Preschool Assistant Teacher

Launch•Seattle, WA

10d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Launch is dedicated to ensuring a brilliant start for all children. Its preschool, after-school, and summer programs provide equitable access to high-quality learning and care in a safe, enriching environment. Launch serves more than 1,300 children ages 3–12 at sites in Seattle public schools and community centers and is committed to an anti-racist and inclusive environment. The Preschool Assistant Teacher helps provide a safe, caring, academically and socially enriching classroom for children ages 3–5. The role works cooperatively with preschool lead teachers to implement daily plans and developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that address children’s academic and developmental needs. The assistant teacher supports children’s safety, participation, creativity, and progress, and contributes to classroom operations, family communication, documentation, and program readiness.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete the Department of Children, Youth, and Families state-required Initial Certificate (12 credits) within five years of hire.
Commit to continued professional development, including training required by regulatory agencies.
Have at least two years of experience working with preschool children ages 3–5, including knowledge and competence in behavior management and activity planning/coordinating.
Communicate positively and proactively with children and adults.
Create versatile, varied, age-appropriate activities for children at different ages and developmental stages.
Work effectively both independently and as a team member.
Problem-solve, think strategically, and handle sensitive information and difficult situations tactfully and confidentially.
Exhibit cultural humility when working with staff and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Lead by example and demonstrate behavior consistent with Launch’s values, mission, and commitments to children, families, and employees.
Collaborate with on-site educators, colleagues, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality programs.
Communicate effectively, professionally, and empathetically in writing and verbally.
Work effectively in a normal classroom environment and meet the stated physical requirements, including regularly lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Maintain strong organizational skills and a safe, clean, effectively managed worksite while complying with Launch’s confidentiality policy.
Show eagerness to learn and enhance skills that promote equity and inclusion.
Obtain and maintain criminal record clearance.
Obtain TB clearance, a Food Worker Card, First Aid/CPR certification, blood-borne pathogens/HIV training, mandated reporter training, and an MMR vaccination record.
Attend required trainings, including Washington State DCYF training in medication management, disaster and emergency preparedness, families experiencing homelessness, and abusive head trauma.
Complete the STARS Basic 30-hour Child Care course within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Support the overall operation of the preschool classroom for children ages 3–5 as an assistant to the Preschool Lead Teacher.
Plan, prepare, implement, and clean up activities and projects using the High Scope program outline.
Enter weekly observations and assessments in TSG.
Provide positive behavior guidance, using clear and specific directions for desired behavior.
Adapt to changes and modifications recommended by coaches and leadership and respond to changing trends in early childhood education.
Maintain center appearance and cleanliness, including cleaning up after activities.
Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with Department of Health food safety standards and CACFP requirements.
Communicate frequently with parents, site leadership, and other stakeholders about classroom activities, observations, and children’s progress.
Prepare and schedule parent/teacher conferences.
Complete required reports and assessments, including observations, attendance (DATTs), health screenings, and developmental screenings.
Use daily planning time to prepare developmentally appropriate activities for students.
Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.
Complete Kindergarten transition forms and support Kindergarten Readiness programs.
Attend and complete required trainings, including State and Registry Service workshops.
Enforce center safety rules; apply first aid, perform CPR, complete incident reports, and use other health, safety, or life-saving procedures as needed.
Perform other assigned duties and responsibilities.