EPIC Early Learning
Early Learning Specialist (Head Start/ Early Head Start)
Yakima, WA, USA
EPIC Early Learning is seeking a passionate and experienced Early Learning Specialist to join our team. As a private, nonprofit organization, EPIC has been providing early childhood educational services to children and families in Central Washington for over 45 years. Our mission is to empower children to reach their full potential through nurturing relationships, engaging experiences, and high-quality education.
The Early Learning Specialist provides leadership in establishing the vision for the Education Services, including special services and child Mental Health content areas as defined by Head Start Performance Standards. This person will implement and monitor all program content for Yakima and Ellensburg sites and partners in conjunction with team members, ensuring that work is done in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing requirements, Washington Administrative Code, and agency policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
Ensure high-quality operation of the Head Start program with focus on child welfare, safety, and school readiness.
Support the Head Start Director in setting the vision for education, special services, and child mental health.
Develop culturally and linguistically appropriate policies, procedures, and guidance based on Head Start Performance Standards.
Collaborate with Content and Management Teams to integrate services across all program areas.
Participate actively in site management activities, staff and parent meetings, Family Nights, and community involvement as needed.
Model professionalism, open communication, and effective conflict resolution.
Plan service delivery improvements for children and families.
Review files and reports to ensure documentation accuracy, compliance, and identify training needs.
Conduct classroom visits and observations; provide feedback to Center Managers.
Develop and revise program goals using assessments and stakeholder input.
Provide training, mentoring, and coaching using best practices and adult learning strategies.
Monitor and manage assigned education budget; ensure spending aligns with budget limits.
Participate in program monitoring and self-assessment to identify strengths, trends, and areas for improvement.
Follow proper procedures for reporting policy violations and concerns (e.g., child abuse, unprofessional behavior).
Maintain accurate records and address issues proactively.
Build interagency relationships and contracts to support school readiness.
Support implementation and use of technology for tracking Head Start services.
Promote parental involvement through volunteer recruitment and participation in councils, committees, and activities.
Represent EPIC at agency, community, state, and national meetings and committees.
Provide specialized staff training in education, disabilities (Part C of IDEA), atypical behavior, and referral systems.
Complete additional tasks and projects assigned by the Head Start Director.
Be committed to characterizing a culture of safety within our centers, playgrounds, buses and anywhere that children may be present. Be familiar with and encourage EPIC’s culture of “Speak up, Speak out”.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education or a related field
Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in early childhood settings, special education, preferably in a Head Start or similar program
Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish) Preferred
Strong understanding of Head Start performance standards and early childhood education best practices
Demonstrated ability to provide effective coaching and support to educators
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
Experience in developing and facilitating professional development workshops
Willingness and ability to travel alone to all of EPIC's sites and to conferences and meetings outside of EPIC's service area.
Valid Washington State Driver's License, own transportation and required auto insurance.
Pay Level: $ 73,000- $ 76,500 Non-Exempt (Hourly Management)
Position Closes: August 4th, 2025
Benefits
· Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans
· Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)
· Paid Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)
· Paid Holidays (11)
· Employee Assistance Program
· Basic Life Insurance
· 403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)
· As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.
Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee.
Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee).
Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).
Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
Current Food Handlers card (obtain the training within 30 days of employment).
Current First Aid/CPR card (obtain within thirty 30 days of employment).
Complete Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training within 3 months of hire
Meet the minimum education requirements within the timeframe as stated in the performance standards.
Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training.
CEO Approval.
$73,000-76,500
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