Head Start (HS) Associate Teacher - Preschool (Early Childhood Program Specialist 2)

Head Start (HS) Associate Teacher - Preschool (Early Childhood Program Specialist 2)

Community Colleges of Spokane

Location: Gonzaga Family Haven (12-month position) and SCC Bigfoot Childcare Center (9.5-month position) Department: DIST HS

Salary Range: $3,827 - $5,111

Starting salary for this position is: $3,827 (Monthly)

Employees hired at the entry step of this range receive salary step advancement after six months and every 12 months thereafter. An employee hired at anything higher than the entry step of the range will have salary step advancement after 12 months and every 12 months thereafter until they reach the top of the salary range. Each salary step advancement will be approximately a 5% increase.

About Us

Spokane Colleges Head Start/ECEAP/Early Head Start provides care and support for more than 1,600 children and their families. We offer safe and secure learning environments for children to grow and develop their skills to succeed in elementary school and beyond.

We are dedicated to working with low-income families. and involve parents and families in developing the goals of each Head Start center including centers on the Spokane Falls Community College and Spokane Community College campuses. We also serve the children of eligible students while they attend college.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. PST on 09/01/2026. The application process will not be available after this time. To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible. Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.

About the Head Start (HS) Associate Teacher - Preschool (Early Childhood Program Specialist 2)

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Center Manager, the Associate Teacher performs recurring routine job duties and assignments under the daily direction of the Lead Teacher in implementing the educational curriculum and the general operation of a Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) early childhood classroom.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in classroom and outside daily routines and activities. Utilize daily routines to support individual learning opportunities. *
• Assist in the development, implementation, and documentation of an early childhood curriculum. *
• Assist in assessing the developmental needs of infants/ toddlers and/or preschoolers; track individual progress by recording ongoing assessments and assist with the development of individualized learning opportunities, inclusive of children with disabilities. *
• Assist in conducting developmental screenings, providing referrals, and arranging follow-up services and ensuring parents are involved in curriculum planning and child observations in the classroom environment. *
• Assist in promoting and protecting children's health by adhering to Individual Health Plans (IHP) and special diet needs. Attend to children's personal needs and use routine care as a component of primary caregiving. *
• Participate in case management, home visits, center conferences and the development and implementation of Children's Individual Plans (CIP) and family transition plans with Direct Service Team. *
• Assist with maintaining required documentation, records, and supplies. *
• Maintain required records and other information as requested. *
• May assist in providing feedback to ECE student teachers. *
• May assist, and/or perform work of the Lead Teacher. *
• Work effectively as a member of a classroom and direct services team to provide integrated, comprehensive services to children and families. *
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships within the community; represent and promote HS/EHS at community events and committees, as assigned. *
• Stay informed by attending all necessary training and meetings and reading all written program updates. *
• Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions. *
• Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements. *
• Support and advance Spokane Colleges' strategic plan, and perform related duties as required. *

* Indicates this is an essential duty.

COMPETENCIES

• Action Oriented
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Ensures Accountability
• Drives Results
• Collaborates
• Values Differences
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Self-Development
• Nimble Learning
• Situational Adaptability

Learn more about our competencies .

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education OR
  • A minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential OR
  • A state-awarded certificate in Early Childhood Education - Infant Toddler Care for infant/toddler positions or a state-awarded certificate in Early Childhood Education - General for preschool positions OR
  • Are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree, or are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within one (1) year of the time of hire.
• Knowledge of early childhood education theory and practices, including child development, developmentally appropriate practices, primary caregiving, observation and ongoing assessment, individualizing, planning, special services, referrals, developing and maintaining a classroom environment and routines, and child management.
• Knowledge of the impacts of complex trauma on family systems.
• Ability to understand and utilize data in decision-making and program implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of appropriate techniques for diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet training.
• Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in an early childhood program.
• First Aid/CPR certification (or ability to obtain when training offered by Spokane Colleges)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One or more years experience working with infant/toddler/preschool aged children.
• Previous experience with Head Start/Early Head Start or working with low-income families from a variety of cultural groups, especially English as a Second Language (ESL).
• Basic computer skills, including e-mail and word processing.
• Previous experience with Teaching Strategies Gold and Creative Curriculum Tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work without assistive equipment that may compromise or interfere with the physical safety of children & staff in the learning environment.
• Work is equally performed in an indoor office environment, and outdoor uncontrolled elements.
• Work is active.
• Work requires periods of standing and walking.
• Frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.
• Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.
• Frequent kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and twisting.
• Move up to 25 lbs. occasionally and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time or cyclic schedule (12 months, 40 hours a week or less).
• 6-month probationary period.
• This position is overtime eligible.
• Post-Offer medical exam which includes tuberculin screening and submission of documentation indicating Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccination or immunity.
• Pre-Employment Post Offer, criminal history/child abuse information check including Department of Children, Youth and Families Portable Background Check prior to employment.
• Valid Food Workers Card (as available through Washington State Department of Health).
• First Aid/CPR certification (or ability to obtain when training offered by Spokane Colleges)
• If minimum qualifications are not met at time of hire, employee is expected to acquire the necessary educational credits/credentials to meet the above listed minimum qualifications of the position within 24 months of date of hire.
• May require local or regional travel.
• Criminal background check required.
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement. Membership is optional.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Spokane Colleges maintain a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

Benefits Information

Medical, dental, life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under Public Employees Benefits Board; WA State Retirement Plan; vacation and sick leave begin to accrue at the rate of 11.33 hours vacation and 8 hours sick leave per month, upon employment. (For positions that are less than full time, leave accruals will be prorated to the percentage of the position.) This position is designated a bargaining unit position and union membership is not a condition of employment. Leave accruals and usage are governed by the WFSE collective bargaining agreement.

Public Employees Benefits Board

Additional benefits information

Required Application Materials

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:

• Cover letter - addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position.
• Resume.
• References - the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references

For questions regarding a job application or the hiring process, or if you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at View email address on us.fitly.work .

Equal Opportunity Institution

Spokane Colleges provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Spokane Colleges complies with applicable federal and state civil rights laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Washington state nondiscrimination laws.

Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access, Title IX, ADA, equal opportunity compliance, and/or grievances to:
Frederick Davis, MA
Chief Human Resources Officer
Spokane Colleges
P.O. Box 6000, MS1004
Spokane, WA. 99217-6000
View phone number on us.fitly.work View email address on us.fitly.work

To apply, please visit:

Copyright ©2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

je-7b2389333d3442649b8418b1e5627608