PLEASE BE ADVISED - APPLICANT MUST BE ABLE TO READ, WRITE AND SPEAK FLUENT ENGLISH TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS TRAINING
What is the Interpreter Training Program?
Bilingual interpreters help bridge the communication gap between people who speak different languages. Head Start and ECEAP offers a free workshop, which provides a basic introduction to the field of interpretation. Participants learn about the basic interpretation techniques, roles of the interpreter, confidentiality and ethics, and practice interpretation skills. Participants also learn about job opportunities as an interpreter, including working as a paid interpreter for Head Start and ECEAP. Both programs use many interpreters to help families with enrollment, home visits, parent meetings, and conferences, etc.
What is the time commitment?
The workshop lasts about 6 hours and includes lunch.
Who may apply?
The workshop is open to current or former Head Start and ECEAP parents/guardians. Participants must be able to speak, read and write English fluently and must be proficient in another language besides English. Parents who speak Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, Arabic, and Somali are strongly encouraged to attend.
**Referrals for community members and past parents should be made directly to the Multilingual Services Department (info below).
What benefits can I expect?
All participants will receive a certificate at the end of the workshop. Participants may then apply to become a Head Start and/or ECEAP interpreter and will receive information about other opportunities for professional interpreters.
Attendees are not guaranteed a contract with the Head Start/ECEAP programs. Hiring of new interpreters will be based on program needs, interpreter’s availability, and skills among other criteria. New interpreters will be hired for the following program year (beginning September 1) to avoid confidentiality conflicts.
How do I apply? How do I Refer Parents?
If you have questions about this program, please contact Juanita Salinas, Sr. Coordinator Multilingual Services, at 425-917-7819 or 253-778-7819, or JSalinas@psesd.org