Head Start - Early Childhood Program Specialist ; Skagit

Head Start Early Childhood Program Specialist (ECPS)

Do you have a passion for working with children from a variety of backgrounds? Do you have experience working in an early learning setting? If you would like to expand your career making a difference in the lives of young children and their families, we encourage you to learn more about the Head Start Early Childhood Program Specialist (ECPS) positions. We have multiple benefits-eligible openings at sites across Skagit and Island Counties for Teaching Assistant positions.

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 in 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 provide assistance 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.

The Opportunity:

Under the direction of the lead teacher, this position provides a variety of support to the daily routines and activities of a compliant and developmentally appropriate early childhood center. This in-classroom position will be assigned to a primary center location within the specified area and may be moved temporarily or reassigned to a primary location within that same specified area if required to support program operations and effective centers.

Travel to other locations will be required for some pre-scheduled meetings and trainings. Head Start may have multiple openings between now and September 1, 2026. These are classified, benefits-eligible positions currently working 11-month, 40 hours per week. Effective September 1, 2026, these positions will be 10.8 months, working 38 hours per week. There are 10 Head Start centers in Island and Skagit Counties that serve the following communities:
Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, and Oak Harbor. Details regarding location and number of working months per year will be discussed during the interview stage. Application materials will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications may be kept on file to be considered for openings that may occur in the future. This position is grant-funded. The extension of the position is dependent on the continuation of funding.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary is based on Range 36, Step A, $3,167 per month with periodic increments to $4,093 per month. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements. This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding.

This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position. Final date to receive applications:
This position is open until filled, and applications submitted may be considered for future vacancies that occur. Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted.

Application Assistance:
If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at , Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at  by the Final date to receive applications. For questions regarding the online…