Early Childhood Program Specialist 2

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 43,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Insurance package

Retirement

Tuition waiver

Training and development

Job summary

Washington State University seeks an Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 for the Children's Center. You will assist with curriculum implementation, support daily classroom operations, and help lead student staff while maintaining licensing standards.

The role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and developmentally appropriate practice with infants to school-age children. A leadership component may be assumed in the absence of a higher specialist.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in an early childhood program and thirty quarter credit hours in early childhood development/education/special education.
• Must meet criteria of having 12 aligned college credits in ECE Core Competencies or a CDA within 5 years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing curriculum and supporting daily operation of classrooms for infants to school-age children.
• Help direct student staff and volunteers, with recordkeeping and licensing/ accreditation standards.
• Model nurturing communication and contribute as a positive team member with all center staff.

Skills

Early childhood experience

CDA or ECE credits

Strong communication

Education

Associates or Bachelor's in Early Childhood

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: November 15, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

The Opportunity

As an Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 for the Children's Center, you will assist with implementing educational curriculum and supporting the daily operation of an infant, toddler, preschool, or school-age classroom. You will help maintain a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment; assist with child assessments; support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of children's activities; help direct student staff and volunteers; assist with recordkeeping; and help maintain a classroom environment that meets child care licensing and accreditation standards.

You will also assist in evaluating student staff, model nurturing and effective communication skills with children, and actively contribute as a positive team member with all center staff.

In the absence of the Early Childhood Program Specialist 3, you may temporarily assume leadership responsibilities for the classroom.

Additional Information

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible. Monthly Salary: $3,827 to $5,111 | Range 42 Steps A - M | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development
• Employee tuition waiver

Required Qualifications

One year of experience in an early childhood program and thirty quarter credit hours in early childhood development/education/special education; OR equivalent education/experience. Must meet the required criteria of having 12 aligned college credits in ECE Core Competencies or a CDA (Child Development Associate) within 5 years of hire. See the following links for more information https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/EPS_0039.pdf WAC 110-300-0100 Must meet and understand the requirements for the following: WAC 110-300-0120 Providing for personal, professional, and health needs of staff WAC 110-300-0105 Preservice requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Development or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education.
• Two (2) years experience with children in a group child care setting.
• Proven leadership skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices interacting with young children.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills with parents, children and colleagues.
• Experience which demonstrates flexibility in dealing with frequent changes and/or crises.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type

Full time Position Term: 12 Month

Eligibility and Employment

WSU encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/