Early Childhood Program Specialist

Early Childhood Program Specialist 3

As the Early Childhood Program Specialist 3 for the Children's Center, you will serve as the lead classroom teacher and direct the daily operations of a developmentally appropriate classroom serving infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, or school-age children. You will plan, implement, and evaluate curriculum activities that support children's growth and development, while overseeing daily routines such as meals, toileting and diapering, naps, and other physical care needs.

In this role, you will model nurturing interactions and effective communication with children, maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, complete child assessments, and conduct parent conferences. You will also provide leadership and guidance to Early Childhood Program Specialists 1 and 2, student employees, and volunteers within the classroom. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with licensing and accreditation standards, evaluate student staff performance, and complete required documentation and administrative responsibilities.

This is a full time (100 % FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $4,406 to $5,928 | Range 48 Steps A - M | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation.

• Forty-five college quarter hours in early childhood development/education/special education or equivalent OR a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and two years experience working in a group setting with children of the ages enrolled in the program; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Satisfactory background check through the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) at time of hire.
• Proof of measles (MMR) vaccination, or other acceptable documentation as established by the Washington Department of Health and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) .
• Negative tuberculosis (TB) test within previous 12 months, in accordance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) .
• Provide documentation of high school diploma, GED, or college credits to DCYF for review and complete DCYF approved Child Care Basics training within 90 days of hire, if required by DCYF.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Washington Food Handler's Permit within 14 days of employment.
• Completion of HIV/Aids Bloodborne Pathogen Training, Basic First Aid or Pediatric First Aid Certification, and Basic CPR and/or Infant/Child CPR Certification within 7 days of employment.

• Associates degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Development OR Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education.
• Two (2) years experience with children in group child care setting.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices with young children.
• Experience working with infants/toddlers in an education or childcare setting
• Proven leadership skills.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills with parents, children and co-workers.