This position will be primarily based out of Sumner but used to support classrooms throughout the County.Pierce County Human Services is the community and human services arm of the Pierce County government. It is the largest contributor to Pierce County's safety net providing services and funding to nearly 170 agencies and governmental jurisdictions. The department collaborates with its community partners, including other public and non-profit funders and service providers to understand current and emerging community and human services needs. The department strives to create and invest in a comprehensive and integrated regional services system.
 
 We encourage you to learn more about our department by clicking here.Why it's a Great Opportunity: 
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated, skilled, and experienced Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) team in Pierce County. This is an opportunity to positively impact young children’s growth and development. It is your opportunity to provide support and encouragement to families of young children, and your opportunity to be an important member of a team with each team member critical to the success of the program. You'll have an opportunity to work with diverse clientele, participate in training, and pursue career advancement.
 
The position supports the successful growth and development of children and their families participating in the ECEAP. The program provides comprehensive services designed to support healthy families, empowered individuals, and thriving communities through high quality early learning, and family centered opportunities.
 
Why it's a Great Department/Division: 
Pierce County Human Services is a long-term provider of ECEAP services with an excellent reputation and achievement of success including a Level 4 Early Achievers rating. We have dedicated, skilled, and experienced staff in a department committed to racial equity, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We have created a highly professional site team and value strong teamwork. We are a provider of ECEAP preschool services with an excellent reputation and achievement of success. We have strong data to demonstrate the positive impact of our work. We offer training and continuing education opportunities with opportunity for professional growth. The work is performed in local communities with local partners under strong leadership, with clear expectations and regular feedback.
 
How to be Successful in the Role:  
Bring your energy and desire to make a difference. You'll need the ability to work as a contributing member of a teaching team, provide excellent customer service, communicate effectively and work collaboratively with families, children, and community partners. Throughout the training process you will meet with your supervisor to set expectations, goals and to discuss ongoing progress as well as opportunity for training.
 
Your Future in the Role:
The Family Educator 1, Assistant Teacher in the ECEAP preschool program, fits into the mission of the Human Services Department and the Community Action Division by providing high quality Early Learning services to diverse families. The position, as part of a community-based team, seeks to ensure equitable access to services that respect each person’s unique experiences and uphold the department vision of empowered individuals, healthy families and thriving communities. Human Services and Community Action embrace a culture of excellence, welcome the ideas of everyone, treat all with dignity and respect, and strive for honest and open partnerships. This position is a part of a Family Educator series with opportunity to pursue career advancement.
 
Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Assist Lead Teacher in instruction and supervision to promotion of all program activities designed to enhance healthy social-emotional, intellectual, and physical development of preschool students.
• Interact positively and provide active supervision to students to support individual learning while meeting their emotional needs.
• Create an inclusive environment for children who may come with a variety of special needs.
• Ensure equity, inclusion, and diversity practices are implemented and followed
• Prepare and organize classroom, classroom materials, and outdoor space, perform daily classroom cleaning, assist in maintaining an orderly and developmentally appropriate environment, and as needed prepare and facilitate meals service.
• Assist with record keeping, planning, observations, documentation, data collection, and reporting.
• Assume responsibility of Lead Teacher in his/her short-term absence on occasion.
• Engage with children, their families, the site team, volunteers, and community partners to deliver dynamic and comprehensive services.
• Administer standardized screening and assessments on children as directed.
• Observe, record, and report on the behavior and activities of individual children as assigned.
• Attend and participate in required training annually.

This is a "summary" of the duties, it is not all-inclusive, and other related activities or tasks may be assigned. A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions this position may perform can be found here.Recruiting Requirements:

• One year of successful, relevant work experience in a preschool or childcare setting and a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition; or
• Twelve college quarter credits in early childhood education. College credit must be earned from an accredited institution of higher education. 
• Experience may be accepted in lieu of education requirements with a professional development plan.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

• A valid Washington State driver's license may be required when travel is required of the position.
• Travel will be required to work in various locations throughout Pierce County.
• Pediatric First Aide/CPR card and Food Handler's permit must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• TB skin test or for those individuals with a positive skin test a statement from a doctor or chest x-ray must be furnished upon hire.
• Proof of MMR or immunity.
• A criminal history check including fingerprints is required prior to hire.
• Successfully complete a Portable Background Check through the Department of Children Youth and Families prior to your first day of employment.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?