Toddler & Preschool (Early Childhood Program Specialist 1)

CCS Spokane•Spokane, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher works under the general supervision of the Center Manager and the daily direction of the Lead and/or Associate Teacher. The position assists with recurring classroom duties and the implementation of the educational curriculum and general operation of a Head Start/Early Head Start infant/toddler and/or preschool classroom. Spokane Colleges Head Start/ECEAP/Early Head Start serves children and families, including low-income families, in safe learning environments and involves parents in setting center goals. This is a full-time, 12-month position with a 40-hour work week, based at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and West Central. The role is overtime eligible, includes a six-month probationary period, and may require local travel. Salary ranges from $3,327 to $4,406 per month, with a starting salary of $3,327 per month. Salary step increases are approximately 5% and occur according to the schedule described in the posting. Employment is contingent on required post-offer medical screening and documentation, background checks, and other stated conditions. The employee must be able to work in and promote a multicultural environment and provide acceptable documentation of authorization to work in the United States.

Requirements

One year of childcare experience or equivalent education and experience.
Current First Aid/CPR training or ability to obtain it when training is offered by Spokane Colleges.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional and ethical boundaries with families and staff.
Ability to maintain a healthy, safe, and welcoming indoor and outdoor classroom environment.
Knowledge of appropriate diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet-training techniques.
Ability to work without assistive equipment that may compromise or interfere with the physical safety of children and staff.
Ability to travel locally.
Valid Food Worker Card, or ability to obtain one as available through the Washington State Department of Health.
Successful completion of required post-offer medical exam, including tuberculin screening, and submission of documentation of MMR vaccination or immunity.
Successful completion of required criminal history and child-abuse background checks, including the Department of Children, Youth and Families Portable Background Check.
Ability to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States.
Ability to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.
Completion and submission of the required declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation after selection.

Nice To Haves

State Early Childhood Education certificate or current Child Development Associate credential.
One year of experience working with infant, toddler, or preschool-aged children.
Previous Head Start/Early Head Start experience or experience working with low-income families from diverse cultural groups, especially English as a Second Language families.
Basic computer skills, including email and word processing.
Previous experience with Teaching Strategies Gold and Creative Curriculum Tools.

Responsibilities

Assist with preparing and implementing daily classroom and outdoor routines and activities.
Use daily routines to support individual learning opportunities.
Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting an early childhood curriculum.
Assist in assessing children’s developmental needs, tracking progress through ongoing assessments, and developing individualized learning opportunities, including for children with disabilities.
Promote and protect children’s health by following Individual Health Plans and special-diet requirements.
Attend to children’s personal needs and model routine care as part of primary caregiving.
Assist with developmental screenings, referrals, follow-up services, and parent involvement in curriculum planning and classroom observations.
Help maintain required documentation, records, and supplies.
When needed, assist with or perform Lead and/or Associate Teacher duties and guide children for specified periods in their absence.
Work as a member of a classroom and direct-services team to provide integrated services to children and families.
May participate in case management, home visits, center conferences, and development and implementation of Children’s Individual Plans and family transition plans.
Participate in required meetings and training.
Model professional decorum and mutual respect in interactions.
Comply with district policies, procedures, directives, applicable regulations and statutes, and collective bargaining agreements.
Support Spokane Colleges’ strategic plan and perform other assigned duties.