Head Start - Early Childhood Program Specialist 1 (Mount Vernon)

Skagit Valley College•Mount Vernon, WA

22d•Onsite

About The Position

Skagit Valley College's Head Start program aims to build strong foundations for lifelong learning through family-centered, child-focused partnerships. This program serves vulnerable children and families, including those experiencing homelessness, poverty, foster care, or child protective system involvement. Head Start is committed to providing inclusive, nurturing environments where children are not excluded due to behavioral concerns, disabilities, or special needs. Instead, individualized support ensures all children are prepared for kindergarten. Center staff are crucial in supporting the needs of children and families while collaborating with community partners. This position, under the direction of the lead teacher, provides support to the daily routines and activities of an early childhood center, prioritizing children's health and safety. The role requires the ability to see and hear children and staff, work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions, and perform frequent physical activities such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, and lifting children up to 50 pounds. The position is assigned to the Sue Krienen Early Learning Center in Mount Vernon, WA, and may require travel to other locations for meetings and training. This is a 10.8-month, 38-hour per week position, funded by a grant, with its continuation dependent on funding.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Fluency in English
Experience in an early learning classroom setting equal to one (1) year
MERIT background check including fingerprints through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
Proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986
Membership in the WPEA within thirty (30) calendar days of appointment at this classification is a requisite for employment at Skagit Valley College under union shop requirements

Nice To Haves

Washington State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initial, Short or Full Certificate or an Associate’s Degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education
Oral and written fluency in English and Spanish
Experience working with children with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Responsibilities

Ensure a safe, nurturing, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate environment
Provide continuous active supervision as established in the center’s Active Supervision Plan
Welcome children, parents, and all visitors to the classroom; encourage parents, interns, volunteers, and visitors to participate in classroom activities
Use positive and intentional language to engage children and facilitate play in support of classroom plans and developmental goals
Support embedded strategies and practices within classroom routines and activities to promote all children’s progress toward school readiness goals, including children with Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and dual language learners
Support the set-up and maintenance of a well-organized, interesting, and safe classroom environment
Interact with staff, therapists, volunteers, and parents in a positive and professional manner
During the absence of the teacher, lead children and adults through daily routines and schedules, offering direction and support as needed, and as assigned
Conduct playground safety checks, as assigned
Conduct daily health checks for children upon arrival, as assigned
Assist children with toileting needs, including diapering
Support daily meal routines by distributing and serving meals, sitting with children to model appropriate mealtime behaviors, and engaging in social conversations that build connections and support language development
Support classroom meal preparation and clean-up, including dishes
Clean and sanitize assigned areas, surfaces, and materials as needed, including cots, sheets, towels, and other laundered items
Empty garbage cans and clean bathrooms and classroom furnishings, as assigned
Administer first aid and respond to medical emergencies as they arise; complete incident reports as required and be available to discuss incidents with parents
In the absence or at the direction of the lead teacher or center manager, administer prescribed or approved non-prescribed medications, as authorized. Document as required
Support the individualized health and mental health needs of each child, including behavioral needs
Be prepared to support a variety of tasks within the center, including food preparation (assisting in the kitchen) and other operational services, as needed, and as assigned
Participate in classroom planning sessions with the classroom teaching team
Participate in center team meetings and quarterly family reviews
Support the ongoing collection of observational data related to the GOLD assessment
Document attendance and meal service, as assigned
Support the completion of developmental and/or behavioral screenings within required program timelines
Support center parent committee meetings, training, education visits, and other family activities
Complete annual requirements, including required training (Bloodborne Pathogens, CPS, Active Supervision, Food Handlers, Right Response, USDA), and sign the Confidentiality Statement and Code of Conduct & Ethical Standards forms
Engage in program training, coaching, and other professional development activities to enhance job skills and knowledge, completing at a minimum the required 15 hours of classroom-related training each year
Maintain good attendance to support optimal child outcomes
Complete ongoing job-related program and personal documentation in an accurate and timely manner, including ctcLink time reporting and program surveys
Participate in program committees, as desired