Head Start Substitute - ECPS 1, ECPS 2, ECPS 3 (Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Oak Harbor)

Head Start Substitute - ECPS 1, ECPS 2, ECPS 3 (Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Oak Harbor)

Salary: $17.40 - $20.94 Hourly

Location: Island and Skagit County, WA

Job Type: Temporary

Job Number: T26-004

Department: Head Start

Opening Date: 01/14/2026

Description:

Do you have a passion for working with children from a variety of backgrounds? Do you have experience working in an Early Learning setting? We invite you to join a wonderful team of dedicated professionals, committed to preparing diverse children from low-income and eligible families for success in school and life.

Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families by providing comprehensive services in early learning, health, and family well-being. Head Start teachers and staff look at the child holistically, individualizing for the needs of each child. These positions assist with high-quality early learning services while engaging in innovative practices and approaches that center on the children that Head Start serves.

Head Start is a federal program that has been serving vulnerable children and families for more than half a century. We serve people experiencing homelessness, poverty, involvement in the foster system or child protective system, or any other family stressors that qualifying families may be experiencing. Head Start classrooms do not expel or exclude children due to behavioral issues or disabilities and special needs of any kind. We recognize instead that individualizing for the specific needs of every child in a nurturing and supportive environment is how we best help all children reach kindergarten healthy and ready to learn.

The Opportunity:

Skagit Valley College (SVC) Head Start is accepting applications on a continuous basis for Substitute Early Childhood Program Specialist 1, Early Childhood Program Specialist 2, and Early Childhood Program Specialist 3. Under the direction of the lead teacher, this position provides a variety of support to the daily routines and activities of a compliant and developmentally appropriate early childhood center. This position will be assigned to a primary center location within the specified area, and may be moved on a temporary basis, or reassigned to a primary location within that same specified area if required to support program operations and effective centers. Travel to other locations will be required for some pre-scheduled meetings and trainings.

This is a temporary, hourly position, typically working 16 or fewer hours per week during the period of Monday through Friday within business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Work days and hours may vary based on the needs of the program. Temporary positions may only work 1050 hours or 12 consecutive months from the date of hire, whichever comes first (WAC 357-04-045). The exact schedule will be worked out with the candidate selected for hire.

The Location:

Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People's, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Mission:

Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision:

The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

Guiding Principles:

Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion.

About SVC:

Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor's degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC's Vision statement; "Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities." SVCs commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community.

We Embrace Equity:

SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity-minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply.

Skagit Valley College Offers:

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community;
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship;
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth;
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles;
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments;
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure a safe, nurturing, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate environment;
• Provide continuous active supervision as established in the center's Active Supervision Plan;
• Welcome children, parents, and all visitors to the classroom;
• Engage parents, interns, volunteers, and visitors during classroom activities;
• Engage children and facilitate play to support developmental goals;
• Support embedded strategies and practices with classroom routines and activities to support all children's progress toward school readiness goals, including children with IFSP or IEP goals, and dual language learners;
• Use positive and intentional language with children;
• Interact with parents and staff in a positive and professional manner;
• Work collaboratively with any LEA or Part C, school district, or other therapist or community partners as part of your classroom team;
• May lead the class through the daily routine and schedule;
• Support health, safety, and nutritional activities and requirements;
• Cleaning and sanitizing assigned areas, surfaces, and materials;
• Conduct playground safety checks;
• Support daily meal routines for children, including helping to distribute and serve meals, sitting at the table to model appropriate mealtime behaviors, and having social conversations;
• Provide daily health checks as children arrive;
• Assist children with toileting needs, including changing diapers;
• Support meal prep and cleanup of dishes;
• May empty garbage cans and clean bathrooms, as well as classroom furnishings;
• Administer first aid and handle medical emergencies as they arise;
• In the absence of the teacher or by the direction of the teacher or center manager, administer prescribed or approved non-prescribed medications;
• Flexible task allocation: Be prepared to support various tasks within the center, including food services and other operational services as needed;
• Complete administrative, team-building, and program requirements;
• Understand and demonstrate Skagit Island Head Start values;
• Participate in center team meetings and family reviews;
• On occasion, support center parent committee meetings, trainings, and other family activities.

Qualifications:

• High School completion, GED, or a written education plan to complete either or equivalent education and experience;
• One (1) year of experience in an early learning setting;
• Ability to communicate effectively in English;
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), or Washington Initial Certificate in Early Childhood Education, or equivalent;
• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with ECE credits;
• Experience working with children with an IFSP/IEP;
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure:

• Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements.
• Rate of pay for a Substitute Early Childhood Program Specialist 1 starts at Range 30, Step E, $17.40 per hour.
• Rate of pay for a Substitute Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 starts at Range 36, Step A, $18.20 per hour.
• Rate of pay for a Substitute Early Childhood Program Specialist 3 starts at Range 42, Step A, $20.94 per hour.
• Eligibility for benefits is in compliance with state rules and regulations.
• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant's current or past employer.
• By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe, and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an