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed practices that actively resist retraumatization of individuals and communities 
• Ability to research, compile, analyze, interpret, and prepare a variety of complex and comprehensive documents and reports
• Comfort with change

The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future regular, limited duration, full or part time, temporary, or on-call positions. 

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. 

• Ability to promote a culture of respect, inclusiveness, and appreciation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and values 
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience  
• Three (3) years of experience in early education (children ages 0-5 of age) in preschool or childcare settings
• Must pass a criminal background check 
• This position will require regular travel to preschool sites. Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to self transport throughout Multnomah County.

For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows: 

•  Initial review of minimum qualifications 
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates 
• Consideration of top candidates through phone screen and/or interviews 
• Background and reference checks 

• Advanced knowledge of and extensive experience with Black/African American communities. This would be demonstrated by knowledge of the traditions, values, customs, and history of the Black/African American community being served as well as the ability to identify specific examples of experience working directly with individuals who identify with Black/African American communities.
• Advanced knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and preschool quality including instructional, provider technical support, and inclusion practices.
• Advanced knowledge of early childhood education settings, systems, and structures - specifically with early learning groups between 0 and 5 years of age.
• Advanced abilities to address personal biases.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in advancing racial justice, understanding how systems of oppression intersect, and applying an equity lens in policy and programming processes.
  
  

Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experiences that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.  Equity note: Research suggests that women and Black, Indigenous, and other persons of color are less likely than men and white job-seekers to apply for positions unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate the knowledge, skills and abilities that you demonstrate, using an intentional equity lens. 

Your completed application must include all of the following items:   

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.