Early Head Start Specialist

Early Head Start (EHS) Specialist 3 provides individualized care and education for children ages 1-month to age 3-years in a group setting of eight children with a co-teacher. The model is primary caregiving. The EHS 3 plans, organizes, performs directs and assesses all work related to the development, implementation and evaluation of education programming under the general direction of the Early Childhood Manager.

To be successful the EHS 3 must develop positive and trusting relationships, take intentional steps to promote parent and family engagement, and be able to communicate effectively with parents and colleagues.

* Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Additional activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice to meet college needs.

• Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning goals and emotional needs; ready and willing to intercede quickly to keep children safe and model appropriate interactions.
• Foster a sense of belonging and nurture positive social relationships, careful to support a family’s home culture; develop, nurture, and maintain relationships with parents from a strengths-based perspective. Be flexible to meet with parents on a home visit or conference that meets their needs and program standards.
• Manage and organize the classroom and materials using the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Principles of Child Development and EHS program standards.
• Use time management skills to be prepared in accordance with the planned curriculum and individual learning goals prior to the start of class.
• Ensure classroom environment reflects the quality guidelines of Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scale (ITERS) and that teacher-child interactions demonstrate the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).
• Monitor the work of practicum students and volunteers.
• Ensure healthy habits are followed, i.e., daily health screening, handwashing, tooth brushing. Conduct indoor and outdoor safety checks, and responsible for emergency preparedness practice.
• Serves family-style meals and snacks; complete meal counts following "point of service" Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines; supervise children's eating behavior by sitting with them while they eat.
• Maintain classroom attendance sheets and ensure daily parent sign in and out in the electronic attendance system.
• Complete planning, assessments, screenings, parent contact, Teaching Strategies Gold documentation and checkpoint to ensure monthly program requirements are met.
• Participates in Puget Sound Education Service District (PSESD) in-service staff training, staff meetings and other educational opportunities to improve skills and stay current with state and federal expectations.

• Accountable for keeping personal development up to date; adding to skills and knowledge through courses that may be available through the Bates Technical College courses, professional development committees, etc.
• Act as a support and resource person for families to help case manage specific needs, advocate for parents, and encourage parent involvement in the program.
• Direct and monitor the work of practicum students and volunteers: evaluate practicum and interns.
• Plan outdoor activities that promote deep breathing, enjoying nature and the changes in seasons, in addition to large motor activity.
• Teachers will be flexible to incorporate the emergent ideas children offer in their play and home experiences. Project approach is encouraged.
• Participate actively and collaboratively on committees for college as…