Assistant Teacher (Early Childhood Program Specialist 1) Infant/Toddler & Preschool - Head Start - Permanent, Hourly

CCS Spokane•Spokane, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher assists with routine duties and assignments in a Head Start/Early Head Start early childhood classroom under the general supervision of the Center Manager and daily direction of the Lead and/or Associate Teacher. The role supports implementation of the educational curriculum and the general operation of the classroom serving infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers. This is a permanent, hourly position. The Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, welcoming learning environment; supports children’s development and health; assists with classroom documentation and family engagement; and works with the classroom and direct services team to provide comprehensive services to children and families. The work is active, includes indoor and outdoor environments, and involves frequent interruptions and physical activity. The work schedule is determined by the supervisor, and the position is overtime eligible.

Requirements

Current First Aid/CPR training or ability to obtain it when training is available through Spokane Colleges.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional and ethical boundaries with families and staff.
Ability to maintain a healthy, safe, and welcoming environment inside and outside the classroom.
Knowledge of appropriate techniques for diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet training.
Ability to work on and pivot between multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work without assistive equipment that could compromise or interfere with the physical safety of children and staff.
Post-offer medical examination, including tuberculin screening, and documentation of MMR vaccination or immunity.
Pre-employment, post-offer criminal history and child-abuse information check, including the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families Portable Background Check.
Valid Food Workers Card, when available through the Washington State Department of Health.
Must provide acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.
Must complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation when selected for the position.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including moving up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally; frequent kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, twisting, repetitive hand and wrist motions, finger manipulation, reaching, grabbing, and stretching; and frequent oral and auditory communication.

Nice To Haves

One year of childcare experience or equivalent education and experience.
Washington State Early Childhood Education certificate or current Child Development Associate certificate.
One or more years of experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children.
Previous experience with Head Start/Early Head Start or working with low-income families from diverse cultural groups, especially English as a Second Language families.
Basic computer skills, including email and word processing.
Previous experience with Teaching Strategies Gold and Creative Curriculum Tools.

Responsibilities

Assist with preparation and implementation of daily classroom and outdoor routines and activities.
Use daily routines to support individual learning opportunities.
Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting an early childhood curriculum.
Assist in assessing the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers; record ongoing assessments and help develop individualized learning opportunities, including for children with disabilities.
Promote and protect children’s health by following Individual Health Plans and special-diet needs.
Attend to children’s personal needs and model routine care as part of primary caregiving.
Assist with developmental screenings, referrals, follow-up services, and parent involvement in curriculum planning and classroom observations.
Help maintain required documentation, records, and supplies.
May perform Lead and/or Associate Teacher duties and guide children for specified periods when teachers are absent.
Work as a member of the classroom and direct services team to provide integrated, comprehensive services to children and families.
May participate in case management, home visits, center conferences, and development and implementation of Children’s Individual Plans and family transition plans.
Participate in required meetings and training as directed.
Model professional decorum and mutual respect in interactions.
Comply with district policies and procedures, directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes, and collective bargaining agreements.
Support Spokane Colleges’ strategic plan and perform other assigned duties.