Washington State University·Pullman, Washington
The specialist assists in implementing educational curriculum and maintaining a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. They also support daily classroom operations, assist with child assessments, and provide guidance to student staff and volunteers.
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.
This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.
$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.
WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes 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; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation.
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
About Department/College/Area/ Campus - https://childrenscenter.wsu.edu/
Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume 2) Cover Letter
External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application. Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Candidates must have at least one year of experience in an early childhood program and thirty quarter credit hours in early childhood development or education. Additionally, they must meet specific state licensing requirements and possess or be willing to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Market context
In Washington, Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 roles are often tied to licensed child care, preschool, and early learning settings, where staffing needs can stay steady as programs maintain compliance and classroom support. Competition can be strong because employers look for both hands-on early childhood experience and the required education and licensing qualifications. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your quarter credits and CDA status before applying.
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