Early Childhood Education; ECE Teacher Assistant

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher Assistant

Department:
Education

Salary: $20.34 - $29.18 per hour, FLSA Non-Exempt

Hours:

40 hours per week, Monday-Friday with some weekend and evening work

Status:
Accepting Applications

Published:
Jul 6, 2026

Closing Date:
Jul 20, 2026

Duration:
Based on available funding, full-time regular at completion of six month probationary period

The ECE Teacher Assistant position is responsible for assisting all classrooms and kitchen at the Samish Head Start and Early Head Start Centers by providing high quality, consistent support for classroom staff and children. The ECE Teacher Assistant will help all children engage in classroom experiences, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and licensing WAC regulations. Although this position is not directly responsible for lesson planning, activity implementation, or child development assessments, full support of program values and activities is expected.

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)
• Assists in implementing the daily program under the direction of the Lead Teachers.
• Engages children in exploration, sensory experiences, and engaging conversations that encourage curiosity and continued conversation loops.
• Maintains a general understanding of Head Start regulations, licensing WACs and Samish’s Policies and Procedures and supports the center in striving for full compliance each day.
• Assists in health and developmental screenings as needed. This may include taking height/weight measurements or helping escort a child to the front office for hearing/vision screenings, etc.
• Ensures that all classroom staff receive adequate breaks throughout the day including lunch, bathroom breaks, and planning time as needed.
• Greets and engages families whenever they are at the center, encouraging parent involvement and parent-teacher partnerships.
• Provides positive guidance to children with successful classroom management, and demonstrates clear limits and expectations according to developmentally appropriate practices.
• Maintains confidentiality for all children, families, and staff. Exercises appropriate discretion in information sharing with other staff as it applies to job responsibilities on a need-to-know basis.
• Attends training as relevant to staff development plans. Maintains current certification for First Aid, CPR, Food Handler’s Permit, and health checks. Complies with CPS mandated reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect.
• Assist and completes checklists such as the child health checklist twice daily, safety, classroom environment and outdoor checklists.
• Candidate must be flexible with schedule.
• Candidate will assist with lesson planning, child development assessments, child observations, incident reports and more.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Supports safe and orderly bus transportation of children, ensuring that proper seat restraints are used at all times and all safety regulations are followed during bus transportation.
• Assists in serving as a bus monitor, ensuring safe pick up and drop off of HS children.
• Supports children’s safety and appropriate behavior at all times during bus transportation.
• Communicates effectively with families and bus transportation staff to support smooth transitions.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• One year of experience in an early childhood program.
• Must be willing to complete 30 hrs Basic STARS course and 10 STARS hours of continuing education.
• Must possess strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to carry forty pounds without difficulty, sit in a child-sized…