Head Start Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher, & Teacher (Ecps1, Ecps2, Ecps3)

Do you have a passion for working with children from a variety of backgrounds? Do you have experience working in an Early Learning setting? If you would like to expand your career making a difference in the lives of young children and their families, we encourage you to learn more about the Head Start Early Childhood Program Specialist (ECPS) positions. We have multiple benefits-eligible openings at sites across Skagit, Island and San Juan Counties for Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher, and Teacher positions. We invite you to join a wonderful team of dedicated professionals, committed to preparing diverse children from low-income and eligible families for success in school and in life.

Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families by providing comprehensive services in early learning, health, and family well-being. Head Start teachers and staff look at the child holistically, individualizing for the needs of each child. These positions provide assistance with high quality early learning services while engaging in innovative practices and approaches that center on the children that Head Start serves.

Head Start Teaching Assistant (ECPS1)

Working under supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Head Start Teaching Assistant positions ensure there is an engaging and safe classroom environment at all times. The Teaching Assistant will strive to create a warm, nurturing classroom environment, while building supportive relationships with the children and the team

We have a current opening at the site in Oak Harbor.

View the complete Head Start Teaching Assistant (ECPS1) job description (HTML).

Head Start Assistant Teacher (ECPS2)

Working under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher positions ensure there is an engaging and safe classroom environment at all times. Head Start teachers and staff look at the child holistically, individualizing for the needs of each child. The Assistant Teacher will strive to create a warm, nurturing classroom environment, while building supportive relationships with the children and the team.

We have current openings at the sites in Mount Vernon and Oak Harbor.

View the complete Head Start Assistant Teacher (ECPS2) job description (HTML).

Head Start Teacher (ECPS3)

The primary responsibility of the Head Start Teacher positions is to plan and implement the educational program in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Skagit/Islands Head Start Policies and Procedures. These positions will work with the Center Team, other Head Start staff, parents and school district staff in all aspects of center planning and activities. These positions will work under general direction of the Center Manager. These positions will work with the Center Manager regarding center program activities.

We have current openings at the sites in Mount Vernon.

View the complete Head Start Teacher (ECPS3) job description (HTML).

These are classified, grant-funded, 9 to 12-month positions, working 35 - 40 hours per week. These positions are eligible for excellent employer-sponsored benefits including healthcare, retirement, and paid leave packages with vacation, sick leave, holidays, other paid leave options. Depending on which position is selected, these openings include positions that will typically work on a 9 to 12-month schedule yearly and will be on leave without pay through the non-working periods (employer-sponsored benefits will remain in effect). The exact schedule is provided annually. These positions are dependent upon continued grant funding.

These positions may be based at any of our sites located in Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro Woolley, Oak Harbor, or Friday Harbor. For these openings, you will be able to indicate your county or locality preference in the Supplemental Questions section of the application. The actual location will be determined by business needs and candidate preference.  For these openings, there may be a variety of work schedules available, subject to business needs and the site selected, and is subject to change. Applications submitted may be considered for future vacancies that occur at any Head Start site in Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties.

Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound in the northwest corner of Washington State, Skagit Valley College is located 60 miles north of Seattle and 80 miles south of Vancouver, BC.  SVC was established in 1926 in Mount Vernon.  Operating as one college with several campuses and centers, SVC serves Skagit, Island and San Juan Counties with campuses in Mount Vernon and Oak Harbor, centers in Friday Harbor and Langley, and a Marine Manufacturing and Technology Center in Anacortes.

Skagit Valley College adheres to a set of guiding principles:

Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion

Some of what you'll do:

This posting is being used to recruit for multiple Early Childhood Program Specialist positions at Head Start Centers in Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties. Applicants may apply for one or more of the openings, but must meet the qualifications in order to be considered for the position. Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications may still be considered and have opportunities for a professional development plan. The following are summaries of each of the positions. View the complete job descriptions for detailed information on the job duties.

Head Start Teaching Assistant (ECPS1)

Under the supervision of the Lead Teacher, assist in implementation of daily routines and activities of a developmentally appropriate early childhood program in assigned class(es). Some key duties include documenting child progress, interacting and communicating with children and parents, and completing daily health checks.

Head Start Assistant Teacher (ECPS2)

Assist the Lead Teacher with implementation of developmentally appropriate daily routines and activities in the early childhood program that meet program expectations. Some key duties include preparing classroom materials, completing daily health checks, documenting child progress, participating in the planning of developmentally appropriate individualized activities, and educational/home visits.

Teaching Assistant (ECPS1) position (C21-009)

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School completion, GED, or equivalent;

• One (1) year of experience in an early learning setting.

Desired Qualifications:

These are great to have, but not required!

• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education; or Associate's Degree in a related field with 30 college credits in Early Childhood Education.

• Education and or experience Early Childhood Learning.

• Oral and written fluency in language of local residents such as Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian or Mixteco.

• Experience working with a variety of people from various socioeconomic, educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds.

Assistant Teacher (ECPS2) position (C21-010)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) in Early Childhood Education (ECE) awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, or an ECE certification equivalent to a CDA OR ability to complete a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to attain the educational requirement in accordance with the PDP terms (and as a Condition of Employment);
• One (1) year of experience in an early childhood program.

Desired Qualifications:

These are great to have, but not required!

• Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education.

• Associate of Arts Degree in a related field with documented evidence of 30 college credits in Early Childhood Education.

• Oral and written fluency in language of local residents such as Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian or Mixteco.

• Experience working with a variety of people from various socioeconomic, educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds.

Experience requirements: For candidates who not meet the minimum qualifications of experience, we may offer a professional development plan.

Educational Requirements: For candidates who do not meet the educational requirements, we may allow a provisional appointment until completion of PDP to attain the requirement.Salary and Benefits:

• Salary for the Head Start Teaching Assistant (ECPS1) is based on Range 30, Step C, $2,612 per month with periodic increments to $3,294 per month.

• Salary for the Head Start Assistant Teacher (ECPS2) is based on Range 36, Step C, $2,999 per month with periodic increments to $3,792 per month.

• Salary for the Head Start Teacher (ECPS3) is based on Range 42, Step C, $3,446 per month with periodic increments to $4,398 per month.

• Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements. Salary is prorated for positions less than 100% of full-time.

• These positions are eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is dependent upon continued grant funding.

• These are union represented positions subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

• Retirement, medical and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

Conditions of Employment for all positions:

• Prior to employment, the candidate must pass a criminal background check;

• If hired you will be required to provide proof that you are either 1) a U.S. citizen, or 2) an immigrant whose status permits you to lawfully work in this country;

• A MERIT background check including fingerprints through Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF);

• Within 30 days of hire, have or obtain the following: 

• an initial health examination indicating freedom from communicable diseases;

• proof of a Tuberculosis (TB) test taken within 12 months prior to initial employment date;

• proof of immunization for measles, mumps and rubella vaccination OR proof of immunity from measles;

• CPR/First Aid card;

• a current Food Handlers permit;

• Candidates who do not meet the minimum educational requirement must successfully complete a Professional Development Plan to attain the educational requirement in accordance with the timeline outlined in the plan;

• Meet all federally mandated requirements related to the Head Start program, including but not limited to continuing educational requirements and all Washington State laws and College policies related to the Head Start program and SVC employment;

• Have, or ability to obtain by the time of hire, a Washington State driver's license or equivalent, and proof of auto insurance;

• Prior to employment, 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.

Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.

• This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA.  Membership in the WPEA within thirty (30) calendar days of appointment at this classification is a requisite for employment at Skagit Valley College under union shop requirements.

• Per Proclamation 21-14, employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than date of hire. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 Vaccination as part of the hire process. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes, subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

Application Procedure:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications and;

• Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following:

• The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;

• A current resume; (Attachment: Resume)

• A cover letter addressing how your education and experience relates to the duties and responsibilities of the position (Attachment: Cover Letter):

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Application Deadline: Priority screening will begin after June 29, 2022.  Applications received on or before this date will receive first consideration, and will continue to be reviewed until an applicant pool is established or hires are made.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted.

Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.  SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date. Information on SVC's Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at OPPM 3040 .

For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer.

SVC Annual Security Report: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act requires all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault.  We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October.  All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at:  https://www.skagit.edu/about/safety-security-parking/

Skagit Valley College is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices.

Skagit Valley College provides a drug-free environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status in its programs and employment. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact Carolyn Tucker, Vice President of Human Resources/EEO, 360.416.7794 or carolyn.tucker@skagit.edu. For inquiries regarding sexual misconduct compliance, contact Title IX Coordinator, Sandy Jordan, 360.416.7923 or sandy.jordan@skagit.edu. Mailing address: 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. All faculty and staff hired at Skagit Valley College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance diversity and equity on our campus and in our community. Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination.