Assistant Teacher

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington•Spokane, WA

1d•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

St. Anne’s Early Learning, a program of Catholic Charities, provides childcare and educational instruction for children from 1 month through 6 years. The Assistant Teacher works closely with the Lead Teacher to support daily activities, learning experiences, and children’s well-being, helping create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. The center’s curriculum is not faith based, and applicants do not need to be practicing Catholics. The role also requires adherence to Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic Doctrine.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or General Education Degree.
Knowledge of child development and experience in child development centers.
ECE initial certificate or equivalent approved and verified in the MERIT system; an ECE short certificate may also satisfy the stated qualification.
Ability to pass a Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) background check and register in the MERIT system.
Complete 30 hours of STARS basic training within six months of hire if education and/or experience does not substitute.
Food Handler’s Certification, BBP training, First Aid, and CPR are required upon hire.
Proof of MMR vaccination is required upon hire.
Must complete a tuberculosis test.
Excellent communication skills with children, families, and team members.
Ability to collaborate and take direction from the Lead Teacher.
Patient, caring, and compassionate demeanor.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask in a busy environment.
Basic knowledge of health and safety protocols for children.
Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and internet software.
Ability to consistently arrive and work as scheduled, follow instructions, respond to management direction, and complete tasks on time.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing, understand instructions, perform basic mathematical calculations, coordinate precise movements, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to perform active work, including frequent kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing, bending, lifting, and twisting; prolonged standing; and frequent transitions from sitting or kneeling on the floor.
Ability to regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift or move up to 60 pounds.
Ability to work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment and outdoors in uncontrolled elements.
Ability to use computers and tolerate frequent terminal-screen exposure and repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements.
Ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more, with or without corrective lenses, differentiate between colors, and focus.
Ability to tolerate occasional exposure to fumes, dust, odors, and biohazards and potential exposure to illicit drugs and airborne contaminants; proper PPE is provided.

Nice To Haves

ECE short certificate, Applied Associate of Arts (AAS) in early childhood education, child development, or a related field.
Previous experience in a childcare or preschool setting; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing age-appropriate activities and curriculum that foster children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Lead small-group activities and one-on-one sessions to support individual children’s learning and growth.
Set up and clean up activities, keeping the classroom organized and conducive to learning.
Help maintain a positive, structured classroom where children feel safe, respected, and valued.
Support the Lead Teacher in managing behavior and guiding children in conflict resolution.
Supervise children at all times and ensure their safety and well-being.
Build trusting relationships with children and provide encouragement, support, and positive reinforcement.
Observe and document children’s progress and assist the Lead Teacher in tracking development.
Encourage children’s participation in daily routines, including meals, cleanup, and nap time.
Help maintain open communication with parents about children’s progress and concerns.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences or meetings as needed under the Lead Teacher’s direction.
Collaborate with the Lead Teacher, other assistants, and staff to support a cohesive classroom environment.
Attend staff meetings, designated in-service training, and professional development opportunities.
Follow health, safety, and sanitation protocols to maintain a clean and safe classroom.
Meet children’s needs, including diapering, bathroom breaks, and nutrition, in a timely and appropriate manner.
Work as a team member to achieve productivity outcome measures.
Use appropriate administrative, fiscal, physical, and technical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and security of client protected health information in accordance with HIPAA.
Use communication methods and database practices required for the position and as directed by the supervisor.
As a mandated reporter, follow agency procedures for reporting suspected or confirmed abuse or neglect of a child or adult to the proper agency.
Adhere to the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic Doctrine.
Perform related functions necessary to support the mission and core values of Catholic Charities.

Benefits

Free employee medical insurance.
Free employee dental insurance.
Free employee vision insurance.
Sick leave: 8 hours of paid sick leave per month.
Vacation: minimum of 2 weeks of paid vacation.
Discounted health memberships.
Retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution and an additional 3% employer match.
Free long-term disability insurance.
Free life insurance.
13 paid holidays.