Assistant Teacher - Early Childhood Programs

Willamalane Park and Recreation District•Springfield, OR

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher assists the Lead Teacher in preparing and implementing monthly curriculum and enrichment activities, and helps provide a positive learning environment supporting children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development. The position monitors and supervises preschool- and kindergarten-age children in classroom activities, recommends program activities and projects, and helps ensure participant safety. The employee supervises and assists children in developmentally appropriate activities, including games, songs, learning activities, arts and crafts, gym time, nap time, and snacks or lunch. The role works under the supervision of the Recreation Supervisor, with daily on-site direction from an Early Childhood Teacher. Supervisory responsibility for staff is not normally part of this classification. This is a part-time, non-exempt, benefitted position represented by AFSCME. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 10:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The anticipated start date is October 19, 2026.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent and one year of experience working with children in a comparable preschool or early-child-development center, or a satisfactory combination of experience and training demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of positive behavior management for preschool-age children and some knowledge of age-appropriate activity development.
Ability to plan and implement recreational and educational activities for preschool-age children.
Excellent customer service skills and childcare record-keeping skills.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; work successfully with children, parents, and staff; and contribute as a team member.
Ability to act calmly and effectively in emergencies, intervene in conflicts using positive strategies, and follow oral and written instructions.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of employment, First Aid and CPR certification, an Oregon Food Handler Permit, Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect certification, Introduction to Childcare Health and Safety certification, and Foundations for Learning Certification.
Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry within seven days of hire.
Pass a drug screen and criminal background check before employment.
Ability to use personal protective equipment as needed and required by health and safety guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Experience mentoring and engaging preschool-to-pre-K children in a childcare setting.
Experience organizing and facilitating daily activities in a childcare setting.
Comprehension of Oregon State childcare rules and regulations.
Associate degree or certificate in early childhood, child development, or a related field, and one year of progressively responsible experience working with children in a comparable preschool or early-child-development center, or a satisfactory combination of experience and training.
Bilingual Spanish or ASL ability; a bilingual rate adjustment is contingent on passing a proficiency test.

Responsibilities

Monitor participant safety, including by taking attendance and conducting frequent head counts, and ensure the safety of participants and program staff at the site.
Lead and supervise children in age-appropriate enrichment activities, including centers, circle time, art projects, outdoor and gym time, songs, games, nap time, and meals or snacks.
Prepare and lead activities as requested, and recommend program activities and projects.
Prepare and serve snacks and clean up according to food service standards and practices.
Redirect children using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports strategies and age-appropriate social-emotional language.
Prepare rooms and set up supplies or equipment for activities, then perform necessary clean up.
Respond to parents' questions and keep them informed about children's progress and achievements.
Report suspected child abuse to a supervisor and contact Services to Children & Families as necessary.
Respond to incidents using First Aid, CPR, or AED as needed.
Maintain program, class, and activity records and files.
Perform other job-related duties as required.

Benefits

Paid vacation leave after completion of the probationary period, which is the first of the month following at least six months from the hire date; accrual increases based on years of service.
Paid sick leave beginning on the hire date, accruing at one hour for every 30 hours worked.
Eleven District-recognized paid holidays per year, prorated based on employee FTE.
Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance beginning the first of the month following the hire date.
Annual cost-of-living increase of up to 4%, as approved by the Board.
Merit increase of 3% after successful completion of probation and annually thereafter.
Additional $1 per hour for successful completion of a Spanish or ASL competency test.
Voluntary deferred compensation and flexible spending programs.
Discount on selected childcare programs, subject to restrictions.
25-percent discount on certain recreation programs.
Free pool use for lap and play swimming for the employee and family.
Free fitness center use for the employee and family.
Free wellness programs for the employee.
Payroll direct deposit is available.