Assistant Teacher

Position Summary

The E-Start Assistant Teacher assists the teacher in providing children with a learning environment and varied experiences that help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. The role enhances parents’ role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development, supports children’s physical well-being, and provides access to ongoing health services.

The primary focus of this position is assisting the teacher in the learning activities.

• Daily Program:
  Participate in planning with teachers and other staff, help prepare materials and the classroom environment, and assist in maintaining a safe, orderly, developmentally appropriate setting.
• Interactions with Children and Families:
  Interact positively with all children, support individual learning and emotional needs, and work with teachers to communicate regularly and respectfully with families.
• Environment:
  Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children that reflects the cultures and languages of enrolled families; supervise children in classroom, outdoor spaces, and on field trips.
• Individualizing:
  Participate in ongoing assessment of individual children using observations, work samples, and developmental checklists; help develop and implement individual learning plans (ILP) and provide a curriculum that meets every child’s needs, including those with disabilities.
• Health and Development Screening:
  Assist in administering screenings and performing health duties.
• Meals:
  Participate in meal preparation, family-style meal implementation, and cleanup; serve food while identifying children’s dietary accommodations; complete USDA paperwork; assist with maintaining emergency food supplies.
• Record Keeping:
  Help maintain complete written records for each child/family in a confidential manner.
• Interdisciplinary Planning:
  Participate as a team member in interdisciplinary planning for children and families and other cross‑component coordination efforts.
• Parent Involvement:
  Encourage and support family involvement in all aspects of the program, including parent gatherings and meetings; may visit parents in their homes.
• Duties in Absence of Teacher:
  Assume teacher responsibilities upon request.
• Staff Training:
  Attend pre‑service and in‑service trainings.

Washington State ECE Initial Certificate, Short Certificate of Specialization, or Certificate OR Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (any focus) from the Council for Professional Recognition OR 12 job‑related credits (Substitution: Professional Development Plan to complete above qualifications).

One (1) school year (9 months) experience in a preschool classroom. Current and former E‑Start parents receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are equally qualified.

• Abide by OSHA safety rules/standards and wear required safety equipment; wear safe shoes with toe and heel covering.

• Criminal background clearance.
• Maintain a valid and current Food Handler’s permit.
• Maintain current district‑approved American Heart Association or American Red Cross pediatric CPR and first aid training within 90 days of employment (district approved courses must include hands‑on exam).
• Have reliable transportation.
• Submit a Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) health clearance form from a medical provider.
• Provide current negative TB test results or negative chest X-ray.
• Cannot wear smoke, perfume, or other chemical odors.
• Maintain district‑paid Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certified course.
• Successfully complete the FWPS district‑approved Right Response training at the advanced level; maintain current certification through annual recertification.
• Pass and maintain a Portable Back Check (PBC) on Merit through DCYF, cleared prior to employment start date.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

• School board policies and procedures.
• Compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

• Demonstrate basic technology knowledge and willingness and ability to…