Childcare Assistant

Tacoma Community College; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Tacoma Community College is seeking a part-time hourly Early Achievers assistant to support classroom teachers with breaks and planning time. The role involves implementing developmentally appropriate practices for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and collaborating with the Lead Teacher to ensure curriculum alignment with state standards.

The candidate should have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least six months of experience in an early childhood program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months experience in an early childhood program required.

Responsibilities

• Assists classroom teachers with breaks and planning time to meet Early Achievers, NAC, ECEAP, EHS, and DCYF standards.
• Implements developmentally appropriate practices addressing infants, toddlers, and preschoolers’ development.
• Communicates with Lead Teacher and program staff to support curriculum and child progress.
• Maintains a positive, respectful environment and supports language development and independence.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.

Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well‑being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma‑Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black‑owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti‑racist institution.

We Are Specifically Focusing On Improved Support For Traditionally Marginalized Populations, Including Black/African‑ American, Indigenous, People Of Color, Dreamers, Justice‑involved, Immigrants And Refugees, Veterans, People With Disabilities, And The LGBTQ+ Community. To This End, TCC Seeks Applicants Who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC’s mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Position Summary

This is a part‑time hourly position to assist classroom teachers with breaks and planning time in order to meet Early Achievers', NAC, ECEAP, EHS, and DCYF standards.

Essential Functions

• Complies with DSHS requirement (WAC).
• Implements Developmentally Appropriate Practices to address infant, toddler, and preschooler's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Implements guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child. Responds to children with respect, courtesy, and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth.
• Works with Lead Teacher in planning and implementing curriculum appropriate for toddlers or preschoolers.
• Encourages language development. Fosters independence and self‑help skills.
• Observe each child's development and discusses with the Lead Teacher.
• Functions as a member of a team‑oriented staff. May be assigned duties that relate to supervising, instructing, assigning, and checking the work of others.
• Communicates with Program Manager and Lead Teacher regarding information and insights that effect the efficient and cohesive functioning of the program. This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
• Participates in staff meeting and in‑services.
• Periodically assesses classroom and program strengths and needs, and communicates with Program Manager or Lead Teacher.
• Communicates routinely with parents in an open, professional manner. Refers matters concerning child's development and center policies to Lead Teacher or Program Manager.
• Adheres to policies as stated in the Early Learning Center Handbook and Personnel Handbook.
• Supervises in the absence of core teaching staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six month experience in an early childhood program.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year experience in early childhood setting
• 20 credits of early childhood education OR combination of both
• Experience in an Early Head Start Program
• Infant/Toddler certificate

Conditions of Employment

• The finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily prevent employment, but will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis by HR staff.
• Tacoma Community College has no responsibility or obligation to sponsor an H‑1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
• Successfully complete a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through the Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT). Note: This is a requirement of the State of Washington Department of Early Learning.
• Must possess a valid food handler's card.
• Must obtain a TB Test prior to employment.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid Card.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to bend, reach for items high or low, sit on the floor or low chairs, lift children weighing up to 35 to 45 pounds.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• Ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Commitment to professionalism and confidentiality.
• Skill in building, and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Good organizational skills and resourcefulness in problem solving.
• Experience working effectively in a customer service, education or social service delivery setting.
• Ability to be self‑directed and work independently in a team environment.
• Must be highly dependable, responsible and possess a good work ethic.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Terms of Employment

This is part‑time hourly position is bound by the WAC 357‑04‑045 provisions above and is scheduled to work Monday through Friday, varied hours up to 17 hours per week. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the needs of the department. The rate of pay is $17.13 - $17.13 per hour. A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a service fee may be required. TCC Part‑time hourly and student employees including work study students, will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Hourly non‑student employees may be applicable for comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long‑term disability insurance plans and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: https://www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment/

Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies: Patrícia McCray‑Roberts, Title VII and Title IX, 253‑566‑5051; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, 253‑566‑5157. Tacoma Community College is a smoke‑free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Contact Information

Human Resources

6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA 98466

www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment

The benefits information presented on this page is a summary of College provided benefits. This information is subject to change and is subject to the provisions of any legislative mandates and College policy changes. For more detailed information about Tacoma Community College (TCC) benefits, please do not hesitate to contact the College benefits coordinator at (253) 566‑5024.

TCC offers a comprehensive benefits package which include medical, dental, life insurance, and long‑term disability insurance through the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB), along with retirement benefits through TIAA and the Department of Retirement System.

Eligibility

Full‑time faculty, classified staff, administrators and professional staff are eligible for benefits. Hourly employees and part‑time faculty may be eligible for benefits if, and when, they meet specific criteria and are notified by TCC Human Resources.

Effective Date of Coverage

Coverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire, or date of achieving eligibility status. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately.

Health Insurance

Medical Plans

Eligible employees have several medical plan options to select from (provided by PEBB). Employees pay a monthly premium through payroll deduction.

Premium Rates Effective January 1, 2024

Dental Plans

Employees choose from three dental plans. TCC covers the full dental premium for employees and enrolled dependents.

Vision

Covered under medical plan chosen.

Waiving Medical Coverage

If you have other employer‑based medical insurance, Medicare or TRICARE, you have the option to waive PEBB medical coverage. Dental is mandatory for all eligible employees and cannot be waived, unless enrolled in dental coverage as a dependent under a SEBB (School District Employee Benefits Board) plan.

Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) & Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) & Limited Purpose FSA

FSA & DCAP accounts allow employees to set aside pre‑taxed dollars to cover out‑of‑pocket health care and/or childcare expenses.

Members of WFSE (HE CCC) and WPEA, will be eligible to receive a $250 FSA card if employed as of November 1, 2023 with an annual full‑time equivalent salary of less than $60,000, and is enrolled in a non‑CDHP medical plan as of January 1 of the plan year that FSA funds are made available. This card is issued by PEBB in the following January and does not count against the annual FSA limit, if enrolled in an FSA with Navia.

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