Early Childhood Program Specialist 2/Assistant Teacher

Western Washington University, with over 16,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western is the highest-ranking public, master’s-granting university in the Pacific Northwest, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

About the Department

The WWU Child Development Center supports Western’s mission, which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity.  The WWU Associated Students Child Development Center (CDC) participates in the State’s Early Achiever’s Quality Rating and Improvement program.  We provide high quality care and education for children of student parents and working professionals of Western Washington University. Tuition for student families is based on income and is subsidized by the Associated Students. The CDC serves 56 children ages 2-5 each quarter. The director and teaching staff provide a safe and healthy environment for young children, supporting the social/emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each child.

The CDC also supports students interested in careers in early childhood education by providing a place for service learning projects, classroom observations, practicum and internship experiences as well as educational outreach activities. Parents benefit from special events for the entire family and participation in a family involvement committee. The CDC is not only child centered, but family centered, meeting the special needs of student parents and welcoming parent involvement in the center.

Our Values: Child and family centered, inclusive, compassionate, respectful, and optimistic.

Our Mission: Every child enrolled in the AS CDC is treated with respect and compassion in an inclusive environment

WWU CDC Mission Statement: We engage children while fostering family partnerships that promote the optimal development of the whole child within the community.

Our Goals: Deliver curriculum and services that engage all children and promote resiliency.  Actively pursue justice and equity in our policies, practices, and impacts.  In partnerships with the university, cultivate a community of educators.  Support the diverse needs of individual children and their families.

 
About the Position

The Assistant Classroom Teacher at the AS Child Development Center works closely with the Lead Teachers to plan and implement curriculum that is engaging, often child initiated, open ended, and developmentally appropriate. Conducting work assignments in support of a positive and inclusive relationship with other diverse staff and students and providing services for young children and their families in a positive and inclusive manner, the Assistant Classroom Teacher is an integral member of the Enrollment and Student Services Division.

This is a 9.5 month cyclic position.

Required Qualifications

• Must meet all Department of Early Learning requirements for teacher and be registered through the MERIT programhttps://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/Welcome, or ability to register within 30 days
• One-year experience in an early childhood program and 30 quarter credit hours in early childhood development/education/special education or equivalent education/experience.
• First Aid/CPR and Blood Borne Pathogens Training and recent TB test, or ability to acquire within 30 days.
• Demonstrated ability to build professional and supportive relationships with staff in an inclusive environment that honors diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a busy and active classroom.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. when needed
• Working knowledge of MS Office, including but not limited to, Word, Outlook and Excel
• Effective communication skills including written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to clearly and efficiently document
• Demonstrated commitment to flexibility and collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent
• Experience working with children ages 2-5 years old
• Ability to use technology to create assessments, documentation, and visual displays
• Competent in the use of Teaching Strategies Gold

Conditions of Employment

All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including COVID vaccination by time of hire and Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

Salary

$2,957 – $3,821/month depending on qualifications and experience

Benefits Information

2022 Benefits Overview for Classified Positions
Bargaining Unit
This position is part of bargaining unit PT and is covered by the collective bargaining agreement with Public School Employees of WWU.

Application Instructions

Application materials should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.

Closing Date Notes

Position is open until filled

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 345 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3303 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“The Clery Act”). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western’s campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services at vpsa.office@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.

This program participates in Early Achievers.