Assistant Teacher

Federal Way Public Schools; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools is seeking an E-Start Assistant Teacher to assist in fostering a productive learning environment for preschool children. This role involves supporting the teacher in various classroom activities and ensuring the well-being of the children.

The ideal candidate will have a Washington State ECE Initial Certificate and prior experience in early childhood education. The position offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, alongside retirement plans, with typical hours from Monday to Friday during the school year.

Qualifications

• Understanding child development at various stages.
• Skills for effective communication with children and families.
• Ability to maintain a safe classroom environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher in creating a conducive learning environment.
• Engage positively with children and support individual needs.
• Maintain classroom records and participate in meal preparation.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Organization

Education

Washington State ECE Initial Certificate

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Job description

Position Summary

The E-Start Assistant Teacher assists the teacher in providing children with a learning environment and varied experiences that help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. The role enhances parents’ role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development, supports children’s physical well-being, and provides access to ongoing health services. The primary focus of this position is assisting the teacher in the learning activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily Program: Participate in planning with teachers and other staff, help prepare materials and the classroom environment, and assist in maintaining a safe, orderly, developmentally appropriate setting.
• Interactions with Children and Families: Interact positively with all children, support individual learning and emotional needs, and work with teachers to communicate regularly and respectfully with families.
• Environment: Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children that reflects the cultures and languages of enrolled families; supervise children in classroom, outdoor spaces, and on field trips.
• Individualizing: Participate in ongoing assessment of individual children using observations, work samples, and developmental checklists; help develop and implement individual learning plans (ILP) and provide a curriculum that meets every child’s needs, including those with disabilities.
• Health and Development Screening: Assist in administering screenings and performing health duties.
• Meals: Participate in meal preparation, family-style meal implementation, and cleanup; serve food while identifying children’s dietary accommodations; complete USDA paperwork; assist with maintaining emergency food supplies.
• Record Keeping: Help maintain complete written records for each child/family in a confidential manner.
• Interdisciplinary Planning: Participate as a team member in interdisciplinary planning for children and families and other cross‑component coordination efforts.
• Parent Involvement: Encourage and support family involvement in all aspects of the program, including parent gatherings and meetings; may visit parents in their homes.
• Duties in Absence of Teacher: Assume teacher responsibilities upon request.
• Staff Training: Attend pre‑service and in‑service trainings.

Required Qualifications

Washington State ECE Initial Certificate, Short Certificate of Specialization, or Certificate OR Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (any focus) from the Council for Professional Recognition OR 12 job‑related credits (Substitution: Professional Development Plan to complete above qualifications).

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) school year (9 months) experience in a preschool classroom. Current and former E‑Start parents receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are equally qualified.

Additional Requirements

• Abide by OSHA safety rules/standards and wear required safety equipment; wear safe shoes with toe and heel covering.

Condition Of Employment

• Criminal background clearance.
• Maintain a valid and current Food Handler’s permit.
• Maintain current district‑approved American Heart Association or American Red Cross pediatric CPR and first aid training within 90 days of employment (district approved courses must include hands‑on exam).
• Have reliable transportation.
• Submit a Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) health clearance form from a medical provider.
• Provide current negative TB test results or negative chest X-ray.
• Cannot wear smoke, perfume, or other chemical odors.
• Maintain district‑paid Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certified course.
• Successfully complete the FWPS district‑approved Right Response training at the advanced level; maintain current certification through annual recertification.
• Pass and maintain a Portable Back Check (PBC) on Merit through DCYF, cleared prior to employment start date.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Knowledge Of

• School board policies and procedures.
• Compliance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Ability To

• Demonstrate basic technology knowledge and willingness and ability to increase proficiency.
• Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision and pay strict attention to detail.
• Speak, read, and follow written or verbal communications.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers.
• Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co‑workers.
• Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including confidentiality requirements.
• Relate effectively with parents, staff, students and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Provide training and support to volunteers.
• Follow directions/guidance from the teacher.
• Use a computer for word processing, databases, spreadsheets and other networking capabilities.
• Provide supervision on field trips.
• Perform job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to Cultural Competence and Equity

• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and desire to learn about others’ identities.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
• Understanding and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools’ commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
• Recognition that each person is unique even as we celebrate group cultural heritage.

Physical Demands

Employees will constantly bend, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling, stand/walk, stoop, squat, kneel, fine‑manipulate, sit, climb stairs or ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, lift up to 40 lbs. Frequently lift up to 30 lbs and occasionally up to 40 lbs. May be required to push/pull a maximum weight of 300 lbs; anything over weight limits should be done with a two‑person lift or mechanical lift. Employees must lift and hold children.

Work Environment

Work is primarily indoors in a controlled space with artificial lighting and moderate noise, occasionally loud. Flooring is carpeted and linoleum. Employees may go outside for recess and work near video displays. Exposure to common infectious diseases carried by children requires universal precautions. Position requires exposure to upset or aggressive individuals and frequent interruptions. Employees must adhere to OSHA safety rules/standards, wear required safety equipment, and wear safe shoes with toe and heel covering.

Work Schedule

This position typically works 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday, during preschool hours during the school year. Hours may vary; some evenings may be required.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the E‑Start Center Coordinator and E‑Start Teacher.

Compensation and Benefits

Teacher Assistant position on the E‑Start Salary Schedule. Benefits prorated based on FTE include medical, dental, vision, sick, life insurance and retirement.

EEO Statement

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status. Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification.