Learning Assistant

French American School of Puget Sound; Mercer Island (WA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

French American School of Puget Sound is seeking a Learning Assistant to support Preschool through 8th grade, assisting with academic and social-emotional goals and supervising students during recess, lunch, and activities.

The role is 20+ hours per week for the 2026-2027 school year, with schedule defined by the Auxiliary Programs Director and Heads of divisions. Summer work may be available with separate placement.

Qualifications

• Degree or coursework in Education or Early Childhood Development preferred.
• Professional fluency in English is required.
• At least 1 year of experience working with children, ideally in an educational setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with diverse students.
• Creative approach to organizing educational and fun activities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain consistent attendance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with classroom setup and preparation as directed by the teacher.
• Support implementation of the teacher’s academic and social-emotional goals.
• Supervise students in classroom, during recess, lunch, and other activities.
• Serve as a substitute when needed (pay may adjust for subbing).
• Participate in and help coordinate school events, activities, and field trips.
• Attend required meetings with faculty and administrators.
• Help maintain a respectful, safe learning environment and assist with behavioral support.
• Assist with creation of educational materials (copying, laminating, cutting).
• Lead activities promoting social-emotional development, including after-school hours and breaks (up to 5 weeks/year).
• Distribute snacks, monitor behavior, assist with classroom management, and provide conflict resolution.

Skills

Fluent English

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Punctuality

Education

Education/ECD courses

Job description

POSITION: Learning Assistant

Supervisor: Auxiliary Programs Director

Dates: 2026-2027 school year – September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027

GENERAL SUMMARY:

As a part of the Auxiliary Programs department, supporting the global function of the school, Learning Assistants at FASPS work collaboratively with students, teachers, and school staff to foster a positive and conducive learning environment for Preschool through 8th grade. This role involves supporting both academic and social-emotional development, as well as assisting with supervision during various school activities such as recess, lunch, and extended day programs.

Within a contract year, a Full-Time Learning Assistant (20 hours or more per week) would be expected to work the following:

• All regular school days in 2026-2027 school calendar
• Staff orientation week before the start of the school year
• Staff in-service days (3 per year)
• Parent-Teacher Conference days
• Two of the three weeks where school break camp is offered (October, February & April)

Work assignments may vary during non-school workdays. Schedule and assignment subject to change with communication.

Not required but available:

Up to four weeks of work during summer programs, plus up to one week of paid staff orientation. All summer programs hours will be paid on a separate contract, and require employees to complete a separate hiring process prior to placement.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is a full-time, salaried position that reports to the Auxiliary Programs Director. The Learning Assistant’s schedule will be defined by the Auxiliary Programs Director in coordination with the Heads of the Preschool, Elementary, and/or Middle School divisions, and may vary depending on the needs of the school.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with classroom setup and preparation, including organizing materials and activity centers as directed by the teacher.
• Support the implementation of the teacher’s academic and social-emotional goals for students.
• Supervise students in the classroom, during recess, lunch, and other school activities.
• Serve as a substitute when needed (Compensation may be adjusted for subbing).
• Participate in and help coordinate school events, activities, and field trips.
• Attend required meetings with faculty and administrators.
• Help maintain a respectful, responsible, and safe learning environment, including supporting students with behavioral or social challenges.
• Assist with the creation and preparation of educational materials (e.g., photocopying, laminating, cutting).
• Lead and support activities that promote students’ social-emotional development and learning, including during after-school hours and school breaks (up to 5 weeks per calendar year).
• Distribute snacks, monitor student behavior, assist with classroom management, and provide conflict resolution support as needed.
• Follow all school and state safety policies and procedures.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION:

• New part-time employee hires start with a pay range of $21-$25/hour depending on experience. Annual salaries for new employees are non-exempt and calculated based on an hourly rate.
• Work schedule: Monday through Friday, schedules set between 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Hours may vary during school breaks, non-school days, or distance learning periods.
• Full-time Learning Assistants (20 hours/week or more) are eligible for all benefits to which full-time employees are entitled. Please refer to Employee Handbook for benefit information. FASPS reserves the right to make changes to the Employee Handbook as needed.

REQUIREMENTS FOR HIRE:

• A degree or courses in Education or Early Childhood Development preferred.
• Professional fluency in English is required.
• At least 1 year of experience working with children, ideally in an educational setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds.
• A creative approach to organizing educational and fun activities for students.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to the school community.
• Punctuality, dependability, and commitment to consistent attendance.
• Ability to pass a background check and provide proof of a negative TB test.
• Compliance with WA state MMR vaccine laws.
• Ability to walk or stand for up to an hour, bend, and stoop to students’ level as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in French or another language besides English is a plus.
• A professional goal to work in education or child/youth development.

Required Training (to be completed at school’s expense):

• WA State Food Handler’s Permit
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• HIV/Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• STARS 30-hour Child Care Basics Course (within the first 3 months of hire)

SCHEDULE:

This position is for the upcoming school year, September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027**. The fixed work hours are within 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. During school breaks, including summer break, or non-school days, the schedule may change based on the needs of the school.
**For the first year of employment, employee’s work will start 7-10 days prior to this start date to meet preservice orientation requirements before the start of the school year. This orientation week is included in the calculation of employee’s annual salary. In subsequent years, this week will fall within the regular contract year.