ECEAP is a state funded program that has been serving vulnerable children and families for more than a quarter of 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. ECEAP classrooms do not expel or exclude children due to behavioral issues or disabilities or 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. Site staff will have a responsibility to support the needs of all children in their classrooms.

The Opportunity: The Classroom Aide position will help maintain a healthy and safe inclusive classroom, support the nutritional needs of the children, and contribute to the educational learning experience in accordance with Skagit Valley College ECEAP Policies and Procedures. The incumbent will work with the classroom team, Health, Safety, and Nutrition coordinator, parents and school district staff in all aspects of center planning, program routines and activities. These positions will work under the general direction of the ECEAP Education Coordinator.

This is a classified, benefits-eligible position working 9.5 months, 36 hours per week. There is one (1) vacancy for this position. All positions work in person at their assigned center. The center for this position is Anacortes Site, located at 2201 H Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221. Travel to other locations will be required for some pre-scheduled meetings and trainings.

Application materials will be accepted until all positions are filled. Applications may be kept on file to be considered for openings that may occur in the future.

This position is grant-funded. The extension of the position is dependent on the continuation of funding.

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.

• 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.

Contribute to maintaining a healthy and safe classroom environment.

• Cleans and sanitizes classrooms, including cleaning and disinfecting tables, counters, sweeping, mopping, and/or vacuuming, and cleans/sanitizes restrooms;
• Empties garbage, trash, recycle containers as needed;
• Follows direction from lead teacher to set up indoor/outdoor activities;
• Organizes, stores, and maintains materials and equipment;
• Wash, dry, fold, and put away laundered items;
• Assist children with toileting needs, including changing diapers;
• Assist with daily health checks;
• Administer first aid and handle medical emergencies as they arise;
• Complete annual requirements, including modules for Blood Borne Pathogens, CPS, Active Supervision, Food Handlers, Right Response, and CACFP, sign staff Acknowledgement forms, which include Attendance and Punctuality, Confidentiality Statement, Code of Conduct & Ethical Standards.

• Participate in educational activities under the direction of the lead teacher;
• Observe each child’s development and discuss this with the lead teacher;
• Assist with the child’s self-help skills;
• Assist children in taking responsibility for the equipment, materials they use, and the outdoor equipment;
• Use positive and intentional language when communicating with children and model appropriate behaviors;
• Maintain good attendance in order to optimize child outcomes.

• Follow appropriate food handling practices, using disposable gloves, keeping foods at proper temperature, and recording food temperatures as requested;
• Clean up utilizing proper dishwashing methods to ensure sanitization of dishes and food service equipment. Disposes of food waste using an appropriate container;
• Maintain awareness of children’s special dietary needs, ensuring substitutions are provided as appropriate;
• 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.

• Special Projects such as backfill of food/custodial aide;
• Program Planning Supports (Zoom, surveys, meetings, trainings).

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent;
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience in an early learning environment.

• Child Development Associate Credentials (CDA) or Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initial Certificate;
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Early learning developmentally appropriate practices;
• Kitchen routines involved in preparing and serving food;
• Operation of standard kitchen appliances and equipment;
• The safe use of cleaning chemicals.

• Communicate, in writing and orally, in English with a variety of people in a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional manner;
• Identify, access, and apply appropriate policies, regulations, and procedures;
• Effectively read, understand, and interpret information and ideas;
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with ECEAP policies and procedures;
• Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives to enhance the attainment of organizational goals;
• Work in an inclusion classroom setting with children of all abilities;
• Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of staff, children, families, and community partners by consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions;
• Adapt to changing needs, processes, working conditions, and duties;
• Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work;
• Work effectively as a member of a team;
• Recognize the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people and create an environment of valuing, encouraging, and supporting differences.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is based on Range 36, Step A, $2,994.30 per month, with periodic increments to $3,870 per month. The listed salary is based on 90% full-time equivalency. 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.
• This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding.
• This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.eduthat includes the following:
   • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current resume; (Attachment: Resume);
   • A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

• Prior to employment, the candidate must pass a criminal background check;
• If hired you will be required to provide proof that you are either 1) a U.S. citizen, or 2) an immigrant whose status permits you to lawfully work in this country;
• A MERIT background check including fingerprints through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF);
• Within 30 days of hire, have or obtain the following:
  • an initial health examination indicating freedom from communicable diseases;
  • proof of a Tuberculosis (TB) test taken within 12 months prior to the initial employment date;
  • proof of immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination OR proof of immunity from measles;
  • CPR/First Aid card;
  • a current Food Handlers permit;
• Candidates who do not meet the minimum educational requirement must successfully complete a Professional Development Plan to attain the educational requirement in accordance with the timeline outlined in the plan;
• Meet all federally mandated requirements related to the Head Start program, including but not limited to continuing educational requirements and all Washington State laws and College policies related to the Head Start program and SVC employment;
• Have, or ability to obtain by the time of hire, a Washington State driver's license or equivalent, and proof of auto insurance;
• 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 applicant's 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 alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA. Membership in the WPEA within thirty (30) calendar days of appointment at this classification is a requisite for employment at Skagit Valley College under union shop requirements.