Assistant Teacher

SQUAXIN ISLAND TRIBE•Shelton, WA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

The Squaxin Island Child Development Center Assistant Teacher assists with classroom instruction and supports a nurturing environment that promotes children’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The position works with guidance from the lead teacher and center administration, supporting a developmentally appropriate program for young children and contributing to classroom, family, and center activities. Candidates must meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: an associate degree, an initial Early Childhood Education certificate, or a high school diploma or equivalent with two years of experience working with young children while working toward an ECE initial certificate and/or degree. Candidates must be at least 18 and comfortable working with children from birth to five. The position also requires specified pre-employment checks and certifications, including a TB test, physical, and First Aid/CPR including Child/Infant; a Food Handler Permit and DCYF Orientation Training are due within 30 days of hire. Candidates must pass Tribal and State background checks and obtain fingerprint clearance. A drug and alcohol screening is required. Indian Preference will be exercised in hiring.

Requirements

Meet one of the listed education and experience pathways: an associate degree; an initial Early Childhood Education certificate; or a high school diploma or equivalent plus two years of experience working with young children while working toward an ECE initial certificate and/or degree.
Experience with observations, curriculum development, and assessment of young children.
Comfort working with children from birth to five years old.
Be at least 18 years old.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with parents about children’s development and write correspondence to families.
Have basic computer skills.
Be able to read and interpret safety rules, instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and speak effectively before groups.
Be able to perform basic arithmetic and compute rates, ratios, and percentages and interpret bar graphs.
Be able to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions.
Complete pre-employment TB test and physical, and have First Aid/CPR certification including Child/Infant.
Obtain a Food Handler Permit and complete DCYF Orientation Training within 30 days of hire.
Pass Tribal and State background checks, obtain fingerprint clearance, and complete the required drug and alcohol screening.
Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, supervising, and implementing a developmentally appropriate program for a specific age group of young children.
Assist in providing an integrated, developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets the developmental needs of the group and individual children.
Help children develop self-help, social, and emotional skills; use and promote positive guidance techniques.
Assist with ongoing assessment of children’s needs and developmental progress and apply findings to the curriculum.
Promote respect for each child’s personality, culture, language, family structure, developmental needs, and behaviors.
Model and provide direction and guidance for classroom aides and volunteers.
Facilitate positive and productive relationships with families, including communicating about children’s development and writing correspondence.
Assist with daily, weekly, and monthly records concerning attendance, family communication, curriculum, assessments, health, and nutrition, and learn to use electronic databases.
Follow health and safety guidelines and maintain confidentiality concerning children, families, and staff.
Participate in ongoing professional development, coursework, staff and parent meetings, and center events; maintain TSG reliability for the position.
Positively represent the center’s mission, goals, philosophies, and policies to parents, staff, and the community.