What are the responsibilities and job description for the Afternoon Assistant (Toddler Classroom) position at Journey Discovery Center?
Join a team where your passion for early learning shapes young hearts and minds!
About Us
Journey Discovery Center has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in the Inland Northwest for four years running — ranked #6 in 2025!
We believe in building a collaborative community of teachers and families. Our mission is to support and inspire children through their earliest years by recognizing each child’s unique gifts — and honoring the same in our educators.
When you join our team, you become part of a nurturing environment where curiosity is encouraged, creativity thrives, and connection is at the heart of all we do.
Your Role
As a Toddler Assistant Teacher, you’ll help create a warm, engaging classroom where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Working alongside lead teachers, you’ll support social, emotional, and cognitive development through meaningful play, daily routines, and consistent encouragement.
You will:
- Foster a positive classroom environment through supportive guidance and behavior management.
- Encourage children’s unique abilities by adapting activities to meet individual needs, including those with developmental differences or autism.
- Support daily routines, from classroom setup to transitions, ensuring safety and structure.
- Build strong, responsive relationships with children and families through communication and care.
- Collaborate with co-teachers to plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.
- Model kindness, patience, and curiosity in every interaction.
What We’re Looking For
Basic Qualifications:
- Experience working with young children in a preschool or childcare setting.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- A warm, patient, and reliable presence.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Coursework or background in early childhood education or child development.
- Experience supporting children with diverse learning needs.
- Familiarity with play-based approaches.
- Creativity and enthusiasm for lesson planning and classroom enrichment.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
We care deeply about both our children and our educators. Here, your growth, well-being, and joy in teaching matter.
We offer:
- A positive, professional, and supportive work environment
- Guaranteed, consistent part-time hours
- Competitive pay starting at $17.67/hour
- Annual raises
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Ongoing paid professional development & training
- Opportunities for advancement and full-time roles
- Flexible scheduling and paid time off
Full-Time team members also enjoy:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Parental leave and tuition reimbursement
- Professional development assistance
Join Us!
Be part of a community where teachers feel empowered, children feel loved, and families feel supported. Together, we’re shaping the next generation — one joyful, curious learner at a time.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.14 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- If not clear on your resume, or if your experience with children is informal, please elaborate on your experience with children, specifically ages 1-2 years old. Thank you!
- We are looking to add an amazing teacher to the afternoons in our toddler classroom. This shift is Monday-Friday, likely 3:00pm-6:00pm (the shift will be confirmed prior to hire). Are you interested and consistently available for this position?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18