Early Childhood Specialist IV

Job Title: Early Childhood Specialist IV

Join Lake Washington Institute of Technology as an Early Childhood Specialist IV and contribute to the growth and development of our students. As a key member of our team, you will play a vital role in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Job Summary:

The Early Childhood Specialist IV will provide support and mentoring to ELC specialists, ECE students, and LWTech work-study students while working in the classroom. This role will also assist the director with administrative duties related to the center program and overall center operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with all ELC staff to create a positive work and learning environment
• Assume teacher responsibilities when staff are absent
• Guide childcare staff to ensure best developmental practice
• Maintain a clear understanding and follow Department of Early Learning, King County Department of Health and Early Achiever guidelines
• Work with EA coach and prepare classrooms for rating, document EA spending
• Provide orientation to practicum students and/or student employees; provide feedback while they are working in classroom
• Observe each classroom and provide specialists with constructive feedback (weekly or as needed)
• Ensure lesson plans, schedules, and activities are completed and developmentally appropriate
• Model best practices for assisting children's learning and guidance
• Maintain inventory of classroom supplies; monitor what is needed, create orders and pick up when delivery is not available
• Create menus that meet OSPI standards, order groceries as needed and make sure meals and snacks are prepared and delivered to classrooms on time
• Routinely check equipment to make sure environment is safe and hazard free; contact college facilities when repair is needed
• Regular attendance and punctuality

Assist Director in Following Duties:

• Onboard, train, and provide follow-up guidance to new employees
• Create schedule for ELC team, make adjustments as necessary for absences
• Communicate with families regarding program inquiries, classroom questions and concerns
• Facilitate tours and complete enrollment process with new families including child's initial visit
• Respond to family questions or concerns regarding classroom programs
• Find ways to engage families each quarter and plan quarter events with input from ELC staff
• Provide professional development for staff during team meetings
• Maintain utmost confidentiality regarding center business, employees and families

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Washington State ECE initial certificate (47 credits) or DCYF educational waiver; associate's degree in ECE preferred
• Completion of Childcare Basics (STARS 30-hour course)
• Minimum five years full-time early learning work experience in a lead role with one year of employment at the ELC strongly preferred
• Must meet licensing requirements for Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) including registration in Managed Education and Registry Tool (MERIT) and current DCYF portable background check. Educational record must be current.
• Have or obtain within 90 days of employment: current infant/child CPR & Basic First Aid; Bloodborne pathogen training, and Food Handler's Permit
• Proof of current negative (tuberculosis) TB skin test and Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) immunity
• Completion of criminal history investigation through MERIT required before first day of employment
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Be physically able to lift 50 lbs.; able to participate with children in indoor and outdoor physical activities 6 - 8 hours per day and able to respond quickly to emergency situations

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to supervise a group of children and their activities within the state mandated child to adult ratios for designated age group
• Demonstrated ability to relate and communicate effectively with children, families, community members and staff of diverse ages, backgrounds, cultures and abilities
• Ability to be responsive to the needs of a diverse student population and community
• Effective interpersonal skills and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to work in a team environment and build constructive, respectful working relationships characterized by a high level of cooperation and mutual regard
• Ability to contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and diverse perspectives to enhance the attainment of center goals
• Ability to use computer, related software and technologies to maintain documentation and electronic communication with staff and families.
• Requires consistent attendance and punctuality

Supplemental Information:

This is a union-covered position. As defined by the current classified bargained agreement and MOU D, newly hired employees shall be placed between Step C $4,559 and Step H $5,534 of the salary schedule in Appendix A of the Classified Union Bargaining Agreement. Ongoing (Step I-Step M) step advancement is defined by the classified bargained agreement.

The Classified Bargained Agreement and Appendix can be found at https://www.lwtech.edu/about/hr/classified-bargaining-agreement/.

Required Online Application Materials:

• Online application
• Current resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process

Conditions of Employment:

• Official transcripts/certifications will be required upon employment
• Other conditions that may apply will be detailed upon the offer of employment
• Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background/reference checks

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform range of physical motions; lifting and carrying; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; and traversing up and down stairs.

LWTech follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to read and verify data and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information on the phone or in person

Eligibility to Work:

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work

EEO Statement:

Lake Washington Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, creed, disabled veteran status, marital status or Vietnam-era veteran status in its programs and activities.

Questions regarding the College's Affirmative Action Policy may be directed to the Meena Park, Vice President of Human Resources, Affirmative Action Office/Title IX Coordinator, (425) 739-8212.

Jeanne Clery Statement:

Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years.

LWTech's Annual Safety Report (ASR) is available online at https://www.lwtech.edu/about/campus-safety/.

To obtain a paper copy of the report, please visit the LWTech Safety Department located in the East Building at 11605 132nd Avenue NE Kirkland, WA 98034.

Sexual Misconduct:

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employers.

By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and other insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under Public Employees Benefits Board, State Retirement Plan and a Deferred Compensation Plan; sick leave accrues at 1 day per month and vacation accrues at 12 days (up to 23 days) per year. We also offer 13 paid holidays effective upon employment and 4 paid personal days after successful completion of the probation period. Full-time, classified employees have access to bereavement leave, employee assistance program, free tuition, reduced child care costs at our Early Learning Center, reduced Bus Fare, professional development opportunities and more.

For further details on the benefits offered at LWTech, please visit: https://www.lwtech.edu/about/hr/benefits/

What is your highest level of education?

• High school diploma
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Earned doctorate

Do you have CPR/First Aid card for infants and young children?

• Yes
• No

Lake Washington values diversity and welcomes students from all backgrounds and levels of educational attainment. In 500 words or less, please describe how you would help LWTech enhance its commitment to diversity.

Are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without accommodation?

• Yes
• No

Acknowledgement of required application materials.

An LWTech application packet must contain a complete application (including education & employment history), resume, and cover letter. Please ensure your application is complete and that you attach your resume and letter before moving forward with this submission.

• I acknowledge that if my application packet - including a complete application, resume, and cover letter - is incomplete, LWTech will not consider me for this position.

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