Assistant Teacher - Preschool

Acquire4Hire; Puyallup (WA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Teacher to join their vibrant team. This role involves nurturing young children and fostering a supportive learning environment. You'll collaborate with co-teachers to create engaging, theme-based curricula that honor children's interests. If you have a passion for early childhood education and thrive in a fun, active setting, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that values compassion and teamwork while making a meaningful impact in children's lives.

Benefits

Paid professional development opportunities

Free college degree opportunities

Sick pay

Vacation time

Employer paid deductions

Qualifications

• Must have a cleared background check and TB test.
• Experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Assist Lead Teacher in implementing curriculum and activities.
• Monitor children's health and safety.

Skills

Child Care Basics

First Aid and CPR

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Active Supervision

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

WA State ECE Initial Certificate

Job description

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This range is provided by Acquire4Hire. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$17.00/hr - $20.00/hr

Summary

Puyallup Playcare Center is searching for an enthusiastic, reliable Assistant Teacher to join our team! We are looking for an individual who enjoys young children, likes working as a team, and thrives in a fun, active environment.

Duties

Position Specific / Classroom:

• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with children and families.
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and co-teachers to create and implement developmentally appropriate, theme-based emergent curriculum honoring the children’s interests and contributions.
• Assist the Lead in coordinating meaningful engaging activities, field trips, and visitors.
• Work with the Lead to create and maintain positive and engaging classroom and outdoor environments.
• Assume leadership of the classroom in the Lead’s absence, implementing daily routines, tasks, and lesson plans as discussed with the Lead.
• Provide a welcoming atmosphere showing respect for a diverse community and approaching challenges with compassion.
• Follow daily routines of the classroom and keep things on schedule.
• Meet the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of each child.
• Practice active supervision at all times, implementing name-to-face checks regularly and at each transition.
• Practice daily health checks for each child and report concerns to Lead or administration.
• Share daily updates with families in person as discussed with the Lead and co-teachers.
• Assist in completing approved developmental screening for each child within 90 days of enrollment and annually each fall.
• Document each child’s development using Teaching Strategies GOLD, meeting all checkpoint requirements and documentation goals, sharing with families regularly.
• Assist in preparing and facilitating family conferences annually.
• Serve all meals and snacks following Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.
• Monitor and adjust for severe allergies and special diet, developmental, and medical needs.
• Partner with the Lead to rotate materials reflecting current lesson plans and interests.
• Complete objective incident reports and communicate occurrences to families thoughtfully after discussion with Lead Teacher and/or a Director when applicable.
• Contribute to monthly newsletters.
• Assist in training new hires by modeling program policies and procedures and sharing position-specific information.

General Program

• Follow all health and safety requirements and guidelines of the Health Department, DCYF, and the program, including inspecting and replacing damaged or used materials.
• Meet and maintain all DCYF licensing requirements for the position.
• Adhere to all policies and expectations outlined in the Puyallup Playcare Center Employee Handbook and Family Handbook.
• Report suspected maltreatment or abuse of children to DCYF, Child Abuse Hotline, or law enforcement.
• Complete renewal requirements for the Early Achievers Quality Improvement Program as directed by Administration.
• Maintain organized, clean spaces throughout the program, including playground and disinfecting toys and surfaces.
• Evaluate self and other staff as requested for performance evaluations.
• Provide a welcoming atmosphere showing respect for a diverse community and approaching challenges with compassion.
• Work collaboratively with all program employees and support a positive work environment.
• Greet children, families, visitors, and staff, offering assistance as needed.
• Communicate updates to replacement staff to ensure smooth transitions and that all are informed before leaving your post.
• Maintain confidentiality of all children, families, and staff.
• Arrive on time for scheduled shifts and breaks.
• Adjust working hours based on the needs of the program as requested by an administrator, including substituting in classrooms.
• Drive center vans for field trips, substitute school-age transportation, and emergencies.
• Present yourself professionally, including attire, attitude, and communication.
• Perform and behave as a positive reflection of the program in any public capacity.
• Attend and actively participate in regular daytime and evening staff meetings.
• Complete regular janitorial duties, including taking out trash, sweeping, mopping, cleaning, sanitizing, and vacuuming.
• Provide quality customer service in a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Model a positive attitude, respectful communication, and empathy for others.
• Maintain friendly communication with church employees and visitors, respecting shared space and adjusting for special events or requests.
• Perform physically demanding tasks, including sitting on the floor, bending, running, walking, standing, balancing, reaching, and active supervision requiring close and distance vision and hearing.
• Assume duties when substituting for another role, including their opening or closing duties.
• Be flexible and proactive in providing assistance as needed to ensure smooth operation and success in the program.

Requirements

Pre-Service and Hiring Requirements

• Cleared Background Check through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
• TB Test (negative within the last year).
• Minimum Age: 18.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Training Before or Upon Hire

• Child Care Basics.
• Child and Adult First Aid and CPR.
• Blood Borne Pathogens.
• Food Handlers.
• Safe Sleep.
• Mandated Reporter.
• Medication Management.
• Emergency & Disaster Preparedness.
• Families Experiencing Homelessness.
• Abusive Head Trauma.
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Civil Rights.

Ongoing In-Service Training

• 10-Hour Annual In-Service Training.
• Enhancing Quality of Early Learning (EQEL).
• Applicable CACFP Training.

Education

• Transcripts or Certificate: WA State ECE Initial Certificate (12 credits) or equivalent.
• Time Allowed from Date of Hire or Promotion: 5 years.

Other Requirements

• Proof of measles vaccination or immunity.
• Valid driver’s license or state identification.
• Valid passport or social security card.
• Driving record with clearance to transport children.
• Maintain up-to-date MERIT account.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach, emergent curriculum, and special education.

Benefits

The equivalent of one-half day of sick pay will be earned each pay period and may be used after completion of the 90-day probationary period.

• Vacation will be earned at the rate of one week for the first two years of employment.
• Two weeks for years three and four.
• Three weeks for year five and after, and may be used after the 90-day probationary period.
• Paid professional development opportunities.
• Free college degree opportunities through Bates Technical College.
• Employer paid employee portion of PFML and L&I deductions on payroll.