Description

Early Childhood Program Specialist 1 - Substitute/On-Call
Salary: $16.52 per hour
Classification: Early Childhood Program Specialist 1
Reports to: Director of SBELA

Olympic College has an opening for an Early Childhood Program Specialist 1 - substitute (work on call). The Sophia Bremer Early Learning Academy provides quality, comprehensive early learning services for the Olympic College community. The Early Childhood Program Specialist 1 is the assistant teacher role in the classroom, which requires working with children that range in age from birth to 5. The assistant teacher is responsible for supporting lead teachers and classroom activities by developing positive partnerships with families and providing quality learning environments responsive to individual developmental needs. The assistant teacher is part of a diverse and responsive team, requiring strong collaboration skills, professionalism, and integrity in interactions with children, families, colleagues, and community partners. All substitute teachers are expected to meet pre-service requirements upon hire, remain current in training and service requirements, and engage in early childhood education best practices to support practicum students in the daily application of these practices.

Essential Functions

• Implement culturally responsive individual, small group, and large group activities based on the developmental needs of the children, which cultivate each child's sense of importance and belonging across indoor and outdoor settings, as directed by the lead teacher.
• Assist in the developmental assessment and screening of each child using program-approved tools and instruments to maintain a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate program.
• Model positive communication skills, positive guidance techniques, and nurturing qualities while promoting positive attachments between caregivers, children and families, consistent with program-approved best practices.
• Use and be knowledgeable of all educational equipment and supplies routinely used in the program, and maintain and request equipment and supplies through the director as necessary.
• Recognize parents as their child’s primary teachers and become familiar with family circumstances.
• Maintain positive, open communication, that foregrounds a child’s strengths and assets, and developmental needs, while recognizing parents as their child’s primary teachers and becoming familiar with family circumstances
• Encourage and support parental involvement in the classroom and all other educational opportunities.
• Provide opportunities for parents to learn about the growth and development of their child, including ways to increase connections between school and home.
• Maintain appropriate professionalism and confidentiality consistent with NAEYC ethics and professional standards.
• Support dual language families with classroom and program resources where necessary with existing and emerging partnerships.
• Maintain professional, respectful, and productive relationships with parents, prospective families, and community partners.
• Collaborate and partner with external coaches, including those designated from Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Achievers, and Olympic Educational Service District 114.
• Support all necessary and relevant Head Start and Early Head Start requirements, such as ensuring student progress, complying with standard and conduct agreements, and documenting progress and observations.
• Participate in training as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Early Childhood Education (ECE) State Certificate
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• One year of experience caring for children from birth to 5 years in a center-based program.
• One year of experience working with low-income families.
• One year of experience working with families from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of substance abuse issues, child abuse, and neglect, domestic violence.
• Proficient computer skills and the ability to maintain accurate confidential records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited higher education institution.
• One (1) year FTE experience working in Head Start, Early Head Start, or Early Childhood Education and Assistant Programs (ECEAP); children with disabilities; and families of community college students.

Successful Applicants will

• Satisfy all DCYF requirements for this role for Early Learning Programs, pursuant to WAC 110-300-0100;
• Must pass the DCYF Portable Background Check and an OC criminal records background check.
• Official college transcripts are required for verification if hired.
• Prior to employment, the candidate must show proof of all necessary immunizations, certifications, and tests, including a Tuberculosis (TB) Test, MMR vaccination, and all necessary STARS certification requirements; and within 1 month after the date of hire, the employee will need to complete all necessary training, including certifications and educational requirements as established by state and federal guidelines, WAC and Licensing Training, Child Care Basics Training, Safe Sleep Training, Abusive Head Trauma Training, Mandated Reporter Training, Medication Management Training Families Experiencing Homelessness Training, Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Training, Blood Borne Pathogens Training, CPR & First Aid for Infants and Children certificate, and Food Handlers Permit; and
• Maintain all certifications and training including educational requirements as established by state and federal guidelines.

Working Conditions

Work occurs both inside and outside. There is occasional exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. Occasional evening and weekend training may be required.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position. This position will require the ability to lift to 40 pounds. Caregivers will be expected to bend, squat, stoop, and easily get up and down from the floor.

Additional Information

Terms of Employment