Early Head Start; EHS Teacher - Infant​/Toddler; Early Childhood Program Specialist

Early Head Start (EHS) Teacher – Infant/Toddler

Under general supervision of the Center Manager, the Early Head Start (EHS) Teacher – Infant/Toddler is responsible for implementing the educational curriculum and the general operation of an early childhood classroom, providing support services to infant/toddlers and their families, including home visits, and working collaboratively with another teacher in a co-teaching model, as defined by Head Start (HS)/EHS Performance Standards and applicable state and local laws and regulations.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Collaboratively establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that promotes children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Serve as the primary caregiver for a specific group of children, building secure, nurturing relationships and meeting individual needs through intentional and responsive caregiving.
• Collaborate closely with co-teacher to share responsibility for all children, ensuring continuity of care and a consistent, nurturing environment within the teaching team model.
• In partnership with families, develop and implement individualized Child Individual Plans (CIPs) based on developmental assessments and family input; ensure alignment with IFSPs or IEPs where applicable.
• Implement curriculum that is responsive, supportive of families, and engaging; reflect children's interests and developmental levels while maintaining continuity of care.
• Observe and assess assigned children on an ongoing basis; maintain complete and accurate documentation in hard copy and electronic systems for each child in the primary care group.
• Plan and evaluate classroom activities in coordination with team members; support routines, transitions, and group experiences that meet the developmental needs of all children.
• Promote and protect children's health and safety by following Individual Health Plans (IHPs), addressing special diets, and incorporating health practices during caregiving routines.
• Conduct regular family engagement activities, including home visits and conferences, to support the learning and development of children in the primary care group.
• Collaborate with classroom team and direct service staff to ensure integrated service delivery and to support transitions and continuity of care for children and families.
• Represent and promote the program at community events and maintain collaborative relationships with local agencies and partners.
• Stay current with required training, team meetings, reflective supervision, and 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.

Competencies include:

• 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 include:

• A minimum of a state-awarded certificate in Early Childhood Education – Infant Toddler or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• Knowledge of early childhood education theory and practices, including child development, developmentally appropriate practices, primary caregiving, observation and ongoing assessment, individualizing, planning, special services, referrals, developing and maintaining a classroom environment and routines, and child management.
• Knowledge of the impacts of complex trauma on family systems.
• Knowledge of appropriate techniques for diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet training.
• Ability to understand and utilize data in decision-making and program implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• First aid/CPR (as available through Spokane Colleges).
• Ability to obtain 30 hours of STARS basic training…