ECE Behavioral Health Center Classroom Specialist; SY Job Vancouver area,Washington USA,Education / Teaching

Position: ECE Behavioral Health Center Classroom Specialist (2026-27 SY)

Classroom Specialist

Reporting to the Early Care & Education (ECE) Leadership team member, the Classroom Specialist will work in a co-taught preschool setting alongside an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher and an ECEAP Lead Teacher. The Classroom Specialist is responsible for providing a safe and engaging educational setting for children whose ages range from three-five years in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).

The Classroom Specialist will support classroom management and positive behavior supports to engage students with complex needs and intense behavioral challenges.

Salary:
The annual compensation range for this position is $35,254.29 ($23.95 p/hr) - $42,893.94 ($29.14 p/hr). Offers are made at the entry level of the range. Effective 09/01/2026, the annual compensation range will be $36,166.92 ($24.57 p/hr) - $44,012.66 ($29.90 p/hr). Offers are made at the beginning of the range. This position will work full-time, 184 days per year and will serve the Early Care and Education Behavioral Health Center, a new program in Vancouver, WA that was created to serve children ages 3-5 with intensive social, emotional, mental and behavioral supports and services.

The work schedule is Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. This is for the 26-27 School Year, anticipated start date is August 17, 2026. Successful candidates must:

Be able to observe center activities with accuracy in order to effectively supervise child interactions and behaviors.
Be able to effectively communicate verbally with coworkers, children, and families.
Use sound judgment, self-control, emotional competence, and the ability to adjust cognitive patterns to meet the needs of children with diverse backgrounds, varying social-emotional skills, and behavioral challenges.

Regular attendance required:
This role relies on regular and reliable attendance to ensure consistency for our students and help support a positive, productive learning environment. A complete application will include:

Work history going back 10 years

At least three professional reference's contact information

A Cover Letter expressing interest in the position

A Resume that reflects work experience listed on application

Evidence of an Associate's degree (unofficial transcripts or copy of diploma)

Essential Functions:

Provide instruction under the direction of the classroom teachers including implementation of curriculum, posted lesson plans, and class schedules for the preschool classroom.

Establish and maintain positive communication using collaborative methods to problem solve and interact with families, children, and staff.

Assist in setting up the environment to ensure that the space is welcoming, developmentally appropriate and that materials are accessible to children.

Build on children's strengths and areas of interest, while helping them gain new skills with a focus on social emotional learning and self-regulation.

Implement trauma-informed practices and strategies.

Support and follow ECE guidance techniques as well as classroom routines including snacks/meals, bathroom supports, cleaning, transportation and indoor/outdoor activities.

Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries regarding the exchange of pertinent information.

Participate regularly in staff meetings, in-service trainings, coaching and other professional development opportunities.

Support and follow the direction of the teachers and supervisor.

Other Functions:

Work effectively with special education personnel, classroom teachers and program support staff.

Support the behavior needs of young children.

Work as a team to focus on quality, responsive caregiving.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, or related field with at least 20 quarter college credits in Early Childhood Education.

Experience working with preschool age children.

Preferred

Qualifications and Skills:

Experience working in an ECEAP or Head Start program.

Experience working with children with complex needs.

Bilingual.

Working Conditions/

Physical Requirements:

Work in a preschool environment with children with mental health challenges including…