Head Start - Early Childhood Program Specialist 3 (Sue Krienen)

Skagit Valley College • Skagit County, WA

121d • $3,643 - $4,740

About The Position

This position provides leadership in fostering holistic, developmentally appropriate child development through structured, early education, play-based classrooms. This includes promoting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth, ensuring each child receives quality, equitable education and support to prepare them for future school readiness. This position provides leadership to a variety of daily routines and activities using a research and evidence-based curriculum and assessment system. This position will be assigned to a primary center location within the specified area, and may be moved on a temporary basis, or reassigned to a primary location within that same specified area if required to support program operations and effective centers.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with ECE credits equivalent to the WA State ECE certificate.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience in an early learning classroom setting equal to three (3) years.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with ECE credits equivalent to the WA State ECE certificate.
• Bilingual English/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.
• Plan and supervise the set-up of an organized, nurturing, and safe classroom, developmentally appropriate for the age you teach, based on curriculum fidelity tools.
• Plan embedded strategies and practices for 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.
• Welcome children, parents, and all visitors to the classroom.
• Engage children and facilitate play to support developmental goals you set with parents and the classroom team, and align with the program's ongoing assessment.
• Work collaboratively with any LEA or Part C, school district, or other therapist or community partners to create and implement plans for IEP/IFSP goal support.
• Lead the children and staff through the daily schedule and provide direction, as needed.
• Plan for and engage parents, interns, volunteers, and visitors to participate in classroom activities; mentor interns and team members in partnership with the education manager and coach.
• Use positive and strengths-based language with children. Interact with parents and staff in a positive and professional manner.
• Conduct playground safety checks.
• Provide daily meal routines for children, including helping to distribute and serve meals.
• Assist children with toileting needs, including changing diapers.
• May provide daily health checks for children upon arrival.
• Administer first aid and handle medical emergencies as they arise.
• Support the individualized health needs of each child.
• May clean and sanitize assigned areas, surfaces, and materials.
• Lead classroom planning session with the classroom teaching team, using program curriculum and current child outcomes data.
• Document planning and individualization of children using program forms and/or Teaching Strategies Cloud.
• Participate in center team meetings and family reviews.
• Provide mentorship for classroom assistants, volunteers, and interns.
• Complete annual requirements including modules for Blood Borne Pathogens, CPS, Active Supervision, Food Handlers, Right Response, and USDA.

Benefits

• Salary is based on Range 42, Step A, $3,643 per month with periodic increments to $4,740 per month.
• This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Associate degree