Assistant Teacher - Early Learning Center

CRISTA Ministries; Shoreline (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans w/CRISTA match

Family Care

Paid Holidays

PTO

Tuition Discount at King’s Schools

Job summary

CRISTA Ministries is hiring an Assistant Teacher for its King’s Schools Early Learning Center in Shoreline, WA. The role supports a Christ-centered preschool program under the supervision of the Principal and Lead Teacher.

The position requires a WA ECE Initial Certificate (12 credits) or equivalent and involves teamwork, faith integration, and classroom management. Two years of relevant experience are preferred, with opportunities to lead in the Lead Teacher's absence.

Qualifications

• Must hold Washington State ECE Initial Certificate (12 credits) or equivalent.
• Two years of experience with toddler/preschool age children or ministry context.
• Preferred CDA or progress toward CDA in ECE.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher in maintaining a safe, engaging preschool classroom.
• Support daily care routines, meals, diapering and hygiene following licensing standards.
• Collaborate with staff and families, assist in lesson prep and classroom observations.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Washington State ECE Initial Certificate (12 credits) or equivalent

CDA or working towards one or two-year degree in Early Childhood education

Tools

Microsoft Word, Excel, Office 365, Teams, OneNote

Job description

Description

Location: Shoreline, WA

Employment Status: Full Time

Compensation: $18 - $25, DOE

• Health Insurance
• Retirement Plans w/CRISTA match
• Family Care
• Paid Holidays
• PTO
• Tuition Discount at King’s Schools

COMPANY OVERVIEW

CRISTA Ministries (“CRISTA”) is a Christian church community that exists to exercise and express its Christian beliefs. At the core of our Christian church community is the belief that as Christians, we are part of the priesthood of all believers, set forth in I Peter 2. We believe this priesthood calling rests upon all Christians and is a foundational, spiritual practice of our CRISTA community. This priesthood calling evokes within us the response to view our work as our ministry. We believe that all representatives of our community are ministers of the gospel and play equally important roles in exercising, expressing and teaching our beliefs (I Corinthians 12: 17-23). CRISTA exists to make known the love of Jesus Christ through demonstrated works of service and ministry. We use every method available so that the people of the world may hear the Gospel, accept Christ as their Savior, and grow in their faith. We are a united family of Biblical Ministries inspired by a shared vision to serve and impact the young through the elderly, all cultures and backgrounds, in our own backyard and around the world through excellence in our service and operations. By leading a healthy and sustainable organization, CRISTA empowers its ministries to serve the needs of the world and share the Gospel, making disciples. Our commitment is to glorify, honor and obey the Lord in all we do through a workforce of ministers: our staff and volunteers who are called, committed, and faithful Christians.

CRISTA MINISTRIES MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

• Mission Statement: To fearlessly declare the Gospel, with Biblical truth and love, leading generations to follow Jesus.
• Vision Statement: Until All Know Jesus.

CRISTA MINISTRIES CORE VALUES

• Christ-Centered: We approach our work by faith, prayerfully believing God will do the miraculous.
• Servanthood: We serve our world by meeting needs practically and spiritually.
• Uncompromising Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and trustworthy – reflecting Jesus in all we do.
• Holy Stewardship: We honor and maximize the potential of the resources, assets, and people God has entrusted to us.
• Excellence: We serve with excellence knowing that we represent God in our work, words, and actions.
• Unified Team: We are One CRISTA, united in the vision to transform lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

KING’S SCHOOLS MINISTRY PURPOSE STATEMENT

Building resilient disciples of Christ through Christian education.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Teacher in collaboration with the Lead Teacher will create and maintain a safe, fun and thriving age-appropriate classroom environment under the general supervision of the Principal. Provide direct instruction to students using an established curriculum. Work together as part of a team with the Lead Teacher and other support staff while assisting in classroom management as necessary. Act as Lead Teacher in their absence. Work as a team to build a Christ-centered, intentional classroom for preschool and pre-kindergarten age children. Have working knowledge of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Licensing Standards for Washington State.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Christ-centered Leadership and Education

• Foremostly, model a committed Christian faith and personal relationship with Jesus and minister to the spiritual needs of students and our school community through all activities undertaken in Teacher’s role.
• Educate students in a manner consistent with, and reflective of, the Christian tenets of the Statement of Faith and the CCC, including the incorporation of these shared Christian religious beliefs and conduct into all student curricula (sometimes referred to as integrating faith and learning, or integration of a biblical worldview) and programming.
• Teach a biblical worldview that is integrated into all curriculum and activities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Bible and application of a biblical worldview to subject matter and teacher’s conduct as a minister in our school community.
• Through godly leadership, engage and inspire the academic, spiritual and emotional growth of students.
• Be ready and available to lead staff devotionals and staff prayer.

Discipleship and Spiritual Development

• Model a personal and growing Christian faith that aligns with CRISTA’s Statement of Faith and Chrisitan Community Commitment (CCC). Contribute to the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical welfare of the students.
• Minister to the spiritual needs of students and develop a vibrant Christian faith community.
• Support the spiritual needs of students through relationship and personal modeling of Teacher’s own Christian faith.
• Lead classes in daily prayer.
• Instruct and be available to lead and support students’ spiritual formation.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the Director in maintaining a quality program that upholds the standards, goals, and overall mission of the Early Learning Center.
• Assist the Lead Teacher and other staff with maintaining a well-functioning, safe classroom, gym, and outdoor play areas, including active supervision and naptime routines.
• Creatively solve problems and resolve concerns with students by working with other teachers and using positive behavior support strategies aligned with program philosophy.
• Build and maintain a quality, intentional, and developmentally appropriate toddler and/or preschool environment, including organizing and caring for classroom materials.
• Perform job tasks independently and in a timely manner without direct supervision.
• Know and comply with state regulations concerning a licensed preschool, including routines such as health practices, diapering/toileting, sanitation and safety procedures.
• Intentionally develop positive relationships with students and their families, demonstrating warmth, consistency, and professionalism in daily interactions.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in lesson preparation and implementation, including supporting transitions, small groups, and whole group activities.
• Maintain flexibility and the ability to change direction quickly in response to a variety of situations that can occur in the classroom.
• Assist Lead Teachers in writing child and classroom observations and preparing progress reports, as well as sharing relevant observations in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, coworkers, students, and their parents, including clear and respectful communication about student needs and daily activities.
• Support daily care routines such as meals, snacks, diapering, toileting, and hygiene, ensuring all practices follow licensing and health guidelines.
• Follow all health, safety, and emergency procedures, including responding appropriately to illness, injury, and unexpected situations.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment, including daily setup, cleanup, and sanitation tasks.
• Demonstrate professionalism by participating in staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing development as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

CHRIST CENTERED

• Belief that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.
• Is a committed Christian who is dedicated to continued spiritual growth and development as evidenced through a growing personal walk with God (e.g. daily spiritual rhythms of prayer, fellowship, Bible study, etc.).
• Prayerfully seeks God’s will in their own lives and in their ministry at CRISTA.
• Engages our ministry including staff and colleagues through prayer, participation in spiritual practices, leading devotionals and other spiritual practices.
• Affirms, aligns with and supports CRISTA’s Statement of Faith and Christian Community Representative Statement (CCC).
• Conducts themselves in a manner which reflects well on CRISTA Ministries and aligns with its mission, vision, Statement of Faith and Christian Community Representative Commitment (CCC).
• Demonstrates the values of a CRISTA leader.

EDUCATION

• Washington State ECE Initial Certificate (12 credits) or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience working with or teaching toddler, preschool age children or early elementary age children or prior experience in children’s ministry.

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION

• Washington State required 30 hour basic training or proof of a waiver.
• Child/infant CPR and first aid.
• HIV and blood borne pathogen training.
• Food handlers’ card.
• Proof of negative Tb skin test.
• Proof of MMR vaccination.
• Other certifications as deemed necessary by the state for work in a licensed Early Learning and Early Education facility.

SOFTWARE / EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE

• Microsoft Word, Excel, Computer Technology experience, Office 365, Teams, OneNote

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Commitment to work with multi-ethnic, culturally diverse student and parent population.
• Able to work with the public in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and composure in a busy, open setting.
• A patient, child-centered temperament.
• Able to clearly communicate to young children as well as clearly communicate both verbally and in writing to parents.
• Able to work collaboratively with supervisor, coworkers, students and their parents.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• CDA or working towards one- or two-year degree in Early Childhood education or teaching experience or a higher degree.

EXPERIENCE

• Two years prior experience working with toddler aged children.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINTATION

CRISTA is a Christian, religious organization that lives out its faith-based mission through five ministries: CRISTA Camps, CRISTA Media, CRISTA Senior Living, King’s Schools, and World Concern. As permitted by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, CRISTA reserves the right to prefer employees of a particular religion and to require its employees to hold certain religious beliefs, engage in certain religious observances, and engage in or refrain from engaging in certain behavior, based on CRISTA’s religious beliefs. CRISTA’s employees must agree with and support without reservation CRISTA’s Statement of Faith and must conduct themselves in accordance with the religious beliefs and practices that flow from that Statement of Faith and CRISTA’s Christian Community Policy. Among those employees and employment applicants who agree with and support without reservation and abide by the Statement of Faith and CRISTA’s Christian Community Policy, CRISTA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Based on its religious beliefs, CRISTA values and respects the dignity of all persons and appreciates the diversity of God’s creation.