Head Start Classroom Assistant

Seattle Public Schools; Washington; On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Schools seeks an early childhood classroom assistant to help establish a safe, engaging learning environment for preschoolers. You will set up materials, supervise activities, and assist with health screenings and basic care, ensuring routines support development and learning goals.

You will collaborate with families and staff to support diverse learners, manage records, and participate in team discussions while upholding confidentiality and integrity of information.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Sets up the classroom to meet program goals and ensure a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Monitors and supervises individual and/or groups of children in various settings.
• Assists with routine health screenings.
• Assists children with toileting and self-help skills; supports children with special needs.
• Helps with classroom operations such as filing, attendance, and tracking volunteer time sheets.
• Participates as a team member to discuss observations and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Child development

Classroom management

Family communication

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Physical stamina

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Training in early childhood education (preferred)

Job description

• 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

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.