Recreation Leader I – Preschool Assistant

City of Mountlake Terrace; Mountlake Terrace (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Mountlake Terrace is seeking a Recreation Leader I – Preschool Assistant to support the Lead Preschool Teacher in safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate preschool programs. You will assist with classroom activities, supervise children, and provide excellent customer service to parents and pavilion patrons.

This is a three-quarter-time, non-represented position with typical hours Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Qualifications

• Age 18 or older.
• Interest in and some experience working with preschool-aged children.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required within three months of hire.
• Washington State Food Worker Card required within six weeks of hire.
• Written documentation of a current Mantoux TB skin test prior to the first day of work.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead instructor in teaching preschool children (circle time, reading, stations, outdoor time, snack).
• Provide customer service to patrons of the Recreation Department.
• Maintain a clean, safe classroom and program environment.
• Respond to emergencies and perform First Aid/CPR when required.
• Complete incident reports and attendance records accurately and timely.
• Open/close facility as assigned.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Child development

Supervision

First aid/CPR

Customer service

Communication

Education

STARS 30-hour Training

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Recreation Leader I – Preschool Assistant supports the Lead Preschool Teacher in providing safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate preschool programs. This position assists with classroom activities, supervises children, promotes a positive learning environment, and provides excellent customer service to parents and pavilion patrons.

This is a three-quarter-time, non-represented position. Work hours and locations are subject to change based on program needs. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descrip-tions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the lead instructor in teaching a group of preschool children. Activities will include circle time, reading, curriculum stations, outside play time and snack time.
• Provide customer service to patrons of the Recreation Department.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom and program environment.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, administer First Aid and CPR when required, and follow established emergency procedures.
• Complete incident reports, attendance records, and other required documentation accurately and timely.
• Open and close facility as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Requirements

• Age 18 or older.
• Interest in and some experience working with preschool-aged children.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required within three (3) months of hire.
• Washington State Food Worker Card required within six (6) weeks of hire.
• Written documentation of a current Mantoux TB skin test prior to the first day of work.
• Pass a criminal background check conducted in accordance with Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families.
• Verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Knowledge of:

• Basic child development and age-appropriate practices for preschool-aged children.
• Safe supervision techniques for young children.
• Basic first aid, CPR, and emergency response procedures.
• Principles of effective customer service.

Ability to:

• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities for preschool-aged children.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with children, parents, coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Monitor children's safety and respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and established procedures.
• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and basic problem-solving skills.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required reports.
• Work effectively as a member of a team while demonstrating professionalism, dependability, and a positive attitude.
• Adapt to changing priorities and classroom needs.
• Complete the required 30-hour STARS Basic Training or meet the applicable education exemption established by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) within six (6) months of hire.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Maintain all required certifications and successfully complete mandatory training, including:

• Maintaining current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Completing any additional City, Recreation Department, or DCYF-required training necessary to maintain compliance with program licensing and operational requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in recreation facilities, childcare environments, parks, playgrounds, aquatic fa-cilities, and outdoor program sites. This position may be called upon for emergencies at times other than regularly scheduled hours.

Physical requirements may include:

• Moving throughout recreation facilities and outdoor environments.
• Lifting, carrying, and moving equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Operating standard office equipment and computer systems.
• Exposure to noise, weather conditions, and active recreation environments.
• Exposure to bodily fluids including, but not limited to, blood, feces, urine and vomit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision is provided by the Recreation Programmer, Recreation Coordinator and Recreation Leader II.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None.

COMPENSATION:

Hourly wage range: $18.69–$22.98

The full pay range is posted for transparency purposes. New hire’s compensation is placed between the start and midpoint of the range, based on qualifications, skills and experience. This approach ensures internal equity, as well as room for growth and progression within the pay band over time.

The City reserves the right to review applications and may select a finalist for the position at any time; therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change.

The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community.