Assistant Teacher

ABOUT AKIN:

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well-being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Collaborates with the Lead Teacher to provide children enrolled in EHS/HS/ECEAP with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that will help them develop in all domains in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. 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. This position has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Contributes to the development of communication, mutual respect, mutual support, competence, and creativity among all members of the staff
• Ability to establish positive goal-oriented relationships with children, staff and families
• Participates in planning the curriculum, 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 curriculum activities
• 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 following program requirements
• 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 staffing, multidisciplinary teams, individual education plans, and other cross-component coordination efforts
• Participates in in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other educational opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year including but not limited to annual required STARS trainings.
• Participates in center’s family activities and events: assists in set-up and clean-up, welcomes and engages with families, and other event duties. These events may be after hours, and participation is required
• Works in collaboration with Lead Teacher, families, and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families
• Responsible to keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates
• Adheres to all Akin policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Able to participate as positive, productive team member of the site’s multidisciplinary team
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children
• 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 monthly evening meetings
• Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; and experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds
• Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Moderate noise (i.e. classroom setting, outdoors, printers, phones)
• Typical classroom lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period
• Limited travel to other site locations within the state
• Ability to work rotating schedule for duration of center operating hours

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently, employees are required to walk, grasp, and push/pull up to 30lbs.
• Occasionally, sit, bend at knees, kneel/crawl, bend at waist, turn/pivot, balance, reach overhead, extend reach, pinch, lift up to 50lbs, and use hands, fingers for keyboarding.
• Specific vision and speaking abilities required by this job include constant speaking/hearing in person and occasionally on the phone. Vision is required for observation of children and families in various environments
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• WashingtonState Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initial Certificate or higher
  • Or current ChildDevelopment Associate (CDA)awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition
    • If the best candidate for the position does not meet qualification, they will be required to create a Professional Development Plan with their supervisor
• Proof of physical exam within past 12 months (updated every three years)
• One-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless has written proof of a negative test within past 12 months. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting.
  • https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister

REQUIRED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE:

• CPR and PEdiatric First Aid certification
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training
• Food Handler's Permit
• Other assigned trainings

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Language skills: Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Somali

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $21.49 - $25.25 per hour, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.

WHY JOIN AKIN?:

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
• Access ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• Be part of a team committed to inclusion, belonging, and community

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION:

Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.

Salary : $21 - $25