Early Childhood Program Specialist 1 (Part-time)

Centralia College • Centralia, WA

295d • $16

About The Position

To assist the Lead Teacher in providing a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that will provide for social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of children in care. Under guidance of Lead Teacher makes one on one contact with children, parents and Centralia College students providing developmentally appropriate guidance/practices. The position has responsibility in supporting compliance of Licensing, Early Achievers and the early childhood component of the ECEAP Performance Standards. This position requires knowledge of child development, positive guidance techniques, and ability to communicate with a diverse population of children and adults including Centralia College students. ECE Specialist 1 assists the ECE Specialist 3 in the completion of daily operations in the classroom, including, but not limited to: opening and closing classrooms, preparing classroom materials, clean-up throughout the day, toileting/diapering, health and safety protocols, curriculum/lesson planning and presentation, leading groups and/or activities maintaining records/ documentation, and participation in required and recommended training. Individuals in this position must demonstrate competency in implementing program activities under the direction of the lead teacher and DCYF Childcare Licensor, Early Achievers, and ECEAP standards.

Requirements

• Be at least eighteen years old
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Willingness/ability to obtain ECE initial certificate or equivalent as approved and verified in the electronic workforce registry by the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Services

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in an early childhood program
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Early Childhood Education State Certificate or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of the Lead Teacher
• Arrive on time, prepared to engage in daily activities with children and staff
• Engage and facilitate play and learning throughout the day at child eye level
• Follow approved schedule and daily routine
• Complete assigned duties which include but are not limited to: participation in daily classroom routines, meal service, curriculum implementation, circle times, toileting/diapering, documentation and assessment
• Assist in planning developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities for the child care program
• Assist in implementing Creative Curriculum and activities
• Assist in preparing lesson plans and materials
• With direction of the Lead Teacher, support or lead implementation of individual, small group, and large group activities based on the developmental needs of enrolled children
• Model developmentally appropriate expectations of children and positive communication and discipline techniques for other staff members, students, parent, and children
• Be responsive to children throughout the day while engaged in free play, small and large group time and outside time
• Build positive relationships with children, showing empathy, interest, and respect
• Use positive approaches to help children engage constructively, encouraging independence in children as they are ready
• Help children build social emotional skills by recognizing challenging feelings, comforting, identifying, reflecting, and helping children to solve their problems as needed
• May assume Lead Teacher role as needed to support Lead Teacher's absence, classroom, and program needs
• Assist in keeping appropriate program records as assigned
• Demonstrate knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Assist with developmental screenings and educational assessments for assigned children
• Discuss each child's progress with the Lead Teacher on a regular, on-going basis using parent goals, anecdotal logs and Teaching Strategies Gold assessment, and maintain records of these discussions
• Support developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive environment based on ITERS/ECERS, and assist with changes periodically in response to the ever-changing needs of the children in the classroom
• Demonstrate cultural-competency and respect for each staff, student, family and child's background by incorporating culturally-responsive activities, classroom items, songs, etc. that cultivate each child's sense of importance and belonging
• Demonstrate ability to work well with a variety of people and diverse values
• Aware of own cultural values and biases
• Establish and maintain positive rapport with families while ensuring appropriate professionalism and confidentiality, and refer concerns/issues to Lead Teacher and/or Program Manager as appropriate
• Provide positive, welcoming, and safe environment for parents, children, and staff, including ECE students
• Maintain appropriate supervision and child to staff ratios as expected by Licensing and Program Standards
• Aware of the activities of the entire group of children at all times, even when dealing with a smaller group of children or an individual child
• Ensure safety of all children by providing a proactive, healthy, and safe environment
• Administer first aid, handle emergency situations, and attend to medical/dental emergencies with a calm and professional demeanor
• Practice ongoing health and safety procedures for indoor and outdoor environments
• Follow state laws and program procedures regarding issues of suspected child abuse and neglect
• Complies with program standards by showing documentation or obtain upon hiring: a recent negative TB test or proof of immunity; proof of MMR, current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid cards; a current Food Handler's Permit; and AIDS/HIV Bloodborne Pathogens training, Families Experiencing Homelessness, Mandated Reporting, DCYF Portable Background check and fingerprinting, Complete the 30 hours Basics training within 90 days of hire
• Complete a minimum of 15 STARS hours of professional development per year, such as workshops, classes, or job embedded professional learning
• Working hours/schedule and classroom assigned may be subject to change due to program needs by Program Manager
• Participate in team meetings, center staff meeting and program training as identified by management
• Support the BTEFD community outreach by participating in designated community events, which may involve evening and/or weekend time
• If modified services are required to meet Program Standards - ECPS 1 will work collaboratively with Lead Teacher to provide remote education supports for children and families
• Follows written and oral directions
• Performs additional duties as assigned

Benefits

• Hourly employees who qualify (work 350 hours in 12 consecutive months) are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE)

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Repair and Maintenance
• Education Level: High school or GED