Presentation to peers concerning NC-Puerto Rico Workforce Pipeline.

1. A Workforce Development Project
Presented by the 2012 Special Projects Interns for the NC Head Start State Collaboration Office

2. HS/EHS Program Current Challenges
More
More Hispanic
Hispanic Families
Students
Limited
Bilingual
Staff
There is a definite need in our Head Start programs to
employ highly qualified BILINGUAL STAFF in the areas of
teaching, family service workers/advocates and
administrators
A Workforce Development Project

3. The Solution
To attract, recruit and retain bilingual teachers/family
service workers/managers by accessing Puerto Rico’s
supply talent
A Workforce Development Project

4. Barriers and Challenges
1. The pool of highly qualified multilingual/multicultural
staff is in short supply.
2. Barriers to recruiting, training and
retaining well-credentialed HS/EHS
staff who are bilingual.
3. A need for additional training and PD opportunities
for Head Start staff.
A Workforce Development Project

5. Why Puerto Rico?
People born in Puerto Rico are also considered native born-
U.S. citizens by birth.
Puerto Ricans have higher levels of education than the
Hispanic population overall.
Vast number of Puerto Ricans are graduating with bachelor
degrees in Early Childhood Education but no employment
opportunities in PR.
A Workforce Development Project

6. Cost and Benefits of the Pipeline
Costs Benefits
A Workforce Development Project

7. Questions and Concerns Before the Pitch
Will NC HS/EHS programs welcome, nurture and support
bilingual staff?
What will be the selection process for NC programs who
are interested in hiring bilingual staff?
Who will mentor bilingual staff and the individual
programs?
Budget costs for recruiting/hiring bilingual staff.
A Workforce Development Project

8. Preparing the Pitch
Webinars w/Khari Garvin
Brainstormed ideas about the “Pitch” and “Talks”
Surveys to NC HS/EHS programs
Retrieved information on program’s HR practices
Retrieved information about Hispanic/Latino
population in NC
Identified NC programs with at least 25% or more
Hispanic enrollment
A Workforce Development Project

9. 2012 Director’s Caucus at Carolina Beach
• To inform Head Start/EHS Directors
about the NC/PR Workforce Pipeline
• Peak Interest
• Opportunity to ask questions/express
concerns
A Workforce Development Project

10. 2012 Director’s Caucus at Carolina Beach
The Presentation’s Agenda
• HS/EHS Program’s Current Barriers and
Challenges
• Solutions to Meet Those Challenges
• Cost and Benefits
• Questions and Answers
A Workforce Development Project

11. Outcomes of the Pitch
Program Directors agreed there was an immediate need
for highly qualified bilingual staff.
Directors seemed excited about the Workforce Pipeline
and ready to sign on.
Directors had questions/concerns about the selection
process, Interviews, other logistics and education of PR
applicants.
A Workforce Development Project

12. Visit to Puerto Rican Head Start
A Workforce Development Project

13. Preparing the Talk and Interview Process
Meeting with Dr. Nolo Martinez, Cultural Consultant
Discussed Puerto Rico’s economic environment and
potential applicants.
Reviewed resumes and selected top applicants to screen.
Developed and Revised Interview Questions.
Benefits of Pipeline for North Carolina & Puerto Rico.
A Workforce Development Project

14. Meeting With the University of PR Officials
A Workforce Development Project

15. Highly Qualified Bilingual Staff
A Workforce Development Project

16. A Work in Progress
A GRASSROOTS EFFORT
A Workforce Development Project

17. Connecting Applicants to HS/EHS Programs
Potential screening process to
identify programs that can
successfully support staff.
Applicants will have to abide by
individual program’s HR
interviewing and screening
processes.
A Workforce Development Project

18. Congratulations You’re Hired!
Potential hires maybe paired together in selected
programs.
Program incentive packages will vary among programs.
Dr. Nolo Martinez will provide ongoing support.
Length of hire should at least be 1 to 2 years.
A Workforce Development Project

19. The Relationship
A Workforce Development Project

20. A Workforce Development Project

21. A Workforce Development Project
Presented by the 2012 Special Projects Interns for the NC Head Start State Collaboration Office