ECEAP Assistant Teacher

YWCA of Spokane•Spokane, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting and implementing quality program activities. The Assistant Teacher assists with the implementation of the educational curriculum that meets the ECEAP Performance Standards and the requirements of daily operations of a preschool classroom in ECEAP. The Assistant Teacher may guide children for specified periods of time in the absence of the Lead Teacher. The Assistant Teacher participates as a team member of the direct service team, in partnership with parents to provide integrated services to children and their families.

Requirements

An Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or an Associate’s Degree with 12 ECE credits is required.
Experience teaching preschool-age children (2.5-5 years of age); experience in ECEAP, Head Start preferred and/ or working with a low-income or high-risk population preferred.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices including child development, developmentally appropriate practices, observations, and ongoing assessment, individually planning, special services, referral, developing and maintaining a classroom environment and routines and child management.
Must maintain 15 hours of ongoing training annually; 10 hours must be STARS hours training.
Ability to perform or willingness to learn the physical duties of caring for preschool-aged children, including assisting with toileting, stand up diapering, handwashing, and other hygiene routines in accordance with Washington State licensing requirements.
Ability to pass a tuberculosis (TB) test and background check.
Ability to manage time efficiently and demonstrate reliability.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends during the school year.
Cultural Humility - Demonstrates an understanding of, respect for, and ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Actively promotes and participates in activities that increase cultural awareness and understanding within YWCA Spokane.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion - Strives to create fair and just conditions for all, while recognizing systemic inequities. Fosters a sense of belonging that promotes diversity, works to address barriers, and ensures that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources regardless of their background or identity.
Trauma-Informed Practice - Create environments and approaches that acknowledge the prevalence and impact of trauma, prioritize safety, and foster healing and resilience. Understand, recognize, and respond to the effects of trauma while actively working to avoid re-traumatization.
Fostering an Empowering Empowerment - Encourage an atmosphere where individuals feel valued, supported, capable, and resourceful.
Professional Conduct -Consistently act in a manner that is honest, fair, and respectful while taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions. Maintain integrity and build trust while adhering to the agency's code of ethics and professional guidelines.
Adaptability and Resilience - Demonstrate openness and flexibility to work with changing circumstances and unexpected challenges. Adapt to the situation at hand by contributing solution- oriented ideas while advocating for the support needed to reset and achieve set goals.
Effective Communication - Communicate clearly, accurately, and in ways that are understood by the intended audience. Actively listen and respond in a constructive, open-minded, and empathetic manner that ensures mutual understanding and respect.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking - Help identify potential solutions to challenges proactively. Contribute ideas, perspectives, and strategies that contribute toward informed decisions that align with the agency’s mission and values while helping to achieve set goals.
Human-Centered Approach - Prioritize providing compassionate, respectful service that aims to create solutions that are not only functional and effective but also meaningful and engaging for clients, staff, and our community.
Effective Interpersonal Skills - Be supportive, kind, empathetic, and patient with colleagues, administrators, clients, and community partners. Contribute toward a climate of mutual respect and appreciation.
Independent Work Efficiency - Able to work independently in an efficient and productive manner.
Reliability and Continuous Improvement - Demonstrates reliability and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Demonstrates Understanding and Acceptance of Mission, Values, Goals, and Objectives - Clearly understands and actively supports the mission, values, goals, and objectives of YWCA and its programs.

Nice To Haves

experience in ECEAP, Head Start preferred
working with a low-income or high-risk population preferred

Responsibilities

Assisting the Lead Teacher in the planning of developmentally appropriate curriculum for preschool aged children including; the preparation of lesson plans for classroom activities, ongoing evaluation, and documentation of progress made by the children in the classroom.
Assisting with storage and maintenance of educational equipment, supplies, materials, classroom safety, and maintenance.
Assisting in maintaining required documentation for individual child files and electronic databases, including ongoing documentation of communication with families, referrals, and referral follow-ups.
Participating in the development of annual and/or monthly required reports designed to monitor attendance, meal count, minor incident/accident reports, medical emergency reports, etc.
Performing any other related duties as required.
Actively participating in age-appropriate interactions and classroom activities such as free play, mealtime, floor time, and classroom activities.
Assisting children with toileting, handwashing, and diapering routines, including stand up diapering when appropriate, in accordance with Washington State licensing requirements and program health and safety procedures while supporting each child's dignity, privacy, independence, and developmental needs.
Aiding in ongoing individualized educational goals for all enrolled children.
Enhancing physical and intellectual competencies in children by promoting physical, cognitive, language, and creative skills, including those children who require special services.
Supporting in administering educational screenings to identify and refer children with potentially high risks of health, disability, or behavioral concerns.
Providing emotional support that is trauma-informed, engaging, responsive, attentive, consistent, nurturing, supportive, and culturally sensitive to all children.
Supporting communication with parents and actively involve them in all aspects of program activities, through home visit conferences, orientation, field trips, classroom involvement, and maintaining a minimum of three hours of parent contact.
Attending and supporting home visit conferences; co-facilitating case management with the assigned direct service team.
Working with a direct service team and local home schools for children during special needs services and transitions to kindergarten.
Supporting a safe and healthy learning environment for children by understanding and following the Department of Early Learning (DEL) Performance Standards regarding instruction practice, health and safety, classroom requirements, and hours of service.
Maintaining confidentiality of program and client-related information at all times.
Maintaining a commitment to professionalism and continuing your own professional development based on early childhood theories and practices.
Modeling professional decorum and mutual respect in all interactions.