Head Start - Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 (Burlington)

Skagit Valley College•Island and Skagit County, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides a variety of support to the daily routines and activities of a compliant and developmentally appropriate early childhood center under the direction of the lead teacher. It is an in-classroom position assigned to a primary center location within Skagit and Island Counties, with the possibility of temporary reassignment to support program operations. Travel to other locations will be required for pre-scheduled meetings and trainings. The role focuses on preparing diverse children from low-income and eligible families for success in school and life by providing comprehensive services in early learning, health, and family well-being. Head Start promotes school readiness by looking at the child holistically and individualizing for their needs. This position assists with high-quality early learning services, engaging in innovative practices that center on the children served. Head Start serves vulnerable children and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, foster system involvement, child protective system involvement, or other family stressors. Classrooms do not expel or exclude children due to behavioral issues or disabilities, focusing instead on individualizing in a nurturing environment. Center staff support the needs of all children in their classrooms.

Requirements

High school completion or GED
Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), or Washington Initial Certificate in Early Childhood, or a written education plan to complete the certificate within two (2) years of hire
Experience in an early learning setting equal to two (2) years
Fluent in English
Equivalent combination of education and experience
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
Initial health examination indicating freedom from communicable diseases
Proof of a Tuberculosis (TB) test taken within 12 months prior to the initial employment date
Proof of immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination OR proof of immunity from measles
CPR/First Aid card
A current Food Handlers permit
Meet all federally mandated requirements related to the Head Start program, including but not limited to 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
Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted
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 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

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with Early Childhood Education credits equivalent to the WA State Early Childhood Education certificate
Experience working with children with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Bilingual in English and Spanish

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
Engage parents, interns, volunteers, and visitors during classroom activities
Engage children and facilitate play to support developmental goals
Support embedded strategies and practices with classroom routines and activities to support all children’s progress toward school readiness goals, including children with IFSP or IEP goals, and dual language learners
Use positive and intentional language with children
Interact with parents and staff in a positive and professional manner
Work collaboratively with any LEA or Part C, school district, or other therapist or community partners as part of your classroom team
Lead the children and staff through the daily schedule and provide direction to substitute teachers during the absence of the lead teacher
Support health, safety, and nutritional activities and requirements
Clean and sanitize assigned areas, surfaces, and materials
Conduct playground safety checks
Support daily meal routines for children, including helping to distribute and serve meals, sitting at the table to model appropriate mealtime behaviors, and having social conversations
Provide daily health checks as children arrive
Assist children with toileting needs, including changing diapers
May empty garbage cans and clean bathrooms, as well as classroom furnishings
Administer first aid and handle medical emergencies as they arise
In the absence of the teacher or by the direction of the teacher or center manager, administer prescribed or approved non-prescribed medications
Support the individualized health needs of each child
Be prepared to support various tasks within the center, including food services and other operational services as needed
Understand and demonstrate Skagit Island Head Start values
Participate in classroom planning sessions with the classroom teaching team
May lead planning if the lead teacher is out for one to three weeks
Document attendance and meal service
Assist the lead teacher by entering observational data into GOLD online, documenting planning, and may document educational visits in ChildPlus
Aid and support in the ongoing collection of observational data related to GOLD assessment
Aid and support the completion of developmental and/or behavioral screenings within the program required timeline
Participate in center team meetings and family reviews
Provide mentorship for other classroom assistants and interns
Support center parent committee meetings, trainings, and other family activities
Complete annual requirements including modules for Blood Borne Pathogens, CPS, Active Supervision, Food Handlers, Right Response, and USDA, sign Confidentiality Statement, Code of Conduct & Ethical Standards forms
Engage in program trainings, coaching, and other professional development activities to enhance job skills and knowledge, completing at a minimum, a required 15 hours of classroom-related training each year
Maintain good attendance in order to optimize child outcomes
Complete ongoing job-related program/personal documentation (not GOLD or ChildPlus) in an accurate and timely manner, including ctcLink time reporting, program surveys, etc.
Participate in program committees, as desired