Early Childhood Specialist

Who We Are

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few. Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution. We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Position Summary: As a lead teacher, interacts with parents, volunteers, and team members to guide the educational activities of children 1 month to 5 years enrolled in the College's early childhood program to provide educational instruction. This position also interacts and responds to each child with respect, courtesy, and understanding their developmental stage of growth. Work is performed following Department of Early Learning (DEL) requirements (WACS), Association for Early Learning Leaders standards (AELL), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, and Center Policies and Procedures which include Expectations and Code of Teaching Behavior, Health Care Policy, Emergency Procedures, Safety and College Policies. This position works under general direction from the Program Manager and Assistant Program Manager and interacts with parents, volunteers, and team members.

Essential Functions

• Guide individual and groups of children ages 1 month to 5 years in developmentally appropriate practices using best practices as a guide to foster creativity, fine and gross motor development cognitive skills, social and emotional development, language development, and independence and self-help skills.
• Implement guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child. Respond to children with respect, courtesy and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth.
• Use of Teaching Strategies GOLD and related databases; maintaining of child educational files and related documentation.
• Ability to assess each child's developmental progress using a valid, reliable, and recognized assessment tool.
• Complete scoring rubrics such as the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) or the Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS) and conduct ongoing assessment of classroom and program strengths and needs.
• Develop and implement learning experiences for children based on observations of children's interests and developmental needs.
• Provide on the job training and mentoring to staff whose skill sets are in an earlier stage of development, such as, student staff, temporary employees, and volunteers.
• Use computer literacy and knowledge to find teaching resources on the internet, use online time and leave system, maintain attendance record, design curriculum, prepare newsletters in a professional format, and check and respond to emails as it pertains to job functions.
• Communicate with the Program Manager regarding information and insights that effect the efficient cohesive functioning of the program. This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
• Communicate routinely with parents regarding child's development.
• Function as a member of a team-oriented staff. May lead, instruct, assign and check the work of others. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training.
• Make use of opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise through professional development and trainings relating to Early Childhood Program Specialist position.
• Complete twenty hours basic STARS training within six months of hire and maintain a minimum of ten hours annually after that.
• Courteously receive visitors and parents with the ability to articulate the philosophies of the program and early childhood education, and best practices.
• Understand and implement minimum licensing requirements as determined by the Department of Early Learning (DEL).
• Have an understanding of Early Achievers, Early Head Start, and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
• Ability to be versatile and work with multiple technological media such as tablets and smart phones to use remote functions such as children Portfolio, evaluations, correspondence and conference scheduling.

Perform related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the children and the functions of the Early Learning Center.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.
• -OR-
• Associate's degree with twenty (20) credit hours in early childhood development, special education or equivalent,
• -OR-
• a current Child Development Associate's Degree (CDA).
• Two years of experience working with preschool-age children in a group setting, providing program planning, developing and presenting educational activities/lessons plans, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient experience using computer programs, such as, Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Note: Credit hours will be verified through Merit. May be required to take more classes to qualify.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university.
• 3 years of experience working with preschool-age children.
• Experience working under the guidelines of an accredited early learning program.
• Experience as an Early Head Start Lead Teacher.
• Experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD and Creative Curriculum programs.

Application Process

Application Materials & Procedure Complete application packages must include the following:

1. Tacoma Community College application
2. Resume & cover letter. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meet the qualifications for this position. Specifically address your experience, training, and knowledge in providing empathy and respect in the care and nurturing of children 1 month to 5 years of age in an early childhood program and your supervisory experience.
3. Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (official transcripts will be required for the successful candidate).