Purpose Statement:
To support the ECEAP program and DPSD in realizing a common mission by providing and implementing a developmentally appropriate early childhood classroom experience for children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
Essential Functions:
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Create and maintain a safe and healthy environment.
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Maintain inventory and upkeep of classroom supplies and materials.
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Provide a safe, developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environment.
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Apply health standards and care for the children and the classroom.
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Plan & provide curriculum through normal caregiving routines.
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Establish a learning environment to build and enhance each child’s self-esteem and positive self-concept.
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Provide activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, creativity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the developmental level and learning style of each child.
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Prepare monthly, weekly, and daily activity plans and ensure progress towards completion.
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Implement positive guidance practices that teach and meet the individual temperaments of each child.
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Observe, document, and assess individual and group needs, interests, and skills.
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Provide family support to the parents of the children.
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Maintain open, friendly, and cooperative verbal and written communication with each child’s family.
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Provide parents with information, resources, and referrals as needed.
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Foster positive discipline and communication in the classroom.
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Guide and sustain positive interactions between children and adults.
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Maintain an atmosphere that encourages open communication with children and adults.
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Provide opportunities and support for children to understand, acquire, and use verbal and non-verbal means of communicating thoughts and feelings.
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Create and maintain a professional team environment.
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Submit attendance records and required paperwork in a timely manner.
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Continue professional development.
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Participate in required training and share information with other staff as requested.
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Participate in DPSD activities, support Special Services Director/ECEAP Coordinator/team members, and perform other duties as requested.
Minimum Qualifications:
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An AA degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits in early childhood education or equivalent. Credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree.
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A desire to work with children aged 3-5 with complex needs.
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Commitment to serve children and families in a culturally responsive manner.
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1 year of experience working in an early learning setting.
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Pass a criminal history/child abuse check and a Portable Background Check prior to employment through MERIT (by DCYF)
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Valid Infant & Child CPR/First Aid certification, Bloodborne Pathogens Training Certificate, Washington Food Handlers Permit, and provide proof of MMR Vaccine or immunity.
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Pass a pre-employment health exam that includes a tuberculin screening.
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Must be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment with excellent organization and time management skills, interpersonal communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to work closely with a teaching team and support assistant staff in the room.
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Must have computer skills, including e-mail, word processing, and electronic data entry.
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Willingness to attend training for professional development as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Observe and assess children’s development using Teaching Strategies GOLD.
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Implement the Creative Curriculum for Preschool.
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Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff utilizing Conscious Discipline methods.
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Plan behavior guidance strategies for children utilizing Conscious Discipline and individualized activities.
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Oversee and maintain classroom management and safety.
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Involve students' families by utilizing Teaching Strategies GOLD.
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Coordinate with Family Support Specialists when integrating new children into the classroom.
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Adhere to the current ECEAP Performance Standards, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and related policies concerning childcare with team support.
Preferred Qualifications:
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BA in early childhood education or equivalent.
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3 years of teaching in a preschool environment.
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Experience in an ECEAP or Head Start classroom
Required of all Para Educators at Deer Park School District
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Completion of at least 2 years of study totalling 72 quarter hours at an institution of learning; OR Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree; OR Met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate through a formal para educator competency test. (PRAXIS)
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Successful completion of a criminal background check.
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Ability to provide proof of high school graduation or GED
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Seldom (less than 10%)
Limited (10-30%)
Moderate (31-60%)
Frequent (61-100%)
Lifting up to 50 lbs
Exposure to human-borne pathogens
Sitting
Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs
Lifting up to 25 lbs
Stooping, bending
Lift assist over 50 lbs
Twisting, pushing, pulling
Exposure to outside elements
Repetitive Keyboarding
Standing
Terms of Employment and Salary:
As outlined by and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of Deer Park Public School Employees Association (PSE) and the Policies and Procedures of Deer Park School District. CBAs and Salary Schedules can be reviewed from the Human Resources page of the Deer Park School District website https://www.dpsd.org/page/human-resources
Deer Park policies and Procedures can be accessed online at https://app.eduportal.com/publicfolders/1111511/list/56713
The 2026-2027 base salary range for para educators in the Deer Park School District is between $24.10 and $30.32 per hour. Placement is determined by school district experience. Para Educators who are assigned to self-contained programs such as DLC and Behavioral Programs are provided with an additional stipend. Other forms of compensation may be available to the hired applicant in addition to their established salary range or wage scale as defined within the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Benefits:
This position is benefits eligible, including medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D, and flexible spending arrangements in accordance with the state School Employees Benefits Board: https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees
This position is eligible for retirement: https://www.drs.wa.gov/
Evaluation: This position is evaluated by the building principal.
Application Requirements:
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Applicants must complete the application online: www.dpsd.org and must include the following:
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Resume
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Cover letter
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Two letters of reference
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Confidential reference checks (at least 1, including the most recent supervisor)
As required by RCW 28A.400.303, school district employees are required to complete a Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check. Newly hired employees are responsible for the completion of the background check prior to hire.
Verification of identity and United States Work Authorization must be completed before employment commences.
Please contact Suzanne McKibbon at 509-464-5526 if disability accommodation is needed during the application process.
Notice of Nondiscrimination: Deer Park School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities, including employment, on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to:
Section 504 Coordinator & Title IX Compliance Coordinator & Civil Rights
Applicants requesting reasonable accommodation in compliance with
Federal and state laws should contact HR at 509-464-5500 or 509-464-5526
