Early Childhood Program Specialist 3 at Tacoma Community College

Who We Are

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

Essential Functions

• The Lead Teacher guides children ages 12m to 5 years in developmentally appropriate practices using best practices as a guide to foster creativity, fine and gross motor development, cognitive skills, social and emotional development, language development, and independence and self-help skills.
• Implement guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child. Respond to children with respect, courtesy and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth.
• Ability to assess each child’s developmental progress using a valid, reliable, and recognized assessment tool. 
• Develop and implement learning experiences for children based on observations of children’s interests and developmental needs. 
• Use of Smart Teach, ASQ, Child Plus; maintaining child educational files and related documentation. 
• Provide on the job training and mentoring to staff whose skill sets are in an earlier stage of development, such as, Practicum Students, work study students, temporary employees, and volunteers.
• Use computer literacy and knowledge to find teaching resources on the internet, use online time and leave system, maintain attendance record, design curriculum, prepare newsletters in a professional format, and check and respond to emails as it pertains to job functions. Also, perform these functions on smart technology such as phones and tablets. 
• Communicate with the Center Director and Assistant about information and insights that affect the program's efficient cohesive functioning.  This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
• Communicate routinely with parents regarding the child’s development.
• Function as a member of a team-oriented staff. Will lead, instruct, assign, and check the work of others. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training.
• Use opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise through professional development and training relating to Early Childhood Program Specialist position and training in environmental education and experiences for children.
• Complete ten hours of training annually.
• At times, families and visitors may tour your classroom, requiring the Lead Teacher to articulate program philosophies and early childhood education best practices.
• Understand and implement minimum licensing requirements as determined by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).
• Understand Early Achievers, Early Head Start (EHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and curriculum enhancements, and be able to communicate these programs to others.
• Perform related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the children and the functions of the Early Learning Center. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.

• 2 years of experience working with preschool age children in a group setting, providing program planning, developing and presenting educational activities/lessons plans OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Intermediate experience using Word, Excel and Power Point presentation software programs or other comparable programs.  

• Successfully completion of a criminal history background check prior to employment.
• Successfully pass a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT).
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification. 
• Valid Food Handlers Permit. 
• HIV certificate of training. 
• Record of current Tuberculin (TB) Test within last 12 months
• Ability to lift and carry 20-45 pounds, live weight.

• A passion for educating, caring, and nurturing children.
• Ability to remain calm and show patience and understanding with children.
• Confidentiality, ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Excellent customer service skills, including establishing, building and maintaining internal / external customer satisfaction.
• 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.
• Ability to interact courteously with customers and work effectively in a team environment.

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).

Tacoma Community College
 Human Resources
 6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA  98466
www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment