Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 (Preschool) at Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington

Job Description:

Description

Early Childhood Program Specialist 2
Salary: $36,900 - $48,864
Classification: Early Childhood Program Specialist 2
Reports to: Director of SBELA

Olympic College has an opening for an Early Childhood Program Specialist 2. The Sophia Bremer Early Learning Academy provides quality, comprehensive early learning services for the Olympic College community. The Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 is the assistant teacher role in the classroom, which requires working with children that range in age from birth to 5. The assistant teacher is responsible for supporting lead teachers and classroom activities by developing positive partnerships with families and providing quality learning environments that are responsive to individual developmental needs. The assistant teacher serves as a part of a diverse and responsive team, requiring strong collaboration skills, professionalism, and integrity in interactions with children, families, colleagues, and community partners. In addition to being responsible for assuring full compliance to all legal, accreditation, and other standards, the assistant teacher also participates in accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement processes. All teachers are expected to meet pre-service requirements upon hire, remain current in training and service requirements, and engage in early childhood education best practices to support practicum students in the daily application of these practices.

Essential Functions

Implement culturally responsive individual, small group, and large group activities based on the developmental needs of the children, which cultivate each child's sense of importance and belonging across indoor and outdoor settings, as directed by the lead teacher.

Assist in the developmental assessment and screening of each child using program-approved tools and instruments to maintain a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate program.

Model positive communication skills, positive guidance techniques, and nurturing qualities while promoting positive attachments between caregivers, children and families, consistent with program-approved best practices.

Use and be knowledgeable of all educational equipment and supplies routinely used in the program, and maintain and request equipment and supplies through the director as necessary.

Create and provide classroom visual aids and resources as necessary.

Complete, secure, and deliver all required documentation as assigned.

Recognize parents as their child's primary teachers and become familiar with family circumstances.

Maintain positive, open communication, that foregrounds a child's strengths and assets, and developmental needs, while recognizing parents as their child's primary teachers and becoming familiar with family circumstances

Encourage and support parental involvement in the classroom and all other educational opportunities.

Provide opportunities for parents to learn about the growth and development of their child, including ways to increase connections between school and home.

Maintain appropriate professionalism and confidentiality consistent with NAEYC ethics and professional standards.

Support dual language families with classroom and program resources where necessary with existing and emerging partnerships.

Maintain professional, respectful, and productive relationships with parents, prospective families, and community partners.

Collaborate and partner with external coaches, including those designated from Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Achievers, and Olympic Educational Service District 114.

Support all necessary and relevant Head Start and Early Head Start requirements, such as ensuring student progress, complying with standard and conduct agreements, and documenting progress and observations.

Complete required reports and maintain all required documentation of services provided.

Participate in meetings with center staff, families, external partners, and specialists, as well as center activities such as graduation and family events as necessary.

Participate in training as required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Early Childhood Education (ECE) State Certificate

One year of experience caring for children from birth to 5 years in a center-based program.

One year of experience working with low-income families.

One year of experience working with families from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

Knowledge of substance abuse issues, child abuse, and neglect, domestic violence.

Proficient computer skills and the ability to maintain accurate confidential records.

Two years of budget and billing and record-keeping experience

Two years knowledge of networks, servers, and other technology equipment

Preferred Qualifications

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited higher education institution.

One (1) year FTE experience working in Head Start, Early Head Start, or Early Childhood Education and Assistant Programs (ECEAP); children with disabilities; and families of community college students.

Successful Applicants will

Satisfy all DCYF requirements for this role for Early Learning Programs, pursuant to WAC 110-300-0100;

Must pass the DCYF Portable Background Check and an OC criminal records background check.

Official college transcripts are required for verification if hired.

Prior to employment, the candidate must show proof of all necessary immunizations, certifications, and tests, including a Tuberculosis (TB) Test, MMR vaccination, and all necessary STARS certification requirements; and within 1 month after the date of hire, the employee will need to complete all necessary training, including certifications and educational requirements as established by state and federal guidelines, WAC and Licensing Training, Child Care Basics Training, Safe Sleep Training, Abusive Head Trauma Training, Mandated Reporter Training, Medication Management Training Families Experiencing Homelessness Training, Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Training, Blood Borne Pathogens Training, CPR & First Aid for Infants and Children certificate, and Food Handlers Permit; and

Maintain all certifications and training including educational requirements as established by state and federal guidelines.

Working Conditions

This position requires punctuality and regular attendance. Work occurs both inside and outside. There is occasional exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. Occasional evening and weekend training may be required.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position. This position will require the ability to lift up to 40 pounds. Caregivers will be expected to bend, squat, stoop, and get up and down from the floor with ease.

Additional Information

Terms of Employment
Please note that we are unable to sponsor visas for this position. Only candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States will be considered.

This is a full-time classified position scheduled to work 40 hours a week, with a salary range of $36,900 - $48,864. All classified positions will start their salary at Step A, when you have completed six months of probation, you will receive a 5 percent pay increase. A collective bargaining agreement exists, and this position is covered by the Washington Public Employees Associate (WPEA) Union. Classified positions qualify for the following benefits: Medical/vision, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, accidental dismemberment, Flexible Spending Arrangement, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Wellness Programs, Department of Retirement Systems Plan 2 or Plan 3, Deferred Compensation Program (DRS) retirement savings plan; TIAA supplemental retirement savings plan, Aflac, 11 paid holidays, leave - vacation/sick/personal holiday/personal leave, auto/home insurance, space available tuition waiver, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center, reduced rate and priority consideration on-site child care on a space available.For more information regarding benefits, please visit our website here.

Conditions of Employment Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required WB HB 2327. Olympic College seeks candidates for employment who share our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment (read our Equity Statement). All applicants are required to submit a statement of 500 words or less, describing the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the higher education environment and their prior, current, and/or potential contribution(s) to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as an employee.

How To Apply To be considered for this position a candidate must apply online through the Olympic College website and submit the following required materials: Olympic College Online Application Resume Cover Letter - in your cover letter describe how your experience sets you apart for this position.

EEO Statement Olympic College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Olympic College Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination and accommodation policies: Carroll McWhorter, 360-475-7301. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice. Apply Now