Assistant Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY

The E-Start Assistant Teacher assists the teacher in providing children with a learning environment and varied experiences which will help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development, in enhancing parents' role as the principal influence on the child's education and development and to support children's physical well-being and access to on‑going health services.

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

• Daily Program:
  Participates in planning with teachers and other staff members. Participates in preparation of materials and the environment. Assists in maintaining a safe, orderly and developmentally appropriate environment.
• Interactions with Children and Families:
  Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning and meets their emotional needs. Works with the teachers in communicating regularly and respectfully with families and involving them in the program.
• Environment:
  Helps maintain a safe and healthy environment for children which is reflective of the cultures and languages of the enrolled families, and supervises children in the classroom, outdoor spaces and on field trips.
• Individualizing:
  Participates in ongoing assessment of individual children including written observations, work samples, and developmental checklist. Participates in developing and implementing individual learning plans (ILP). Assists in providing a curriculum and environment which meets the needs of every child, including those with disabilities.
• Health and Development Screening:
  Assist in administering screenings and performing health duties.
• Meals:
  Participates in meal preparations, family‑style meal implementation and cleanup. Plans, sets‑up and prepares meals as appropriate; cleans up dishes, wipes down tables, and stores food; eats family‑style meals with children. Serves food, identifying children's dietary accommodations with information provided by teacher/family support specialist. Completes USDA paperwork. Assists with maintaining emergency food and emergency non‑food supplies.
• Record Keeping:
  Helps maintain complete written records for each child/family, which are stored in a confidential manner.
• Interdisciplinary Planning:
  Participates as a team member in interdisciplinary planning for children and families, and other cross‑component coordination efforts.
• Parent Involvement:
  Participates in, encourages, and supports family involvement in all aspects of the program, including parent gatherings/meetings. May visit parents in their homes.
• Duties in Absence of Teacher:
  When requested, assumes responsibilities of teacher in his/her absence.
• Staff Training:
  Attends pre‑service and other staff 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

• Abides by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules/standards and wears required safety equipment. Wears safe shoes with toe and heel covering.

• Criminal background clearance
• Possess and maintain a valid and current Food Handler's permit
• Possess and maintain a 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 smell of smoke, perfume, or other chemicals
• Possess and maintain district‑paid Positive Behavior…