The Assistant Teacher collaborates with the Lead Teacher in planning and implementation of daily classroom programs for preschoolers. The Assistant Teacher will work in accordance with program standards and work with site team to enhance parent’s role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development. The selected candidate will bring enthusiasm for helping us build and support a passionate and skilled workforce of diverse professionals who make significant positive impacts on the lives of children, families, and communities. Currently located at our Creekmore Branch in Burien, this position will report to the Early Learning Program Director.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Contributes to the development of communication, mutual respect, mutual support, competence, and creativity among all members of the ECEAP staff.
• In collaboration with other site staff, supports and participates in ongoing recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment.
• Participates in planning the educational program and assists with the implementation of the daily classroom program, including music, meals, group projects, free choice time, and supervision of students with Lead Teacher.
• Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning and meets their emotional needs.
• Works with Lead Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom program.
• Collaborates with site team, families, and family support to plan and conduct family events. Encourages and supports families in working toward goals that they have set for themselves. When working with diverse populations, access interpreters.
• Supports Lead Teacher to plan and carry out educational planning meetings with families.
• Completes daily attendance/meal count and/or snack production record. Assists with recordkeeping on individual children and families as directed by the teacher. Completes written observations of individual children throughout the year.
• Participates with Lead Teacher to develop a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry.
• Administers standardized screening tools as directed.
• Prepares and serves snacks and meals; participates in and facilitates mealtime service and joins children at the table for support and conversation.
• Oversees health habits in the classroom (i.e., handwashing, toothbrushing, etc.); administers first aid as needed; checks indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards; works in collaboration with Mental Health Professional and Nurse Consultant as needed.
• May assume the responsibilities of the Lead Teacher in their absence. Participates with Lead Teacher in recruitment and training of family/community volunteers, as directed.
• Participates in interdisciplinary planning for children and families to include staffings, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans, and other cross-component coordination efforts.
• Participates in in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other education opportunities to gain knowledge and throughout the year.
• Works in collaboration with Lead Teacher, families, and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families before and after school.
• Responsible to keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates.
• Adheres to all Akin policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• The equivalent of 12 college quarter credits* OR,

A current Child Development Associate (CDA) awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.

• Staff who do not meet Standard Qualifications may be hired if there is a Professional Development Plan submitted that describes how the individual will obtain full qualifications within five (5) years of appointment.

• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Food and Beverage Handler’s Permit within 30 days of hire.
• Completion of a one-step Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) test, unless has written proof of a negative test within past 12 months.
• Able to participate as positive, productive team member of the site’s multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for preschoolers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and relate positively to students, parents, staff, and volunteers in a diverse environment.
• Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts.
• Ability to perform basic clerical tasks such as recordkeeping, filing, typing, copying, etc.
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

• C-5 College Credit

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in English/Spanish highly desired.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $21.49 - $29. The starting salary range for this position is $21.49 - $23.37 DOE for external candidates.

Employees will also receive 10 days of vacation leave each year, three Employee Appreciation Day each year, and will accrue one sick day per month (pro-rated for part-time employees). Employees will also enjoy 15 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. We also offer EAP and mental health benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)