School Readiness Liaison - Benton City

Inspire • Benton City, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Inspire Development Centers provides Early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to over 4000 children in center-based and home-based settings across more than 27 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout Washington State. The agency operates under various federal and state funded programs, including Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and Early Head Start (EHS), each with specific regulations and stipulations that must be coordinated and adhered to. A key requirement is meeting an annual quota of non-federal share (in-kind) funds. Many of the children's primary language is Spanish. This position will work supportively with teaching staff and home educators, coordinating and taking leadership to achieve school readiness goals for each classroom in the center. The role also involves overseeing the daily operations of Head Start Classrooms.

Requirements

• AA Degree in ECE or an Associate’s Degree with 30 ECE related college credits and experience teaching infant/toddler and/or preschool children
• English/Spanish bi-lingual fluency
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices
• Working knowledge in curriculum development and planning
• Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment
• Experience in policy and procedure processes
• Experience in planning and facilitating groups
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Experience in classroom risk management
• Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports via multiple modes
• Strong customer service focus
• Ability to work with culturally diverse population
• Proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Office
• Accurate data management, documentation and recordkeeping skills
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Valid Washington State driver’s license
• Must provide a yearly driving abstract
• Must maintain acceptable driving history
• Proof of automobile insurance
• Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities
• Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check
• Must pass initial and periodic Department of Early Learning (DEL) background check
• Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance (present it within forty-five (45) days of employment)
• Current Food Handler card (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment)
• Current First Aid / CPR cards (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment)
• Subject to initial and periodic TB screen
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS) training (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment)
• Blood Borne Pathogen training (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment)
• Subject to random drug screen
• Obtain Fifteen (15) hours continuing in-service training annually
• Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement
• Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis

Nice To Haves

• Previous Head Start experience
• Maintain a current Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent certificate
• BA Degree in ECE or a Bachelor’s Degree with 30 ECE related college credits and experience teaching infant/toddler and/or preschool children

Responsibilities

• Monitor and implement the program and classroom school readiness goals.
• Coordinate kindergarten transition meetings.
• Maintain communication between the center and the local School District, involving Program Support ECE Specialist as needed.
• Identify training needs and provide onsite training and support to teaching staff related to curriculum planning, ongoing child assessment, child-teacher interactions, and working with diverse groups of children.
• Assist the Center Manager and Center Administrative Assistant in formulating classroom staffing and work schedules.
• Monitor compliance with required staff-child ratios.
• Provide feedback to the Center Manager regarding teaching staff performance and staffing patterns.
• Participate in ECE personnel interviews at the center level.
• Recommend the purchase of classroom supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Conduct regular classroom observations to assess teacher skill levels.
• Develop and follow up on individualized teacher plans.
• Identify and utilize appropriate resources to enhance classroom teaching quality.
• Assist teaching staff in problem-solving by defining issues and selecting strategies.
• Establish and maintain positive, trusting, supportive relationships with teaching staff and home educators.
• Foster positive self-identity in children and families by working with parents and teaching staff.
• Utilize effective communication, listening, and reflective inquiry skills.
• Foster planning and cooperation with teaching staff through meetings and other means.
• Provide ongoing feedback, modeling, and support to individual teaching staff.
• Maintain confidential information, including health records and participant personal and income information.
• Contribute to procedures and activities that foster in-kind fund contributions by requesting goods, services, cash donations, and encouraging volunteers.

Benefits

• Summary of benefits associated with this position can be found at https://inspirecenters.org/careers/
• To learn more, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/MnlRqkvydRw

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree