Parent Educator

POSITION TITLE: Parent Educator
DEPARTMENT: Child Care Development Program (CCDP)
LOCATION: Longview, Washington
REPORTS TO: Lead Parent Educator
STATUS: Hourly; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $27.15 - $31.25 per hour

CLOSING DATE: May 5th, 2026

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Contributes to the effectiveness of the Child Care Development Program (CCDP) by enhancing a caregiver’s ability to contribute to the development of their children. Provides early childhood education and family support services for children, families, and in-home caregivers in accordance with performance standards, policies, procedures, grant requirements, and other regulations. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the CCDP program. Frequent travel is required based on client needs.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serves as a valuable resource on parenting and early childhood development for enrolled families.
• Develops a schedule of home visits and home-based activities to meet the program standards.
• Prepares and implements individualized lesson plans based on the needs of the child and their provider; conducts and coordinates screenings and assessments in all areas of child development.
• Conducts daily, weekly, and monthly home visits and socializations in accordance with policies, procedures, grant requirements, and Parents as Teachers (PAT) best practices.
• Provides required educational and health screenings as required by PAT.
• Assists in implementing health care/special services for children, including IFSP’s or IEP’s.
• Maintains ongoing written documentation of observations and assessments of individual children.
• Empowers caregivers with information and skills to enable them to act more confidently and competently and make informed decisions regarding the children in their care.
• Acts as an advocate for families; connects families to internal or external resources; refers children and families to early intervention services or other community resources as necessary.
• Provides a culturally appropriate learning environment and learning activities relative to the developmental needs of the child and caregiver.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with families, child care providers, tribal, local, and state agencies, including but not limited to social services agencies and educational agencies, as well as other community partners.
• Identifies families’ needs, strengths, and interests to include developing and achieving child/caregiver goals, assisting the family with accessing medical, dental, and mental health services, and providing appropriate referrals, emergency assistance, crisis intervention, and support when necessary.
• Reports suspected incidences of child abuse/neglect to supervisor and/or leadership team member and makes mandated report to Child Protective Services (CPS).
• Develops and implements transition/exit plans to another childcare provider or school as needed.
• Maintains complete, objective, and confidential records for children and families in accordance with program and best practice standards.
• Develops and updates program forms, outreach materials, and other relevant communications; participates in community outreach events.
• Provides professional support and information to the other tribal and HHS entities around early childhood education and the CCDP program.
• Maintains accurate records and can prepare needed reports promptly in accordance with grant requirements.
• Works with the Program Manager, other program staff, and Tribal Leaders to ensure appropriate cultural representation of all Native American Tribes is provided to childcare providers.
• Tracks data and program information; prepares accurate and timely reports according to grant requirements.
• Performs routine audits of client and provider files; updates documentation as needed.
• Works with the Program Manager and other program staff to create and update program policies and procedures in compliance with grant or funding requirements and program goals, objectives, and best practice standards.
• Assists with the publication of monthly Tribal council reports and newspaper articles.
• Maintains client confidentiality and adheres to grant, state, and federal guidelines.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences, reviewing professional publications, establishing networks, participating in professional societies, and conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Participates in staff meetings as needed.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of the principles of case management, advocacy, and family dynamics.
• Knowledge of area resources and services for pregnant women, children, and families.
• Knowledge of best practices in early childhood development and education, as well as best practices in home visiting.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of office functions, procedures, and policies.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to identify the natural strengths of caregivers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent, sound, and unbiased judgment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Development, Social Services, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Three years of related experience in childcare or community programs.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Experience working within Native American and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Obtain and maintain Parent as Teachers (PAT) certification in Model Implementation, Foundational Training, and Foundational Training 2, BLS/CPR, and AED certifications.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distances.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office or outdoor setting with a moderate noise level. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. May come in contact with hostile, violent, or offensive individuals. Overnight travel, evening and/or weekend work is occasionally required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.