Position Summary

Essential Functions

• Direct children in educational activities daily, as well as during lunch, nap time, free time, field trips, and transitions between activities and playground periods.
• Create engaging environments that support children as they discover and make sense of materials.
• Maintain awareness of children and staff in the classroom to ensure legal ratios are upheld and to ensure that each child is given appropriate levels of individual attention and guidance.
• Implement guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child.
• Encourage language development.
• Foster independence and self-help skills.
• Provide instruction to children as needed in the use of materials and offer opportunities for concept and skill development.
• Respond to children with respect, courtesy, and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth.
• Communicate with the Director/Pedagogical Leader and Lead Teacher regarding information and insights that affect the efficient and cohesive functioning of the program.

• Assist with the maintenance of a healthy and safe environment, pursuant to state and national guidelines involving appropriate cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting classroom and playground environments, as well as ensuring materials used within meet necessary standards (age-appropriate, condition, etc.).
• Complete observations and documentation on children, entering data into an online assessment tool.
• Use observations to plan lessons for children, inform the teaching team, and communicate with the child's family.
• Prepare materials for presentation to children under the direction of the Supervisor or Director.
• Function as a member of a team-oriented staff and participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and District activities.
• Comply with state requirements and adhere to policies as stated in the Child Development Center handbook.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for children aged one (1) year to five (5) years.
• Utilize opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise relating to Early Childhood Program Specialist position.
• May direct the work of work study, practicum students, volunteers, and lower level staff, as needed or assigned.

• Communicate routinely with team members, parents, work-study, practicum, and hourly workers in an open and professional manner that demonstrates respect for diverse learning styles, cultural differences, and explains procedures and program routines to all of the above.
• Assess growth and development of children in classrooms using provided tools, and participate in Program Development.
• Periodically assess classroom and program strengths and needs through participation in facilitated team meetings and annual staff surveys.
• Communicate any problems, questions, concerns, and suggestions in a timely manner with Early Childhood Program Specialist 4 and/or Director.
• Periodically assess each child’s developmental progress using provided assessment and documentation tools.
• Receive visitors and handle telephone inquiries, providing support to front office staff as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director or Early Childhood Program Specialist 4.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field (Psychology, Sociology, Human Development, Home Economics, Family Studies, Social Work, or Special Education along with 20 credits in Early Childhood Education).

• A minimum of one (1) year experience working with children between the ages of one (1) to five (5) years old enrolled in a group setting.
• Experience in program planning, developing and presenting educational activities and/or lesson plans.

Special Requirements

• In accordance with Head Start regulations, individuals are required to have successfully completed a portable background check through the DCYF MERIT system and provide Pierce College with the results at the time of hire.
• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment.
• Completion of HIV/AIDS training upon employment.
• Written proof of TB testing prior to starting work.
• Valid Food Handlers Permit upon employment.
• Valid First Aid and CPR Card upon employment.

• Knowledge of and experience with early childhood education theory and practices, including child development, developmentally appropriate practices, observation and ongoing assessment, and maintaining a classroom environment and routines.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with children using methods of guidance that are individually and culturally appropriate.
• Excellent customer service skills including building and maintaining relationships with parents, staff and the community.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to communicate in English (both verbally and in writing).
• Knowledge of appropriate techniques for diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet training.
• Demonstrated ability to work with persons of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to keep accurate records, prepare and maintain records, files, reports, and correspondence.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs, conditions and work responsibilities, and handle stressful or adverse situations while maintaining professional composure.
• Ability to understand and follow health and safety regulations, and other standards.
• Ability to observe danger, alert children and physically remove them from dangerous situations.
• Ability to create environments which provide for the inclusion of all children, including children with disabilities and diverse language, socioeconomic and/or cultural backgrounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and ability to navigate the internet.

Application Process

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question.(Supplemental Question)