Preschool Assistant Teacher

Launch•Seattle, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preschool Assistant Teacher supports the overall operation of a preschool classroom for children ages 3–5, working with the Preschool Lead Teacher to provide a safe, caring, academically and socially enriching environment. The role helps ensure curriculum and activities are developmentally appropriate and address identified academic and developmental domains. The assistant teacher plans and prepares activities, supports children’s safety and participation, and collaborates with lead teachers on daily plans in accordance with the current curriculum. The role includes implementing activities using the HighScope program outline, recording observations and assessments in TSG, communicating with families and stakeholders, and completing required documentation and screenings. The assistant teacher also helps maintain a clean classroom, serves meals and snacks under applicable food-safety standards, supports kindergarten readiness and transitions, and participates in required meetings and trainings. Launch serves children and families through preschool, after-school, and summer programs in Seattle public schools and community centers, and emphasizes an anti-racist and inclusive approach.

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 trainings required by regulatory agencies.
Have at least two years of experience working with preschool children ages 3–5.
Have knowledge and competence in behavior management skills and activity planning/coordinating.
Communicate positively and proactively with children and adults.
Create varied, age-appropriate activities for children of different ages and developmental stages.
Work effectively 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 commitment to children, families, and employees.
Collaborate with on-site educators, colleagues, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality on-site programs.
Communicate effectively, professionally, and empathetically in written and verbal formats.
Work effectively in a normal classroom environment; physical requirements include walking, sitting, bending, twisting, standing, and reaching, and regularly lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills, including maintaining a safe, clean, effectively managed worksite and complying with Launch’s confidentiality policy for child, family, and employee information.
Show eagerness to learn and enhance skills that promote equity and inclusion.
Obtain and maintain criminal record clearance, 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 after hire, including Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families trainings 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 HighScope program outline.
Enter weekly observations and assessments in TSG.
Provide positive behavior guidance and tell children specifically what they are expected to do.
Adapt to changes and modifications recommended by coaches and leadership, and to changing trends in early childhood education.
Maintain the center’s appearance and cleanliness, including cleaning up after activities.
Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with Department of Health food-safety standards and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Communicate regularly 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 student activities.
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 the center’s general safety rules.
Apply first aid, perform CPR, complete incident reports, and use other health, safety, or life-saving procedures as needed.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.