Early Head Start Specialist III

BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE Early Head Start (EHS) Specialist III 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 III 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 III 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.

We are currently recruiting for multiple openings and will be reviewing applicants on a weekly basis.

• 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. 

Non-Essential/Other Functions

• 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 needed, including but not limited to staff recruitment, college councils, etc.

• Additional activities, duties and responsibilities may be added with or without notice to meet college needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate with the infant toddler endorsement. (15 ECE credits) and 12 months' experience with children birth to five years. OR

• Current Infant/Toddler CDA (Child Development Associate) credential from the Council for Professional Recognition and 12 months experience with children birth to five years OR

• Current Preschool CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition, with infant/toddler course work and 12 months experience with children birth to five years 

Allowable Substitution

If necessary, alternative combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by Human Resources for comparability. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or higher degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with infant/toddler coursework and 12 months experience with children birth to five years 

Conditions of Employment

• Complete a Portable Background Check (WAC 170-06) within Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Managed Education and Registry Information Tool (MERIT) account.

• Maintain a Washington Early Learning Managed Education and Registry Information Tool (MERIT) account, containing current educational qualifications.

• Complete 20 hours of professional development documented in State Training and Registry System (STARS) per calendar year.

• Per Washington State guidelines, Bates Technical College is a fully vaccinated campus and will require all staff and students to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status or request a medical or religious exemption.

• Provide immunization record that you have received the MMR vaccine.

• Have negative results of TB test/or a recent negative chest x-ray and statement from health provider.

• Must have a current Portable Background Check in MERIT (WAC 170-06).

• Maintain food handler card.

• Maintain first aid/CPR.

• Attend Limited Restraint training within the first year of employment.

• Complete annual required trainings

Work Environment

• Work in a semi-open office setting with frequent interruptions and background noise.

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors during times of inclement weather, in a classroom environment and off-campus training. 

Physical/Mental Essential Job Function

• Work is active in nature

• Occasional to frequent change in position from sedentary, standing, stooping, walking, climbing, and twisting.

• Move up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally

• Occasional use of computer and exposure to terminal screens

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

• Work directly with students/clients

• Occasionally be required to deal with distraught people

BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in its programs and activities in accordance with college policy, and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. Bates publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Disability Support Services Office at 253.680.7010. Inquiries regarding Bates' non-discriminatory policies, including Title IX and ADA, should be directed to: For student matters, the Dean of Student Services 253.680.7105, Downtown Campus A211. For employee matters, the Director of Human Resources at 253.680.7180, Downtown Campus A326.

This recruitment announcement can be changed and/or modified without notice.