Early Childhood Education Specialist 1

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. We value collaboration and share a devotion to helping students achieve their academic and career goals.

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, permanent classified Early Childhood Program Specialist 1. This is a 9.5 month, cyclic position in the Child and Family Studies Program as a member of the teaching team in one of our child centered classrooms.

The Early Childhood Program Specialist 1  (ECPS1) works under the direction of the program supervisor and the general direction of the lead teaching staff will assist in implementing the inquiry based curriculum and routines of a toddler or preschool classroom. The ECPS1 engages with the children in the classroom, building trusting and respectful relationships with each child. ECPS1's contribute to the cycle of curriculum, following the curriculum set by the lead teacher, creating individualized observations and documentation while reflecting on children’s theories. On occasion or for short periods the ECPS1 may step in for lead teacher with support of another staff. The ECPS1 shares in the responsibility of maintaining the health and safety of the children and upholding the Department of Children, Youth and Families policies, protocols and procedures. They also support the classroom operations by facilitating the daily rituals and routines set by the lead teaching staff, classroom management, and guidance of children, staff and students.

At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.

Position Responsibilities

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Supervise children at all times in developmentally appropriate activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Guide children in the daily schedule of routines such as choice time, rest time, meals, toileting, outdoor exploration, etc.
• Perform classroom management duties and assist with the maintenance of a healthy and safe environment.
• Model appropriate guidance techniques and communication skills.
• Be familiar with, implement and maintain the Washington State Licensing requirements.
• Maintain daily and weekly USDA, best practices and NAC/QRIS child and classroom practices, observations and paperwork.
• Consistent attendance to support continuity of care required.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

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:

• 30 hours in Early Childhood Education required.
• Valid Merit satisfactory background check and ongoing training hours current to align with accreditation.
• Valid certification in adult, infant and child CPR/First Aide and food handlers.
• Proof of Negative TB test and MMR immunization.

Supplemental Information

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 25-50 pounds. 
• Possess knowledge of appropriate techniques for diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet training. 
• Ability and willingness to be actively involved with children during activities.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
• 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. 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.

 
WHAT WE OFFER:

• A healthy work/life balance for our employees with the opportunity for flexible work schedules and remote work depending on position and college needs.  
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.   
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Café in Joan Stout Hall.  
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.  
• On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability). 
• Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.  
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events. 

SALARY/BENEFITS:  
Salary Range: $2,740-$3,537/month (amount to be prorated during scheduled breaks) | Step B-M (commensurate with qualifications and experience) | Range: 30 | Code:  256A
Successful candidates typically start at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases.
Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE:  
Required application materials must be completed and submitted online by 3 p.m., October 23, 2023. 
 
REQUIRED ONLINE APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Clark College online application 
• Current resume, with a minimum of three (3) references listed
• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process

Please apply online at www.clark.edu/jobs. 

To contact Clark College Human Resources, please call (360) 992-2105 or email recruitment@clark.edu.
 
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact Human Resources at (360) 992-2105 or by video phone at (360) 991-0901.
 
SECURITY
The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, (360) 992-2133 or security.requests@clark.edu. The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/security/report.php.

ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES 
Corrected or extended notices will be posted online and in the Human Resources Office.                
Clark College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Social Justice Leadership Institute, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, Administrators of Color Leadership Program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.
 
Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply.  Clark 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, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college 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 person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Gerald Gabbard, Director of Labor and Compliance, 360-992-2317, ggabbard@clark.edu, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 142, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment.  This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice. 
 
Clark College Human Resources
September 19, 2023
23-00067-2