Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed - Temporary

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Medical Leave

Job summary

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington is hiring a part-time Teacher Assistant in Yakima, WA. The role supports a lead teacher to create a safe, nurturing environment while implementing educational and behavioral plans for young children.

Must have a relevant credential and be able to work with diverse families and children. Position requires collaboration, reliable communication, and adherence to Washington state childcare regulations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or WA State ECE Certificate (47 credits) or CDA credential.
• Two years in an early-learning setting or related therapeutic setting.
• Experience identifying and reporting child abuse as per laws.
• First Aid/CPR certification and background check requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teacher to maintain safe, nurturing environment for young children.
• Assist in creating positive classroom atmosphere and modeling behavior.
• Implement educational and behavioral plans under supervision.
• Facilitate social interactions and group activities.
• Promote communication using PECS, sign language, or vocal strategies.
• Teach self-regulation and emotional skills.
• Prepare individualized schedules and reinforcement strategies.
• Attend supervision, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety of classroom and outdoor areas.
• Maintain confidentiality and report concerns per agency policy.

Skills

Behavioral management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma/Wa ECE certificate

CDA credential (if applicable)

Job description

Job Details

Title: Teacher Assistant – Trauma informed support

Location: Yakima, WA 98908

Position Type: Part Time

Salary Range: $18.00 - $22.00 hourly

Travel Percentage: None

Shift: Day (Monday‑Thursday 9am–3:30pm, Friday 9am–2:30pm)

Employment duration: Funded through the end of June30,2026 with possibility for renewal.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Lead Teacher to establish and maintain a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
• Assist in creating a positive classroom environment, modeling appropriate behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors, and facilitating social interactions between children.
• Implement educational, therapeutic, and behavioral plans for assigned children under the direct supervision of the Childcare and ECEAP Services Program Manager.
• Support goals, social skill building, and classroom routine instructions; participate in small and large group activities.
• Help children increase functional communication through PECS, sign language, or vocal strategies.
• Prioritize self‑regulation skills by teaching children to manage their own emotions.
• Develop supportive tools such as individual schedules, social stories, and personalized reinforcement strategies.
• Participate in regular supervision and communicate directly with the Program Manager regarding communication with coworkers, families, or behavior management plans.
• Assist with cleanliness and safety of the classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, parent meetings, in‑service days, and other supervisory activities.
• Report suspected incidents of child abuse to the Program Manager and follow mandated reporting protocols.
• Implement all Washington State WAC for childcare centers and complete required training in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality in all dealings related to program, staff, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Physical Requirements: standing, walking, bending, low exertion, talking, hearing, adequate vision; up to 80% of the time. Approximately 20% may include physically assisting a child exhibiting behavior problems. Sitting on the floor or in small chairs may be required. Ability to drive with adequate vision.
• Education: Must have one of the following (verified in MERIT):
  • High School Diploma and Washington State ECE Certificate (47 credits) or a professional development plan.
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. CDA must have been obtained before and up to the year 2005. Staff meeting this qualification are grandfathered into the Teacher Assistant position.
• Experience:
  • Two years’ experience working in an early‑learning setting or a specialized early care therapeutic setting with children ages birth to five who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and/or are drug‑affected.
  • Two years’ experience identifying and reporting child abuse to proper authorities as outlined in Washington State reporting laws.
• Special Skills:
  • Strong behavioral management skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member.
  • Ability to represent the agency professionally within the community.
• Licensure, Registration, Certification:
  • First Aid/CPR Certification.
  • Clearance by DEL.
  • Fingerprint background check.
  • Blood‑borne pathogens certification.
  • Food handler’s card.
• Employment conditional upon clearance by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required.

Benefits

Washington State Paid Medical Leave – 1hour for every 40hours worked.