Early Childhood Program Specialist 3

Who We Are

(TWO OPENINGS)

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.

Conditions of Employment

• The finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily prevent employment, but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by HR staff.

• Tacoma Community College has no responsibility or obligation to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

• Successfully pass a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT). Note: This is a requirement of the State of Washington Department of Early Learning.
• Education/Training Certification in infant and toddler care and development. May obtain within one year of employment.
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification. May obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Valid Food Handlers Permit. May obtain within 30 days of hire.
• HIV certificate of training. May obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Record of current Tuberculin (TB) Test.
• Ability to lift and carry 20-45 pounds, live weight.
• Obtain State Training & Registry System (STAR) number for MERIT. May obtain upon hiring.
• MMR vaccination verification required upon employment.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• A passion for educating, caring, and nurturing children.
• Ability to remain calm and show patience and understanding with children.
• Confidentiality, ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Excellent customer service skills, including establishing, building and maintaining internal / external customer satisfaction.
• Excellent oral, and written communication skills including following instructions.
• Knowledge of healthy diet programs for both children and adults.
• Value of safety procedures, awareness and overall risk assessments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of personalities in a diverse work environment.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Ability to interact courteously with customers and work effectively in a team environment.

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).

Terms of Employment
This is a full-time classified position scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm . Summer schedule is Monday through Thursday working the hours of 7:00 am to 5:30pm. Schedule to be determined and flexibility in scheduling is required to meet department needs. The salary range is $4,320 - $5,812. Tacoma Community College offers 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 for the employee; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a membership fee is available anytime upon employment. The layoff unit for this position is "All Other WFSE Classified". Degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and verified by National Student Clearinghouse. International degrees will be verified for U.S. equivalency.


Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Patricia McCray-Roberts, Title VII and Title IX, View phone number on click.appcast.io; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Tacoma Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice. Tacoma Community College
Human Resources
6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA 98466