State of Washington Classified Job Specification
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM SPECIALIST 4
Class Series Concept
Definition
This is the supervisory or expert level of the series. Positions at this level manage an early childhood program including responsibilities for planning, organizing, executing, controlling, and evaluating activities, subfunctions, and functions including budget, policies, procedures, and staff supervision. Positions manage the early childhood program in conformance with regulations and Washington State Day Care Licensing Provisions.
Typical Work
Supervises staff including interviewing and recommending selection of applicants, training new employees, assigning and scheduling work, acting upon leave requests, conducting annual performance evaluations, and recommending disciplinary actions;
Develops and implements program operating policies and activities; develops cost estimates for future program needs; formulates annual program budget;
Prepares and maintains administrative and business reports and records of the early childhood program; prepares billing reports on program usage;
Ensures that program staff conform to federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and licensing requirements;
Oversees recruiting and scheduling of children for the early childhood program; maintains records on children enrolled in the program to include their development, attendance, immunization, and general health; assists with quarterly program registration; maintains appropriate files and waiting lists; processes late registrations;
Confers with parents on regular basis to discuss the development of enrolled children; maintains public relations with parents, prospective clients, and colleagues;
Directs the organization of and follow-up of special activities such as swimming programs, long distance field trips, and films;
Maintains public relations with parents, prospective clients and colleagues;
May develop grant or contract proposals; may conduct fund raising activities and marketing campaigns;
May oversee accreditation processes or other program improvement activities.
Legal Requirement(s)
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.
Desirable Qualifications
Positions typically require forty-five college quarter hours in early childhood development/education/special education
AND
four years of supervisory and/or administrative experience working in a group setting with children of the ages enrolled in the program.
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
Revise class. General revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.