What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Specialist position at Linn-Benton Community College?
The Early Childhood Specialist provides technical assistance through consultation to early learning educators and programs. This position coordinates, implements, and evaluates the Inclusive Partners Program (IP) in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties. This position conducts coaching and technical assistance with early learning programs to support quality care and environments. Activities will include consulting with families and providers as well as provide professional development opportunities for early learning professionals.
Required Qualifications:
Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications. In order to be considered, your application must clearly show you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Education and Experience:
Education and Experience:
- Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (human development, child and family studies, social work, early intervention/early childhood special education, education) OR a Step 10 on the Oregon Registry with coursework in age birth to five development, or an ability to obtain within one year.
- Requires one year experience supporting adult professional development.
- Requires three years of direct service in the field of Childhood Care and Education.
- Must meet the requirements to be an Oregon Registry Master Trainer or complete the requirements through a professional pathway within two years of employment.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Experience supporting others in making accommodations for children in a variety of settings.
- Requires a strong knowledge of theories and practices of Early Childhood Education, Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education, Human Services, and/or Human Development.
- Requires knowledge and skills to deliver relationship-based professional development and familiarity with adult learning methods, practices, and learning styles.
- Must have strong oral and written communication skills including in-person consultation to provide instruction, coaching, and resource support using a variety of modalities.
- Requires cultural competence, commitment to equity, the ability to understand and avoid bias, and the ability to effectively meet the needs of the workforce.
Abilities:
- Must be able to perform the duties of the position efficiently and effectively.
- Must be able to provide instruction, guidance, and resource support to child care programs, community partners, and consumers.
- Must be able to analyze situations and develop and implement effective responses.
- Requires the ability to organize, plan, and prioritize duties to meet schedules and timelines.
- Requires the ability to communicate formally and informally with a wide range of contacts both within and outside of the college setting.
- Requires the ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy, empathy, and friendliness in dealing with people under stressful conditions.
- Must be able to work respectfully with individuals of all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities.
- Must hold a valid driver’s license
- Be able to pass a Central Background check through the Child Care Licensing Division of the Department of Early Learning and Care.
- Knowledge of community child care programs, subsidies, community resources, and state regulations pertaining to child care preferred.
- Knowledge in Trauma-Informed practices.
- Bilingual: English/Spanish
Physical Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to operate computers and other office equipment.
- Must be able to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in-group settings.
- May need to lift and carry light to medium weight materials.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in a variety of indoor classroom and office settings, online and in child care settings.
- Substantial time is spent working on a computer.
- May be required to work evenings and/or weekends.
- Frequent travel within Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties is required.
Project Coordination:
- Coordinates with Family Connections and Infant, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant and state partners to implement Early Childhood and Education practices throughout the region of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties.
- Coordinates and delivers consultation and technical assistance to early learning educators to support quality child care that supports children with diverse abilities and needs.
- Independently develops and conducts child care provider training based on the Oregon Registry’s Core Knowledge categories. Coordinates child care provider training based on common needs of multiple programs.
- Collects data to manage and report project deliverables. Maintains documentation to meet program and state requirements.
- Conducts community presentations as assigned.
Direct Services:
- Provides individual support via distance (e-mail, phone, Zoom etc.) including: material review and feedback, connection to resources, on-going guidance and check-in with child care providers.
- Provides on-site coaching visits to programs needing intensive support through observation and feedback.
- Facilitates Community of Practice sessions to support programs offering accommodations.
- Supports providers on their environmental and individual inclusive accommodation strategies.
- Completes environmental and individual observations using industry specific assessment tools as deemed appropriate.
Additional Duties:
- Maintains open, respectful and positive communication with all staff, parents, community partners, and volunteers.
- Collaborates positively with Family Connections team members to assure high quality services. Contributes to educational newsletter, articles and communication for professionals, parents and advocates on accommodation and inclusive practices.
- Maintains and completes required documentation to meet program and state requirements, and reporting deadlines.
- Responds to referrals from and collaborates with community partners, licensing, and Family Connections staff to engage and support early learning programs.
- Understands key competencies, best practice standards, and early learning program components (e.g. curriculum, assessment, family engagement, NAEYC standards and competencies).
- Participates in professional learning opportunities required by the Department of Early Learning and Care including but not limited to Communities of Practice, certifications, and job related training.
- Serves on local, regional and/or state boards, task forces, and professional organizations relating to inclusive care, education, and support of children and families.
- Other duties as assigned.
Please complete the online application and upload or attach the following required documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Unofficial Academic Transcript
Transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must be accompanied by an international credential agency evaluation. Click here for a list of agencies who perform these services.
U.S. Veterans must attach proof of honorable discharge (Form DD-214, Copy 4) to their application to qualify for veteran’s consideration.
1.0 FTE
Full-time or Part-time Full-time, Fiscal Year (Contracted with Benefits) Number of hours/week: 40 Work Schedule: Regular; M-F (Some Weekends and Evenings) Posting Date: 02/21/2025 Closing Date: 03/10/2025 Open Until Filled: No Salary Grade 18 Salary/Rate
See “Special Notes to Applicants” section above.
