Head Start Classroom Assistant

Seattle Public Schools; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Schools is seeking a Classroom Assistant to support Head Start students under supervision. You will help maintain a safe, nurturing classroom, engage children in guided activities, and involve families in accordance with Head Start standards.

Responsibilities include supervising children, assisting health screenings, helping with toileting and self-help skills, and supporting record-keeping and daily operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Training in early childhood education preferred.
• One year paid or unpaid related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and maintains the classroom to meet program goals and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment; prepares materials for activities.
• Monitors and supervises children in classroom, outdoors, and during transitions, engaging in activities that meet learning goals.
• Assists with routine child health and developmental screenings.
• Assists children with toileting and self-help skills; assists children with special needs using adaptive equipment.
• Assists with filing, record-keeping, taking attendance, and tracking volunteer time sheets.
• Participates as a team member to share concerns, evaluate the day’s activities, and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Child development

Classroom management

Family communication

Teamwork

Observational skills

Safety awareness

Reading policies

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Early childhood education training

Tools

Record-keeping

Job description

Overview of Position

This position's responsibilities are, under general supervision, to support the provision of comprehensive services to Head Start students. Working in a team, with guidance from Family Educators, the Classroom Assistant maintains the classroom environment, works with children, and engages families in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and the SPS Head Start Program design.

Essential Functions

25%

• Sets up and maintains the classroom in order to meet program goals and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment; prepares materials needed for classroom activities.

25%

• Monitors and supervises individual and/or groups of children, engaging in activities that meet their learning goals in the classroom, outdoors, and during transitions to and from school.

10%

• Assists with routine child health and developmental screenings.

20%

• Assists children with toileting and teaches self-help skills; assists children with special needs using adaptive equipment and materials.

10%

• Assists with classroom operational processes such as filing, record-keeping,taking attendance, and tracking volunteer time sheets.

10%

• Participates as a team member on a daily basis to share concerns, evaluate the classroom day and activities, discuss observations of children and/or family participation; maintains confidentiality and integrity of information in relation to program participants and staff.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties consistent with the scope of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Child development


• Classroom management


• Communicating with families and students of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in a positive and respectful manner


• Working as a member of a team, providing feedback on all levels of program and classroom services/standards


• See and hear or demonstrate equivalent skills


• Read and follow program policies and work effectively in a team


• Lift up to 40 pounds


• Move freely around in a preschool environment, including working and playing at the child's level


• Accompany small children outside during recess and to accompany them on field trips


• Assist preschool children with toileting and self-help skills


• Work with children and families that may have special needs


• Establish and maintain an effective relationship with children, families, staff, the community and the public in a diverse community


• Demonstrate communication skills in writing and orally


• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of information and records

Education

Typical Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

Training in early childhood education.

Years of Experience

One year paid or unpaid related experience.

Preferred

Participation as a parent in a Head Start program.

Certifications & Licenses

Ability to obtain a First Aid/CPR card and food handler's permit; provide evidence of a current physical examination and regular, periodic examinations every two years or in compliance with current program requirements; provide evidence of successful completion of a TB test in compliance with current program requirements; Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint and background clearance, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Click HERE for an overview of available benefit options.

Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits.

Salary Schedule

Please find the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it HERE.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes


• No

02

Do you have training in early childhood education?

• Yes


• No

03

Do you have one year paid or unpaid related experience?

• Yes


• No


• Required Question