Program Specialist 3, Early Learning Center Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 15153)

Description

Position Summary  

The Early Childhood Program Specialist 3 position facilitates planning and implementation of programs for children and families; coordinate assessments; evaluation of programs and assigned classrooms; mentors lab and practicum students; model best practices; and culturally sensitivity. This includes assuming responsibility for implementing and coordinating a quality early childhood education program in assigned program areas based on established Center standards, philosophy, and WA Department of Early Learning (DEL).

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $45,900/year - $61,296/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Public Employee Association of Higher Education (WPEA-HE).

About The College  

Bellevue College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located just 10 miles east of Seattle. Serving one of the most diverse student populations in Washington - we are proud to reflect the global community we serve.

As an employer, Bellevue College is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. We believe that our faculty and staff are essential partners in fulfilling our mission, and we prioritize professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in everything we do. Employees at Bellevue College benefit from opportunities to expand their skills, contribute to meaningful work that changes lives, and engage in a community that is deeply committed to inclusion.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive, and where the contributions of every employee help shape both the success of our students and the vitality of the region. At Bellevue College, you will find a community that supports your goals, values your voice, and celebrates your impact.

For more about Bellevue College's impact, visit Facts at a Glance.

About the Department  

As a department of Bellevue College, our mission is to provide high quality, family centered, developmentally appropriate care & early education for young children and their families. In addition, we strive to provide a creative, safe, learning environment that nurtures, respects, and supports each individual's unique qualities and potential.

The Early Learning Center encourages discovery, creativity, overall development, independence, self-regulation, problem solving, and exploration in a safe, respectful, yet stimulating, relationship based environment. Our program maintains a child-centered philosophy that accepts each child at his/her own developmental level and encourages him/her to learn through rich experiences. When planning the curriculum, teachers provide experiences that reflect families' interests, hobbies, cultures, and languages.

Essential Functions  

Program Compliance and Licensing Support

• Apply and communicate with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Department of Early Learning (DEL) standards ensure program compliance while working with families, co-workers, volunteers, and students.
• Support teaching staff in planning, implementing, evaluating curriculum and classroom environments, and activities both indoors and outdoors, based on individual and group development.
• Work directly with children and families on individual and group needs, guidance, transitions, and emotional support.
• Conduct new family orientations, developing a relationship with all new transitioning families.
• Ensure that all classroom records and reports are accurately maintained and submitted.
• Mentor, guide and provide assistance and support to assigned aides and lab/practicum students.
• Assure licensing and other regulatory requirements applicable to work areas are met.
• Ensure inventory of supplies for program implementation is maintained.
• Work directly with children, families, and center team members on individual and group needs, guidance, transitions, and emotional support,

Program Supervision

• Assess the social, intellectual, emotional, nutritional and physical needs of children enrolled in age group classrooms and supports teachers in the development of activities based on assessed needs.
• Assume responsibility for supervision, planning, and direct implementation of assigned classrooms¿ curriculum and activities both indoors, on playground, and on field trips.
• Establish and maintain positive partnerships with Early Learning Center families through daily interaction, written communication, and conferences
• Understand and follow Early Learning Center policies, procedures, philosophy and comply with WA State licensing requirements.
• Facilitate, model, teach, and practice positive communication, conflict resolution, and problem solving with children, families, student workers, and center staff
• Supervise the daily classroom events and programs in collaboration with assigned teaching staff, fostering respectful interactions and relationships with children, while actively supporting their continuous growth and development.
• Work cooperatively as a team member with other center staff in continuous evaluation and improvement of program,
• Encourage and support family involvement in all aspects of the program.
• Help guide, train, and provide technical assistance to assigned student staff and lab/practicum students.
• Support, monitor, and guide assigned teaching staff in their curriculum, environment, and interactions with children and families.

Perform other duties as assigned

• Perform other related duties are required &/or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Associate degree (AA/AAS) with 45 credit hours in early childhood education with experience or equivalent or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), AND Two (2) years of experience working in a small group setting with children of the ages enrolled at the Center or in Head Start classrooms, OR equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to relate and communicate effectively with children, families, community members, and staff of various ages, backgrounds and abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a teaching team with experience with curriculum development appropriate to age group enrolled in Center.
• Knowledge and proficiency using computers and navigating through software programs for children learning and adult professional development.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or closely related field, plus eight years (8) of Head Start teaching experience in an early childhood setting.

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College 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. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. 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.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 10/14/2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Complete the Job Questionnaires 

Contact: 
If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at jobs@bellevuecollege.edu

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .

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