Early Childhood Program Specialist 2

Position Summary

The Early Learning Center at Bellevue College is seeking qualified candidates to multiple Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 vacancies.

Under general direction, the Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 is responsible for assigned teaching duties and the daily operations of assigned classroom(s). The position will provide children with a learning environment and varied experiences which help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development, while supporting parent involvement. Duties will be performed in classrooms, on playground, in meetings, and on field trips. In accordance with the Early Learning Center philosophy and policies, this position will provide quality programming to meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of children within a group setting.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Position Salary Range: $39,900/year - $52,848/year

The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our , diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit .

About the Department

As a department of Bellevue College, our mission is to provide high quality, family centered, developmentally appropriate care & early education for young children and their families. In addition, we strive to provide a creative, safe, learning environment that nurtures, respects, and supports each individual's unique qualities and potential.

The Early Learning Center encourages discovery, creativity, overall development, independence, self-regulation, problem solving, and exploration in a safe, respectful, yet stimulating, relationship based environment. Our program maintains a child-centered philosophy that accepts each child at his/her own developmental level and encourages him/her to learn through rich experiences. When planning the curriculum, teachers provide experiences that reflect families' interests, hobbies, cultures, and languages.

Essential Functions

• Plan, implement, post and evaluate curriculum and activities both indoors and out, based on individual and group development.
• Direct daily classroom events and programs.
• Work directly with children and families on individual and group needs, guidance, transitions, and emotional support.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children, including basic first aid,
  diapering/toileting, and supervision of children indoors and out.
• Establish and maintain positive partnerships with Center families through daily verbal interactions, written communication, and conferences.
• Initiate and maintain respectful interactions and relationships with children, staying engaged and supporting their ongoing growth and development.
• Plan, record, implement, maintain, and evaluate an age appropriate, nurturing, culturally respectful, learning environment for children and families assigned.
• Continually move throughout classroom and playground areas, using visual & auditory supervision, to work and communicate directly with children on individual and group needs.
• Work with teaching team to initiate and revise classroom schedule, limits and guidelines.
• Work with and support other team members in continuous planning, evaluation, and improvement of programming.
• Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Thirty quarter credit hours in early childhood development/education/special education. Or equivalent education/experience
• One (1) year of experience working in an early childhood program
• Knowledge of child growth and development theories, observation, and assessment
• Demonstrated ability to supervise a group of children and their activities by standing, walking, reaching, sitting (on floor, small chairs, &/or outdoors), stooping and lifting up to 40 pounds
• Demonstrated ability to relate and communicate effectively with children, families, community members, and staff of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities
• Ability to be responsive to the needs of a diverse student population and community
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Effective interpersonal skills and written communication skills
• Ability to use a computer, digital camera and related software and technologies to complete online training, maintain documentation and communicate electronically to staff and families
• Ability to build constructive, respectful working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard
• Ability to contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and diverse perspectives to enhance the attainment of center goals
• Must meet licensing requirements for Washington Department of Early Learning (DEL) including registration in Managed Education and Registry Information Tool (MERIT) and a current DEL background check
• Proof of current, negative (Tuberculosis) TB skin test and Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) immunity
• Have, or obtain within 90 days of hiring, current infant/child CPR & Basic First Aid; Blood Borne Pathogen training, and Food Handler's permit.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in early childhood education/child development; or 45 credits in early childhood education with a BA/BS in a related field
• Three (3) years of experience working with children: ages birth to 6 years in a group setting
• Familiarity with Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies Gold/Second Step/CLASS
• Experience in a Head Start program and knowledge of current Head Start standards
• Experience in the Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) philosophy of working with infants and toddlers, Reggio-inspired or Nature Education-focused early learning environments