Early Childhood Program Specialist 2

About Tacoma and Our Community

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, boating, and camping. Ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, Tacoma is known for its increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity, and strong community engagement.

Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. We recognize that the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost due to the 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with local indigenous populations.

TCC stands in solidarity with the Black community, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Stop Asian Hate movement. We actively collaborate with the Black Student Union, the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, local Black-owned businesses, and the Asian Pacific Islander Student Club. We are committed to developing culturally responsive curricula and becoming an anti-racist institution that supports traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African-American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved individuals, immigrants, refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community.

About the Role

This position serves as an Assistant Teacher in an Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) classroom at the College's Early Learning Center. You will interact with parents, practicum students, volunteers, and team members to guide the educational activities of young children. Working directly with the Lead Teacher under the direction of the Center Director and Assistant Director, you will respond to each child's developmental stage with respect, courtesy, and understanding.

Your day will involve planning and implementing environmental curricula appropriate for young children, observing their development, and assisting with parent/teacher conferences. You will foster independence and self-help skills, encourage language development, and ensure children are involved in activities suited to their emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs. The role requires maintaining a healthy and safe environment, managing classroom equipment, and assisting with projects such as art, stories, songs, and bulletin boards. You will also provide oversight and guidance to Work Study and Practicum students, functioning as a vital member of a team-oriented staff.

Hiring Process and Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a complete application package including the Tacoma Community College application, resume, cover letter, and copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended. In your cover letter, specifically address your experience, training, and knowledge in providing empathy and respect in the care and nurturing of children aged 3 to 5 years in an early childhood program, as well as your supervisory experience. Official transcripts will be required for the successful candidate.

The finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Information from the background check will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, candidates must successfully complete a portable background check (PBC) through the Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT) prior to employment.

Equal Opportunity and Commitment to Diversity

Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. We provide equal opportunity in education and employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act.