This is the senior, specialist, or leadworker level of the series. Positions work under general direction and have responsibility for regularly assigning, instructing, and checking work of others, or have responsibility for the daily operations of an early childhood program. Responsibilities include regularly planning, presenting, and evaluating educational and recreational activities of children in the program and providing information to parents on child care techniques.

Assesses the social, intellectual, emotional, nutritional, and physical needs of children enrolled in the early childhood program; develops child- and adult-directed educational activities based on assessed needs; 

Assesses children’s learning levels; monitors progress of each child; 

Discusses progress of the children with their parents and responds to parents’ concerns; designs individualized educational materials; 

Works with economically disadvantaged parents through programs such as Headstart and Parent Education; 

Works with and implements child care licensing requirements and regulations; 

Maintains a healthy and safe environment for children in program; 

May keep written observations of interactions between parents and children on regular basis; 

May provide input to grant applications; 

May supervise or direct the work of lower level staff.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.   

Positions typically require certification by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) as provided in Title 388 WAC and applicable law(s).  Individual positions may have specific skill and competency or minimum requirements.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Positions typically require forty-five college quarter hours in early childhood development/education/special education or equivalent or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

AND 

two years of experience working in a group setting with children of the ages enrolled in the program. 

OR 

Equivalent education/experience.