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

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.

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.

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

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 –…