Bilingual Literacy Coach

MISSISSIPPI ACTION FOR PROGRESS INC; Highland Meadows (MS); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Head Start Program in Mississippi seeks a Bilingual Literacy Coach to support language and literacy development for dual language learners from birth through age five and their families. This role involves developing bilingual activities, coaching teaching staff, and partnering with families to strengthen home language and English learning in line with Head Start standards.

The position emphasizes individualized coaching, on-site support, and collaboration with the Deputy Head Start Director of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with coursework in bilingual education, ESL, or language acquisition.
• Fluent in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Minimum of two years of experience with bilingual or dual language families and children.
• Experience in licensed childcare, Head Start, Early Head Start, or pre-kindergarten with birth through five.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or training adults preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop bilingual language and literacy activities for infants to preschoolers aligned with Head Start outcomes.
• Provide individualized coaching and staff development on bilingual literacy strategies.
• Deliver pre-service and in-service training for staff and center personnel.
• Conduct onsite visits to monitor implementation of bilingual activities.
• Prepare pronunciation resources to assist staff with training for bilingual families.
• Engage families with take-home activities, meetings, and workshops on language development and family cultures.
• Assist translating and interpreting for bilingual families across agency services.
• Maintain tracking forms and monthly program reports for leadership review.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Coaching

Presentation skills

English writing

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with bilingual coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Purpose: Under the supervision of the Deputy Head Start Director of Education, the Bilingual Literacy Coach supports the language and literacy development of dual language learners from birth through age five and their families. The Coach develops developmentally appropriate bilingual activities, coaches teaching staff in their use, and partners with families to strengthen home language and English learning in line with Head Start Program Performance Standards.Essential Job ResponsibilitiesCurriculum and Activity DevelopmentDevelop developmentally appropriate bilingual language and literacy activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and the agency's curriculum units.Review, update, and maintain the agency's Preschool Bilingual Curriculum.Adapt songs, fingerplays, poems, riddles, and games for each age group, including simpler versions for infants and toddlers.Develop monthly multicultural activities using the Celebrations Around the World handbook, ensuring cultural content is accurate, respectful, and reflects the families enrolled.Guide classrooms in setting up and maintaining a multicultural learning area.Coaching and Staff DevelopmentProvide individualized coaching to ECE administrative, coaching, and classroom staff on bilingual literacy strategies, using observation, modeling, feedback, and goal setting.Design and deliver pre-service and in-service training for teaching staff, ECE staff, and other center staff.Conduct onsite visits to centers to monitor implementation and progress of bilingual activities.Prepare audio or video pronunciation presentations/resources to assist center staff with training for bilingual families and model correct pronunciation.Family EngagementDevelop take-home activities and materials that help families support home language and early literacy.Prepare the beginning-of-year parent letter announcing the bilingual program.Develop and administer the parent questionnaire on program involvement, completed at the first home visit.Conduct meetings and workshops with families and staff on language development and the cultures of families served.Recruit families and community members to share stories, photographs, songs, and traditions with children.Assist in translating and interpreting for bilingual families across agency services.Assessment, Records, and ReportingDevelop tracking forms documenting the progress of children and teaching staff.Evaluate program delivery and recommend improvements or revisions.Prepare a monthly report submitted with other component tracking information to the Deputy Director.Program Support and ComplianceRecommend purchases of supplies, books, and materials in both languages, and ensure materials are available to staff and children.Comply with all applicable local, state, federal, and agency regulations, including Head Start Program Performance Standards.Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of child development from birth through five, including how young children acquire a first and second language.Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.Ability to design hands-on, play-based activities suited to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.Ability to build respectful partnerships with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.Strong observation, coaching, and presentation skills with adult learners.Strong written communication in English and Spanish, including translating family materials.Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), data entry, general office equipment; and basic recording tools.Ability to relate to clients from diverse populations and maintain confidentiality.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentRegular travel tcenters and classrooms within the service area.Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and lift up to 40 pounds while working with young children.Some evening or weekend hours for family meetings and trainingEducationBachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with coursework and/or degree in Bilingual education, ESL, or language acquisition.ExperienceMinimum of two years of experience working directly with bilingual or dual language families and children.Minimum of two years of experience working in a licensed childcare, Head Start, Early Head Start, or pre-kindergarten setting with children birth through five.Experience coaching, mentoring, or training adults is preferred.LanguageFluent in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing). Fluency in an additional language spoken by enrolled families is a plus.