Classroom Assistant

Akin (formerly Childhaven)•Burien, WA

3d•$21 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Classroom Assistant helps provide comprehensive child development services and supports Lead and Assistant teachers with assigned duties. The role supports children’s learning and emotional development, assists with individualized education plans, and communicates respectfully with families to encourage their involvement in the education program. The position also assists with classroom activities, meal and snack routines, health and safety practices, record keeping, documentation, and family events. The assistant has access to protected health information and confidential identifiable information as needed for job duties. The role includes participating in staff meetings, required training, and professional development, including annual STARS training, and collaborating with a supervisor on an annual professional development and training plan. Work takes place in an early learning environment and may involve a rotating schedule during the center’s operating hours.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Proof of a physical exam within the past 12 months, updated every three years.
One-step Mantoux TB skin test before starting employment, unless there is written proof of a negative test within the past 12 months; people with a prior positive test must provide documented proof of treatment or a negative chest X-ray.
Proof of MMR vaccination or a positive MMR titer.
Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background checks, including MERIT registry and fingerprinting.
Ability to read, write, communicate effectively, and follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to establish positive, goal-oriented relationships with children, staff, and families.
Proficiency in Office 365 and database use.
Ability to develop working relationships and partnerships and collaborate with teams.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally and ethically.
Familiarity with or interest in accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, and experience working successfully with people from varied backgrounds.
Openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace.
Within 30 days of hire: CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification, HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training, Food Handler’s Permit, and other assigned trainings.
Regular, predictable attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience in childcare or a child development classroom.
Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in infant/toddler or preschool, and/or early childhood education college credits.
One year of experience working with children and families from culturally diverse and low-income backgrounds.
Basic STARS training before employment.
Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, or Somali language skills.
Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification and Food Handler’s Permit.

Responsibilities

Interact positively with children to support individual learning and emotional development.
Communicate regularly and respectfully with families and help teachers involve parents in the education program.
Assist with learning activities that support individualized education plans and children’s developmental goals.
Help set up the learning environment; clean and disinfect toys and materials; support health, nutrition, and safety activities; assist with lesson planning and other classroom duties.
Assist with meal and snack time, including room setup, meal or snack preparation as appropriate, and family-style meals, following applicable CACFP, Head Start, ECEAP, licensing, and Akin requirements.
Change diapers, assist with toilet learning, and help older children with toileting.
Participate in in-service training, staff meetings, employee meetings, professional development, and other educational opportunities, including required STARS training.
Collaborate with a supervisor to develop and implement an annual professional development and training plan.
Complete required training.
Assist with record keeping and documentation.
Perform other duties as assigned.