Early Learning - Teacher Assistant (Thurston County)

Capital Region ESD 113•Tumwater, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant supports Head Start/ECEAP early learning programs by helping plan and implement classroom activities and lesson plans that meet individual and group needs. The role prepares curriculum materials, supports classroom routines, documents children’s and families’ progress and activities, addresses individual needs, encourages parent involvement, and helps maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment. This is a union-represented position with the Federation of Head Start Employees, located in Thurston County, Washington. The work schedule is 8 hours per day for 180–204 days per year; the work calendar is determined by the school program. The position reports to the ELP Area Coordinator and works under direct supervision using standardized procedures. A bilingual differential of up to $0.70 may be available depending on program need. Required application attachments are a transcript, resume, and cover letter.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Job-related experience is required.
Willingness and ability to enroll in a course to obtain a CDA or in a degree program leading to an associate degree in Early Childhood, or currently enrolled in such a course or program.
Obtain a CPR/First Aid Certificate within 60 days of hire and maintain required certificates or licenses.
Obtain a Food Handlers Permit within 30 days of hire.
Pass Criminal Justice and DEL fingerprint/background clearances, obtain MMR clearance, and provide a Washington State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release.
Complete a physical examination within six weeks of hire and periodic examinations every four years.
Skills in following safety practices, operating standard office equipment and relevant software, and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
Basic math skills, including calculations using fractions, percents, and ratios; ability to understand written procedures and multi-step instructions, write routine documents, and speak clearly.
Knowledge of comprehensive early childhood programs, grammar and punctuation, child development stages, age-appropriate activities, and safety practices and procedures.
Ability to schedule activities or meetings, gather or collate data, and use basic job-related equipment.
Ability to communicate with varied groups, adapt to changing priorities, maintain confidentiality, work as part of a team, meet deadlines and schedules, and work with constant interruptions.
Ability to work with others and data using defined processes, follow prescribed guidelines to solve problems, and use equipment according to defined methods.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience working with children in an infant/toddler or preschool setting.
Basic knowledge of a comprehensive early childhood program such as Head Start or ECEAP.
A CDA or Early Childhood Education certificate or degree; salary grades vary for Teacher Assistants with a CDA/ECE certificate or an AA/BA plus 12 credits.

Responsibilities

Assist the teaching team with planning and implementing classroom plans and routines.
Assess children’s developmental levels, document progress, and work with teachers to support development.
Help plan developmentally appropriate classroom activities for individual and group needs.
Assist with children’s daily hygiene and personal needs, including diaper changing, feeding, and changing soiled or wet clothes.
Attend educational workshops, seminars, in-services, and ongoing evaluation and position-plan reviews to maintain professional knowledge.
Collaborate with coworkers and program staff to clarify roles and expectations and maintain program quality.
Demonstrate methods for carrying out activities and meeting individual student needs.
Implement lesson plans and help maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment.
Instruct children and parents in areas such as nutrition, self-care, social, motor, and language skills.
Monitor children in the classroom, during meals and snacks, on the playground, and on field trips to support their safety and welfare.
Participate in family staffing, staff training, planning, communication, and evaluation activities.
Prepare teaching materials and reports, including classroom activity records, child observations, infant daily information reports, and program records.
Prepare and set up curriculum materials and organize the classroom to maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
Share program information with parents, encourage their involvement, value parent volunteers, and interact positively with parents.
Assist other personnel as needed, including substituting for a teacher or assisting with transportation or food services.
Perform other related duties as assigned.