ECEAP Early Childhood Program Specialist 1, Classroom Aide

Skagit Valley College•ECEAP Anacortes, WA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

ECEAP is a state-funded program serving vulnerable children and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, involvement in the foster or child protective system, or other family stressors. ECEAP classrooms are inclusive and do not expel or exclude children due to behavioral issues, disabilities, or special needs. The program focuses on individualizing support for every child in a nurturing environment to ensure they are healthy and ready for kindergarten. The Classroom Aide will help maintain a healthy and safe inclusive classroom, support children's nutritional needs, and contribute to their educational learning experience in accordance with Skagit Valley College ECEAP Policies and Procedures. This role involves working with the classroom team, Health, Safety, and Nutrition coordinator, parents, and school district staff in all aspects of center planning, program routines, and activities. The position reports under the general direction of the ECEAP Education Coordinator. This is a classified, benefits-eligible position working 9.5 months per year, 36 hours per week. The position is grant-funded, and its continuation is dependent on funding. All positions work in person at their assigned center, with travel to other locations required for pre-scheduled meetings and trainings.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience in an early learning environment.
Ability to communicate, in writing and orally, in English with a variety of people in a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional manner.
Ability to identify, access, and apply appropriate policies, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to effectively read, understand, and interpret information and ideas.
Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with ECEAP policies and procedures.
Ability to actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives to enhance the attainment of organizational goals.
Ability to work in an inclusion classroom setting with children of all abilities.
Ability to earn the trust, respect, and confidence of staff, children, families, and community partners by consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.
Ability to adapt to changing needs, processes, working conditions, and duties.
Ability to accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Ability to recognize the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people and create an environment of valuing, encouraging, and supporting differences.
Pass a criminal background check prior to employment.
Provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position.
Pass a MERIT background check including fingerprints through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Within 30 days of hire, have or obtain an initial health examination indicating freedom from communicable diseases.
Within 30 days of hire, have or obtain proof of a Tuberculosis (TB) test taken within 12 months prior to the initial employment date.
Within 30 days of hire, have or obtain proof of immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination OR proof of immunity from measles.
Within 30 days of hire, obtain a CPR/First Aid card.
Within 30 days of hire, obtain a current Food Handlers permit.
Meet all federally mandated requirements related to the Head Start program, including continuing educational requirements and all Washington State laws and College policies related to the Head Start program and SVC employment.
Have, or ability to obtain by the time of hire, a Washington State driver's license or equivalent, and proof of auto insurance.
Declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer.
Membership in the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) within thirty (30) calendar days of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Child Development Associate Credentials (CDA) or Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initial Certificate.
Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Contribute to maintaining a healthy and safe classroom environment.
Clean and sanitize classrooms, including tables, counters, restrooms, and emptying garbage, trash, and recycle containers.
Follow direction from the lead teacher to set up indoor/outdoor activities.
Organize, store, and maintain materials and equipment.
Wash, dry, fold, and put away laundered items.
Assist children with toileting needs, including changing diapers.
Assist with daily health checks.
Administer first aid and handle medical emergencies.
Complete annual requirements, including modules for Blood Borne Pathogens, CPS, Active Supervision, Food Handlers, Right Response, and CACFP, and sign staff Acknowledgement forms.
Participate in educational activities under the direction of the lead teacher.
Observe each child’s development and discuss it with the lead teacher.
Assist with the child’s self-help skills.
Assist children in taking responsibility for equipment, materials, and outdoor equipment.
Use positive and intentional language when communicating with children and model appropriate behaviors.
Maintain good attendance to optimize child outcomes.
Follow appropriate food handling practices, including using disposable gloves, keeping foods at proper temperatures, recording food temperatures, and disposing of food waste.
Maintain awareness of children’s special dietary needs and ensure substitutions are provided.
Support daily meal routines for children, including distributing and serving meals, modeling appropriate mealtime behaviors, and engaging in social conversations.
Perform other duties as assigned, such as backfilling for food/custodial aide roles and supporting program planning (Zoom, surveys, meetings, trainings).