Teacher Assistant – Spokane

SALARY LEVEL: $18.00 – $21.09 / PER HOUR

OPENING DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2026

CLOSING DATE: FEBRUARY 24, 2026

The Spokane Tribe of Indians Tribal 477/TANF Program promotes and supports Tribal children and their families reaching their full potential of becoming healthy, productive, and self‑sufficient. This is done in a way that protects and benefits the Tribal children, respects, and preserves their culture, values traditions, gives families access as well as input into the full range of programs and services to promote their self‑esteem, independence, self‑sufficiency, and their educational experiences.

The TANF Children’s Center provides a safe and developmentally appropriate environment that is culturally relevant to children and families which reside, work, or attend school on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The primary emphasis of the program is to provide Early Childhood learning in an educational setting. The Early Learning Center promotes competence in our children, parent alliances, community collaboration and proficiency in our staff.

All active investigations resulting in removal of any minor child under custody/guardianship of an employee will result in immediate suspension. Following completion of active investigation, any findings of child abuse or neglect will result in immediate termination of employment.

Employees are required to disclose any active investigations of crimes listed on the Secretary’s List of Crimes and Negative Actions (WAC  during the interview/hiring process and throughout term of employment.

• Assist classroom staff in planning, prepping, and implementing activities in accordance with developmentally appropriate practice and program philosophy.
• Work with classroom staff to ensure a variety of materials, resources, and activities for children to explore, manipulate and use; both in learning activities and imaginative play which develop questioning, probing, and problem solving appropriate to developmental levels and learning styles of the children are utilized.
• Assist in language development by communicating thoughtfully throughout the day and in a variety of activities with children.
• Assist classroom staff in meeting the unique individualized needs of each child.
• Assist in all classrooms, including infant, toddler, preschool, and school‑age.
• Assist in maintaining all learning space to ensure it is an enjoyable environment that encourages exploration and learning.
• Assist in providing a safe environment to prevent and reduce injuries of the children; observe and monitor children’s play activities.
• Promote an environment that contributes to good health and prevention of illness; instruct children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.
• Attend to children’s basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
• Support children’s emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self‑concepts.
• Support lead staff in utilizing positive discipline tactics with all children and recommend or initiate other measures to control behavior in accordance with program policy and individualized care plans as determined by classroom teaching teams.
• Actively participate in ALL quality improvement endeavors, including but not limited to meeting Washington State Early Achievers Minimum Operating Guidelines.
• Observe and monitor children’s play activities.
• Read to children and teach them simple painting, drawing, handicrafts, and songs.
• Provide the children with opportunities to understand and acquire communication skills through their thoughts and feelings.
• Positively interact with the children assisting them in selecting or participating in developmentally appropriate activities.
• Maintain an open, friendly, and informative relationship with children and families; and encourage their participation in the program.
• Engage the children in appropriate language development through conversation and vocalization.
• Assist in supporting the children’s positive self‑image through appropriate conversations and positive guidance techniques including negotiating skills; utilizing positive guidance techniques and…