GELC Teacher's Assistant

Puyallup Tribe of Indians•Tacoma, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher’s Assistant supports the care and early education of children from birth to age five, as well as school-age children, at the Grandview Early Learning Center (GELC). The role helps create and maintain a safe, healthy, and culturally appropriate learning environment, assists the lead classroom teacher, and participates in classroom, outdoor, and daily care activities. The position requires active participation in Puyallup language and culture classes and use of the Tribe’s language and culture program recommendations in classroom materials and plans. The assistant also attends required training to support children’s individual and special needs, follows support plans, and helps provide developmentally appropriate care for children from birth to age twelve. This is a full-time position, scheduled for 40 hours per week, reporting to the Director. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. Compensation is based on a salary matrix; applicants are directed to contact the employer for salary details. The Tribe offers employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing; paid holidays; and paid time off, including birthday leave.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least six months of experience working with groups of young children.
Must be actively taking Puyallup language classes through the Puyallup Tribal Language Department and attend Puyallup language and culture classes as scheduled.
Complete basic STARS training within one year of hire.
Complete all three steps of the Washington State stackable certificates (47 credits) within three years of hire and meet milestone requirements within required timeframes.
Must have and maintain a food handler’s permit.
Provide proof of CPR and first-aid training and TB testing within two weeks of employment.
Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; the license must have no restrictions that prevent operating a GIS vehicle.
Attend and complete all mandatory GELC trainings, including training related to supporting children with special needs.
Complete and pass drug and alcohol screening upon hire and throughout employment; be in good health and current with immunizations.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; write simple correspondence; and present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group situations.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including adding and subtracting two-digit numbers and multiplying and dividing with tens and hundreds, including using American units of money, weight, volume, and distance.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to detailed but uncomplicated written or oral instructions and address problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Warm, welcoming, and friendly manner; sensitivity to others’ feelings and needs; respect for all cultures; and ability to relate positively to young children and adults.
Ability to discipline children in a kind and respectful manner.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, communicate professionally, work cooperatively, adapt to changing schedules and assignments, accept constructive criticism, and remain calm and attentive in emergencies.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning and implementing daily programs, group activities, and outdoor activities.
Greet parents, children, and coworkers warmly, and encourage parents to record children’s daily arrival and departure times.
Help prepare the learning environment, set up interest centers, and prepare materials and supplies, including cultural learning activities.
Supervise and assist children in bathrooms and during mealtimes, encouraging good table manners.
Treat children with dignity and respect and follow the Center’s Positive Discipline Policy.
Share housekeeping responsibilities to maintain a clean center and classroom environment.
Assist the lead classroom teacher and use Center materials and teaching supplies constructively and resourcefully.
Consider each child’s cultural and socioeconomic background and developmental level when providing care and learning activities.
Maintain confidentiality regarding families, staff, children, management, and Center operations.
Participate in staff meetings, workshops, conferences, courses, in-service training, and other professional growth activities as recommended or required.
Take Puyallup language and culture classes as scheduled and follow the Tribe’s language and culture program recommendations in classroom materials, lessons, and daily plans.
Assist with outdoor classroom lessons and activities that provide educational experiences in children’s natural environment.
Follow recommendations in support plans and implement support strategies; treat children with individual or special needs and diagnosed or undiagnosed disabilities with dignity and respect.
Attend training and educational courses to improve the ability to provide quality child care and meet children’s developmental needs.
Maintain a positive, warm classroom environment and comply with GELC policies and procedures.
Perform housekeeping duties and other duties as assigned.
Maintain professional conduct, reliable attendance, positive working relationships, flexibility, and responsible judgment, including following the Emergency Care Plan when needed.