The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program Specialist is responsible for providing oversight of safe and nurturing educational environments for children. The Early Childhood Education Program Specialist monitors the planning and implementation of experiences that promote the social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive development of children.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)

1. Review lesson plans, to ensure consistency with the Creative Curriculum for Head Start and Early Head Start children’s needs and interests, and the program’s school readiness goals.
2. Provides oversight, modeling and guidance for classroom staff and volunteers; ensures strong communication with staff. Maintains classroom hours, as assigned; ensures compliance with state, tribal and federal regulations
3. Observes classroom practices including safe environments, appropriate guidance techniques, developmentally appropriate practices, classroom arrangement, daily schedules, routines, and transitions
4. Builds and maintains positive, nurturing, and supportive relationships with both children and families
5. Monitors GOLD child assessment data for assigned classrooms and compiles data reports for governing bodies, staff and community; analyzes outcome data and utilizes results for continuous improvement
6. Conducts CLASS™ observations and provides training to increase quality teacher-child interactions that positively impact child outcomes
7. Supports teachers with the planning of engaging learning experiences to support children in the following domains: approaches to learning, social and emotional development, language and communication, literacy, mathematics development, scientific reasoning, and perceptual, motor and physical development
8. Surveys staff on professional development needs and develops responsive professional development plans
9. Annually organizes CDA Training for all interested candidates and supports them in the CDA process
10. Facilitates any needed disciplinary procedures for center staff; conducts evaluations for teachers
11. Ensures that center staff receive appropriate orientation before entering the classroom
12. Supports full classroom enrollment and waiting lists through on-going recruitment strategies
13. Regularly encourages parent input regarding the growth and development of their children; monitors completion of home visits/conferences; assists parents in developing observational skills
14. Coordinates the transition process of children to Head Start and Kindergarten; organizes team meetings between Early Head Start and Head Start teachers, kindergarten and Head Start teachers; ensures implementation of classroom transition/literacy/family involvement curriculum that supplements Creative Curriculum
15. Ensures that the classroom environment and outdoor environments are kept safe and healthy. Ensures that equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and/or replaced. Order supplies
16. Consistently ensures and monitors active supervision procedures to maintain the safety of all children in the classroom/building, during transition periods, on the playground, during field trips, and on the bus
17. Builds community partnerships and inter-agency agreements with various community agencies and schools for the purposes of advocacy and identifying resources for children and families
18. Accurately completes reports and forms, and submits them in a timely manner
19. Address parent concerns in assigned classrooms, and provide Director written documentation
20. Attends and participates in required meetings, trainings, professional development opportunities, and continuing education as needed
21. Plans service area training and professional development opportunities for staff
22. Reviews service areas policies and procedures annually and updates, as necessary
23. Completes on-going monitoring of the service area, including relevant Child Plus data
24. Collects, aggregates, and analyzes service area data; disseminates data, as requested, to the Director, Tribal Council/Policy Council, parents and/or the community
25. Will be responsible for Professional Development Tracking of center staff for assigned centers
26. Participates in the agency’s Self-Assessment process and utilizes results for program improvement
27. Contributes to program planning, goal setting, and evaluation
28. Performs other duties as assigned
    

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required:

1. Demonstrates ethical standards that are expected of a professional (i.e. confidentiality, positive attitude, dependability, reliability, honesty)
2. Maintains respectful relations and communication with staff, children, families, and community
3. Works collaboratively with other staff members, to carry out Samish Indian Nation Head Start/Early Head Start mission
4. Presents a positive image of the Samish Indian Nation Head Start/Early Head Start program for families and community
5. Demonstrates effective planning, organizational and problem-solving skills
6. Attends work regularly and arrives to work on time

1. Bachelors degree in Early Childhood and/or related field and 2 years' experience curriculum development or kindergarten readiness
2. Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and reliable transportation
3. Must have a recent TB screening prior to hire; obtains annual TB screening thereafter
4. Must have a completed Physical Certification on file; obtains a physical exam every two years, thereafter
5. Must have a favorable Tribal, State and Federal Criminal background check in accordance to the Indian Child Protection Act and the Family Violence Prevention Act
6. Passes a drug and alcohol screening annually, and as required by the program’s personnel procedures

**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State

Physical Demands: Long periods of sitting (60% of time); occasional bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (20% of time); and occasional standing and walking (20% of time). Occasionally lifts/carries up to 30 lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, cash handling, and phone use. Must possess the ability to view print on a computer screen and/or paper document; the ability to speak and hear exchanging information with end users by telephone. Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination.  Working Environment: Work environment is mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must sit or stand at desk for the majority of shift. Sometimes works alone without benefit of supervisor or co-worker. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires minimal risks which require safety precautions (using some cleaning chemicals for light cleaning). Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)  

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.