Head Start Classroom Aide; ECPS - Part Time

Classroom Aide, Early Childhood Specialist 1 (ECPS1)

Do you have a passion for working with children from a variety of backgrounds? Do you have experience working in an Early Learning setting? We invite you to join a wonderful team of dedicated professionals, committed to preparing diverse children from low-income and eligible families for success in school and life. Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families by providing comprehensive services in early learning, health, and family well-being.

Head Start teachers and staff look at the child holistically, individualizing for the needs of each child. These positions assist with high-quality early learning services while engaging in innovative practices and approaches that center on the children that Head Start serves. Head Start is a federal program that has been serving vulnerable children and families for more than half a century.

We serve people experiencing homelessness, poverty, involvement in the foster system or child protective system, or any other family stressors that qualifying families may be experiencing. Head Start classrooms do not expel or exclude children due to behavioral issues or disabilities and special needs of any kind. We recognize instead that individualizing for the specific needs of every child in a nurturing and supportive environment is how we best help all children reach kindergarten healthy and ready to learn.

Center staff will have a responsibility to support the needs of all children in their classrooms.

The Opportunity:

Skagit Valley College (SVC) Head Start is accepting applications for Classroom Aide, Early Childhood Specialist 1 (ECPS1). The Classroom Aide (ECPS1) assists with set-up, clean-up, mealtimes, and organization of materials for classroom activities. This is a part-time, hourly position, typically working 16 hours per week during the period of Monday through Thursday within business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Temporary positions may only work 1050 hours or 12 consecutive months from the date of hire, whichever comes first (WAC ). Work days and hours may vary based on the need of the program. The exact schedule will be worked out with the candidate selected for hire. Positions are available at multiple locations across Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties including:
Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Oak Harbor, San Juan.

The

Location:

Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People's, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events.

SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Working under the direction of the Lead Teacher:

• Assist with set-up, clean-up, and presentation of classroom and outdoor activities;
• Organize materials needed for classroom activities;
• Store and maintain educational materials and equipment;
• Assist in serving and cleaning up after snacks and lunches;
• Assist with child guidance during meal times;
• Assist with maintaining enrollment and nutrition records;
• Monitor children during free time, field trips, and transition periods;
• Model appropriate behavior for children;
• Use developmentally appropriate communication skills;
• Contribute to maintaining a healthy and safe classroom environment;
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Head Start Policies and Procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school completion or a GED.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); OR
• One (1) year of experience in an early learning setting.

Salary and Benefits:

• Rate of pay is $17.13 per hour.
• Eligibility for benefits is in compliance with state rules and regulations.

Conditions of Employment:

• Prior to employment, 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.
• Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or…