Preschool Program Specialist

Position Type:
Exceptional Student Support Services/Early Childhood

Date Posted:
5/20/2026

Location:
Early Childhood Learning Center

Date Available:
07/06/2026

Closing Date:
06/05/2026
Summary

The Preschool Program Specialist supports the design, implementation, and ongoing improvement of early childhood education programs across the district. This role ensures high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction; aligned curriculum; strong family partnerships; and consistent support for preschool educators. The specialist plays a key role in advancing early learning initiatives, strengthening Tier I practices in preschool settings, and promoting school readiness for all young learners.

Essential Functions

• Support districtwide implementation of preschool curriculum, early learning standards, and MTSS/RTI frameworks appropriate for early childhood.
• Coach and mentor preschool teachers and paraprofessionals to improve classroom environments, play-based learning, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist with implementing school readiness initiatives, early literacy and numeracy programs, and social-emotional learning support.
• Ensure alignment between preschool programs, transitional kindergarten, and early primary grades.
• Keep appropriate administrators informed of current state rules and regulations pertinent to ECSE.
• Upon request of the ECSE staff, building administrators or the child study team, conduct formal and/or informal observation of students in the mainstream or special education classroom. Participate in child-study staffing and/or development of IIIP or IEP as requested.
• Attend meetings of professional organizations and job-related workshops at the request of, or at the approval, of the director of special education.
• Develop and maintain accurate ECSE budgets in collaboration with Community Engagement Director
• Provide orientation to new ECSE staff members regarding education district and local district practices, policies and procedures.
• Serves as a resource to teachers and administrators in recommending appropriate education programs and materials. Support implementation of evidence-based practices. Keep staff current on new methods, materials, equipment, and research in ECSE.
• Design and deliver high-quality professional learning focused on early childhood instruction, child development, and classroom management.
• Provide job-embedded coaching, modeling, and feedback.
• Facilitate collaborative planning sessions to support lesson planning, environmental design, and instructional routines.
• Support teachers in using authentic assessment tools (e.g., DRDP, GOLD, curriculum-embedded assessments).
• Analyze developmental data to identify trends and inform program improvement.
• Assist with implementing progress-monitoring practices tailored to early learners.
• Work with preschool site staff, family liaisons, and district departments to coordinate services.
• Strengthen parent education, family engagement, and home-school communication.
• Serve as a liaison with community partners, early intervention services, and childcare agencies.
• Act as a representative of the districts and the FUSD to Interagency Early Intervention Committees (ECSE). Provide updates to district staff and director of community engagement on the actions of the committee.
• Coordinate with local communities/agencies on child find strategies and services for children and ensure interagency coordination of services with ADE and AzEIP.
• Participate in FUSD MET and IEP teams
• Ensure preschool programs meet state and federal requirements (e.g., licensing, ratios, health and safety standards).
• Support documentation needed for program audits, quality rating systems (QRIS), and grant requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports as required.
• Follow up on all referrals for early intervention received at FUSD.
• Monitor ECSE programs regarding their compliance with all laws, policies, regulations, and guidelines as proposed by federal, state and district boards of education. Notify the Director of Community Engagement and appropriate district administration of non-compliance.
• Provide current information to ECSE staff regarding laws, rules, regulations, and best practices in the area of special education.
• Annually review a sample of student records to verify that records are current and accurate.
• Supervise and evaluate ECSE classified and certified staff.
• Complete AzEIP information on all birth-to-three students.
• Complete Part C Enhanced Data Collection information for the state.
• Deep understanding of developmental milestones and early learning pedagogy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coach and support adult learners.
• Familiarity with early childhood assessment and observation systems.
• Commitment to culturally responsive practice and inclusive early learning environments.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

Use standard office equipment such as a personal computer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone.

Travel Requirements

Limited travel to and from meetings may be required.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field. Master's Degree (MA) preferred.
• Minimum 3 5 years of successful preschool or early childhood teaching experience.
• Strong knowledge of child development, early learning standards, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience delivering or supporting professional development.
• Experience with early childhood assessment tools and quality improvement systems.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card
• Valid teaching credential with or in process of early childhood endorsement or equivalent qualification. Must hold a valid Arizona Special Education Teacher License.

Clearances

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella Immunity/Vaccination
• Valid I-9 form
• AZ Department of Public Safety IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Working Environment:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands; the employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• Work is based across preschool sites, district offices, and community settings.
• Frequent classroom visits requiring mobility and the ability to engage in early childhood environments.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours for family events or training.

Terms of Employment

Salary commensurate with education and experience for this position

210 day contract - per work calendar for this position

Benefits

FUSD offers a competitive compensation package, along with opportunities for professional development, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and support for your position within the district.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the Director of Community Engagement in accordance with Governing Board Policy.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The Florence Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its policies, procedures or practices, in compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district's activities and programs. The Florence Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator(s): the District Title IX Coordinator, and/or the District 504 Coordinator, both of which can be located on our web page or in person at 1000 South Main Street, Florence, Arizona. Or by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io.