Head Start Classroom Assistant - Multiple Locations

Tacoma Public Schools•Central Administration Building (CAB) 601 S 8th St., WA

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring a floating Head Start Classroom Assistant to support an Early Learning classroom associate instructor. The assistant helps promote children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth; maintains a positive, child-oriented environment; and supports delivery of child development, parent involvement, and parent education services in accordance with Early Learning program standards. The position’s location and schedule are determined daily based on program needs. The role assists with classroom instruction, curriculum and daily activities, child screenings and assessments, behavior guidance, student safety and routines, meals, family communication and involvement, volunteer training, enrollment, attendance, and confidential program records. The assistant may assume primary responsibility for the classroom in the associate instructor’s absence. The position is expected to begin in November 2026 and is .9375 FTE, working 7.5 hours per day for 182 work days over 10 months. The work may involve flexible hours, including nights and weekends, travel to student homes, exposure to infectious disease, and outdoor work in inclement weather. Physical activity includes lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds and bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking, twisting, climbing, running, sitting, and standing as needed to support curriculum and student safety. A physical exam and TB test are required within 60 days of employment and periodically thereafter for some programs.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have at least 12 college quarter credits in early childhood education.
Meet the stated early childhood education qualification pathway: a one-year ECE certificate; an AA in ECE or enrollment in a program leading to an AA or BA in an education-related field; or a current CDA credential or enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within two years, together with one year of post-secondary experience working in a preschool or child care setting; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
Meet Washington state paraeducator minimum qualifications: high school diploma or equivalent and one of the following—an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; a qualifying score of 455 on the ETS paraeducator assessment; 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university; or completion of a registered paraeducator apprenticeship.
Hold current First Aid and CPR certifications and a Food Handler’s permit, or obtain them within the first three months of employment.
Keep the CDA credential current throughout employment, if applicable as required for the position.
Have a valid Washington State driver’s license and access to personal transportation.
Complete fingerprinting and successfully pass WSP and FBI background clearance and sexual misconduct clearance; some programs may also require Portable Background (DCYF) clearance.
Complete a physical exam and TB test within 60 days of employment and periodically thereafter for some Early Learning programs.
Know applicable Early Learning programs and their philosophy and components; child development; child assessment and observation methods; and community resources related to family needs.
Demonstrate problem-solving, crisis-management, information exchange, basic word processing, and effective child and group management skills.
Be able to relate positively with families and young children; support program philosophy; plan preschool curriculum; maintain confidentiality and records; work with students with special needs and adapt curriculum; promote parent education; prioritize and coordinate tasks; and work cooperatively with diverse people and teams.
Be able to lift and carry students and perform the physical activities required to support the curriculum and student safety.

Responsibilities

Assist with and deliver individual and group instruction, and monitor and record children’s progress.
Assist with curriculum planning and daily instructional activities; prepare learning materials; clean up classroom materials and equipment; and help maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
Assist with child screenings, assessments, observations, and entry of information into computer-based assessment systems.
Model and monitor behavior, redirect students, and teach appropriate behavior; supervise students as needed when entering or leaving the building and boarding buses.
Meet children arriving by bus or with parents, escort them safely into the classroom, and sign them in and out according to procedures.
Prepare and assist with classroom routines, which may include tooth brushing.
May obtain and prepare student meals, encourage student participation and conversation, and track and submit menu changes.
Promote and coordinate family involvement, parent committees, and parent education; maintain communication with families; and assist with reports, meetings, flyers, newsletters, and calls to parents or guardians.
May participate in home visits and family conferences to discuss student progress and development.
Train volunteers as directed, assist with recruitment and enrollment, and assume primary responsibility for the classroom and students when the associate instructor is absent.
Assist with attendance records, confidential records, compliance documentation, and organizing, duplicating, distributing, and filing materials.
Attend meetings, classes, workshops, and seminars as needed or assigned to maintain current knowledge of early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practices, and program requirements.
Perform related duties as assigned on a temporary basis and maintain regular, reliable, predictable attendance.