Early Childhood Specialist 1

Position Summary Pierce College is looking to hire two (2) Early Childhood Program Specialists Position Summary: The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity.  The Classroom Support Teacher provides early childhood educational instruction and activities to meet the needs of children ages 1 year to 5 years enrolled in the Child Development Centers. This role also assists primary teachers to plan and implement lessons, supervise children, and interact with parents and other adults in center. This position reports to the Director of the Child Development Center (CDC) and Family Advocacy and requires regular and consistent attendance. About the District: Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Want a feel for our District? Pierce College Fort Steilacoom  Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake. Pierce College Puyallup Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways. Pierce College at JBLM  Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country. Essential Functions Essential Functions Classroom Supervision and Personal Interactions  Direct children in educational activities daily including during lunch, nap time, free time, field trips, and transition between activities and playground periods; set up 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 use of materials, provide opportunities for concept and skill development ;respond to children with respect, courtesy and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth; communicate with Director/Pedagogical Leader and Lead Teacher regarding information and insights that affect the efficient and cohesive functioning of the program. Program Support Assist in classroom pod with the maintenance of a healthy and safe environment; assist lead teachers in completing observations and documentation on children. Prepare materials for presentation to children under the direction of Supervisor or Director; function as a member of a team-oriented staff and participate in staff meetings and in-service training or District activities; comply with state requirements and adhere to policies as stated in the Child Development Center handbook; Implement curriculum developmentally appropriate for children one year to 5 years of age; make use of opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise relating to Early Childhood Program Specialist position; supervise, instruct, assist, and check the work of work study, practicum students, volunteers, and hourly workers lower level staff; other duties may be assigned by the Director or Early Childhood Program Specialist 4. Customer Service Communicate routinely with team members parents,work study, practicum and hourly workers in an open professional manner that demonstrates respect for diverse learning styles and cultural differences;; explain procedures and program routines to all of the above. Front Desk Support:  Receive visitors and telephone inquiries, support front office staff as needed. Qualifications Required Education:   GED or High School Diploma 30 hour basic childcare class completion, CDA, State Short ECE Certificate, or equivalent. Required Experience:  At least six (6) months of experience working in an Early Childhood Education setting. Special Requirements The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Written proof of Tuberculin (TB) testing prior to starting work. Written proof of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine prior to starting work.  Valid Food Handlers Permit upon employment.  Valid First Aid and CPR Card upon employment.  Completion of HIV/AIDS training upon employment. Valid Washington State Driver’s license and reliable transportation.  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Early Childhood Education Knowledge of early childhood education theory and practices, including child development, developmentally appropriate practices, observation and ongoing assessment, individualizing, planning, special services, referrals, developing and maintaining a classroom environment and routines, and child management. Ability to develop relationships with children; use positive methods of guidance that are individually and culturally appropriate; respond sensitively to differences in individual children's learning and personality styles. Ability to help to provide a balance of activities that support the many ways that children learn. Knowledge of appropriate techniques for diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet training. Ability to use a variety of tools and methods to encourage adults or children to change behavior and/or overcome physical/emotional barriers. Relationship Building  Actively demonstrates an understanding of the many facets of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to achieving cultural awareness, sensitivity and competency. Ability to create environments which provide for the inclusion of all children, including children with disabilities and children with diverse language, socioeconomic and/or cultural backgrounds; support children in communication of feelings and needs. Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard. Safety Demonstrated ability to understand and follow applicable laws, regulations, and health standards to establish and/or maintain a safe work environment.  Demonstrated ability to understand and follow applicable health regulations for child care facilities.  Ability to remove children quickly from a dangerous situation by visually observing, physically lifting, running, and alerting to an emergency. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Ability to effectively identify systemic inequities affecting colleagues and students. Works to remove barriers to workplace wellness and student success.  Engage in healing-centered practices to reduce further harm to historically marginalized groups; engage in cultural humility through listening, observing, valuing/validating, embracing/empowering (LOVE) others. Seek inclusion through invitation and welcome, recognizes the impact of own identities, and amplify voices often not heard or acknowledged. Customer Service Ability to listen attentively, communicates clearly, identify issues, provide options, and follow-up with concerns. Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, organization, and project coordination skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to work within an environment supporting students in addressing issues often of a sensitive or controversial nature. Ability to maintain a good rapport with children, parents, and co-workers. Computer Skills Working knowledge of Office 365 and Internet capabilities. Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Word, and Outlook. 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:  . 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: (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. At least one reference 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):   "How will you support the mission of Pierce College to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world? How has your previous education and/or professional experience contributed to your effectiveness in promoting a climate of student success for a diverse community of learners?" Please limit your response to 500 words or less.  Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.    All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NEOED account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery. Terms of Employment: This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-eligible position with the Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College Puyallup campus. Occasional travel to other Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. This position requires regular and consistent attendance. Salary & Benefits:  The starting salary of this position is $36,336.00 annually dependent upon qualifications, with periodic increments up to $42,696.00 annually. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided.