Early Childhood Program Specialist 2

Who We Are

(TWO OPENINGS)

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.

Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.

We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Position Summary:
This position interacts with parents, practicum students, volunteers, and team members to guide the educational activities of young children enrolled in the College's Early Learning Center. This position of Assistant Teacher in an ECEAP Classroom works directly with the Lead Teacher and under the general direction from the Center Director and Assistant Director. This position responds to each child's developmental stage of growth with respect, courtesy, and understanding. Work is performed following the Department of Early Learning (DEL) requirements, Early Achiever expectations, Early Head Start (EHS) and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) standards, in addition to the Tacoma Community College and Early Learning Center policies and procedures, we follow National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.

Essential Functions

• Work with the lead teacher in planning and implementing environmental curriculum appropriate for the young children in your care.
• Use of Teaching Strategies GOLD and related databases as needed. Assisting lead teacher with paper and computer work.
• Helping Lead Teacher with preparing and possibly doing parent/teacher conferences.
• Model appropriate behavior, using developmentally appropriate communication skills and being considerate of others.
• Observe each child's development and discuss this with the lead teacher.
• Assist in ensuring that children are involved in activities suited to their immediate emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs.
• Provide ample outdoor activity options for children, maintaining focus on children's activities.
• Assist children in taking responsibility for the classroom equipment they use.
• Assist with preparation, presentation and cleanup of projects and activities such as art projects, stories, songs, outdoor activities, and bulletin boards.
• Encourage language development. Foster independence and self-help skills.
• Assist with maintenance of a healthy and safe environment. As necessary, lift, move, and/or run after children in emergencies and physically remove children from dangerous situations.
• Function as a member of a team-oriented staff. This includes participating in staff meetings and in-service training which will occasionally include evening hours.
• Maintain 10 hours of continuing education each year.
• Communicate with the Directors and lead teacher about information and insights that affect the program's efficient cohesive functioning. This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
• Responsible for classroom in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Provide oversight and guidance to Work Study Students and Practicum Students.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions

• Use opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise relating to the Early Childhood Program Specialist position and training in continuing education and experiences.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• ECE degree or CDA or Washington State Credentials Certification (completion of any of the three).
• 1 year of experience providing care and support in an early childhood environment.
• Proficient experience using computer programs, such as, Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Conditions of Employment

• Successfully completion of a criminal history background check prior to employment.
• Successfully complete a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through the Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT).
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Valid Food Handlers Permit.
• Record of MMR vaccination.
• Record of current (in the last 12 months) Tuberculin (TB) Test.
• Ability to lift and carry 35-45 pounds, live weight and respond in emergency situations.
• Blood Bourne Pathogens training certificate.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• Be commitment to professional enrichment and learning in the early childhood education field and stay current with licensing and accreditation requirements.
• A passion for educating, caring, and nurturing children.
• An ablity to remain calm and show patience and understanding with children.
• Effective communication skills with team members, visitors, all students, and parents.
• Respect and confidentiality, ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Excellent customer service skills, including establishing, building, and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills along with following instructions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of personalities in a diverse work environment.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Willingness to earn the trust, respect, and confidence of others through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.

Application Process

Application Materials & Procedure
Complete application packages must include the following:

1. Tacoma Community College application
2. Resume & cover letter. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meet the qualifications for this position. Specifically address your experience, training, and knowledge in providing empathy and respect in the care and nurturing of children 3 to 5 years of age in an early childhood program and your supervisory experience.
3. Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (official transcripts will be required for the successful candidate).

Terms of Employment
This is a full-time classified position scheduled to work Monday through Friday, for an 8.5-hour shift. During the summer months, Tacoma Community College operates on a Monday through Thursday schedule with work hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the department's needs. The salary range is $4,320 - $5,812. Tacoma Community College offers a comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition for the employee; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: https://www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment/. A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a membership fee is available anytime upon employment. The layoff unit for this position is "All Other WFSE Classified". Degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and verified by National Student Clearinghouse. International degrees will be verified for U.S. equivalency.

Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Stephen Smith, Title VII and Title IX, Building 14, 253-566-5055; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Student Affairs Administration Office at 253-566-5115. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.