Early Childhood Program Specialist 3

Are you passionate about working with families and their children? Can you create and maintain a welcoming and supportive environment with diverse multicultural, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds? Are you eager to collaborate with other staff to find innovative ways to guide children and support families? If these questions resonate with you, then we invite you to consider joining our early learning community. Where we value collaboration and share a devotion to helping students achieve their academic and career goals. Clark College is currently accepting applications for a classified, overtime eligible, Early Childhood Program Specialist 3 (ECPS3). This is a full-time cyclic, 11.5-month position in the Child and Family Studies Program for a lead teacher classroom facilitator and lab instructor. There are additional work hours that the ECPS 3 is compensated for while conducting lab instructor work.  At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.  JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Create and maintain a safe and healthy environment for children enrolled in the Child and Family Studies Program. Assess children's social, intellectual, emotional, nutritional, and physical needs and develop child- and adult-directed educational activities based on assessed needs. Prepare, assess and evaluate the learning environment to create a meaningful and enriching space.  Observe, assess, and document children's learning levels; monitoring the progress of each child's growth. Work collaboratively as a team to develop, implement, and extend curriculum for the children and families enrolled in the childcare program. Build an inclusive curriculum with awareness of and sensitivity to diverse populations. Supervise and direct aides and Early Childhood Education (ECE) students in the classroom while they are fulfilling lab/class assignments for the instructional program. Provide students, parents, caregivers, and aides with written and verbal information on child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and guidance techniques.  Mentor adult learners by communicating with, modeling, and assessing ECE student work while working in collaboration with the ECE faculty.  Provide a combination of written and verbal feedback. Coaching students in related coursework in the classroom/lab settings in remote and in-person meetings. Maintain data on students and children including daily attendance records, meal counts, accident reports, observations, assessment reports, medicine records, and lab student files. Model the program values and NAEYC Code of Ethics in everyday practices and interactions.  Assist director, program supervisor and faculty with ongoing curriculum development, training, assessment and evolving knowledge of practices in the field of Early Childhood Education. Assist with orientation trainings for various participants in the Child and Family Studies Program. Maintain trainings as required by licensing, EA/QRIS, NAC accreditation and Clark College yearly. Perform related duties as required. POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND COMPETENCIES: Candidates will be evaluated based on application materials, including the supplemental questions and personal interview(s), and will be required to demonstrate competencies in the following areas: Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development or related field that includes 45 college quarter hours in early childhood, childhood development, or special education. Possess an Early Childhood Education initial certificate or have the ability to obtain one within three (3) years of hire.  Possess valid certification in CPR and First Aid, or the ability to obtain upon hire. Two (2) years of experience working in a group setting with children ages 3 to 5 years old.  Two (2) years of experience providing verbal and written feedback to adult learners.    JOB READINESS/WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability and willingness to spend time sitting on the floor, getting down low to child's level.  Ability and willingness to lift up to 25-50 pounds.  Familiarity and experience: with the following frameworks: Relationship based Curriculum, Emergent Curriculum, Ages and Stages related to children 3 to 5 years old, and Reggio Emilia. Knowledge of the following professional frameworks: state licensing regulations, QRIS, NAEYC Code of Ethics, and developmentally appropriate practices. Knowledge of: child growth, development theories, observation and assessment methods.  Technology Skills: experience using an iPad, MS Word and Outlook, or comparable software/systems.  Interpersonal Communication: effectively build and maintain strong partnerships with families; develop relationships with children and collaborates with colleagues directly and respectfully. Written Communication Skills: strong composition, grammar, spelling, and proofreading abilities. Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.  Possess knowledge of appropriate techniques for diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet training.  Ability and willingness to be actively involved with children during activities. Consistent attendance to support continuity of care required. Ability to work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. The initial appointment will include a 6-month probationary period and the employee will earn permanent status after successfully completing probation.  This position is represented by Washington Public Employees Association.  Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted which includes a sexual misconduct background check as required under  RCW 28B.112.080 . Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position .