Teaching Assistant

Kindering; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kindering is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support preschool classrooms and work with families from diverse backgrounds. The role includes parent coaching, group activities, and direct child support to enhance development and learning.

Candidates should have a High School Diploma; AA/BA preferred, and be prepared to collaborate with educators and therapists. Bilingual abilities are encouraged, and a valid driver’s license plus reliable transportation are expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; AA/BA preferred.
• Bilingual applicants encouraged.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with MS Word and Excel desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to all classrooms by knowing routines and schedules; substitute or add support as needed.
• Assist children with activities and monitor progress in instructional programs; reinforce safe behavior and daily care.
• Assist with classroom set-up/clean-up, prepare supplies, maintain toys and equipment; record attendance.
• Attend department and All-Staff meetings; collaborate with educators, therapists, and other departments.
• Complete other duties as assigned by Teaching Assistant Manager and Department Manager.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Child development

Team collaboration

Verbal communication

Bilingual encouraged

Education

High School Diploma

AA/BA preferred

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

PurposeWe are seeking to hire someone with proven effectiveness in working with parents and families from a range of cultural backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion to fill the role of Teaching Assistant. This person will develop, coordinate, and implement classroom support as part of early childhood preschool education for enrolled children. Enhance children’s development and learning environments through a combination of parent coaching, groups, and direct support.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesDuties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:Provide support to all classrooms by knowing all routines and schedules, stepping into class when a substitute or extra support is neededAssist children in performing scheduled activities, monitor children’s progress in instructional programs, monitor and reinforce appropriate child behavior and safety, maintain children’s cleanlinessAssist with classroom set-up and clean up, maintain and prepare classroom supplies, maintain and clean up toys and equipment, record classroom attendance, prepare art activitiesSupervise and maintain kitchen in clean order, maintain kitchen supplies, compile shopping lists for snacks, complete shopping for classroom snacks, do laundryAttend monthly department meetings, and quarterly All-Staff meetingsProvide support to educators, therapists, and other departmentsCollaborate with staff daily and work as a team memberComplete other duties as assigned by Teaching Assistant Manager, Bothell Education Department Manager, and othersRequired Education & ExperienceHigh School GraduateAA/BA College Graduate preferredBilingual applicants encouragedRelated work experienceDemonstrate skill in word processing and familiarity with MS Word and ExcelDemonstrate professional interpersonal skills over the phone and in personKey CompetenciesEarly Childhood Development & Classroom Support: Supports children’s learning, developmental progress, daily routines, and participation in preschool activities.Child Safety & Positive Behavior Support: Maintains a safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environment while reinforcing appropriate behavior and supporting children’s daily care needs.Classroom Organization & Operational Support: Prepares learning materials and activities, maintains classroom supplies and equipment, and assists with daily administrative and housekeeping tasks.Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with educators, therapists, and multidisciplinary teams to provide consistent, coordinated support for children and families.Minimum PrerequisitesPass Washington State DSHS criminal history and background check and FBI fingerprint checkStrictly maintain the confidentiality of all client information in accordance with privacy regulations and organizational policiesHave access to a dependable personal vehicle for transportation purposesPossess a valid Washington State driver's license and maintain valid automobile insurance coverageBe able to lift 40 poundsPass tuberculosis testBe CPR/First Aid certified or willing to become certifiedProvide documentation of a negative tuberculosis test resultProvide proof of current immunizations, including COVID-19 and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines, or submit a titer test result demonstrating immunity**Kindering is subject to multiple executive orders requiring all employees to be vaccinated or apply and be approved for a sincerely held religious belief or medical exemption. We require those supervising and providing in-person services to children to be vaccinated and are unable to accommodate any exceptions. For other positions that can be accommodated, employees must apply and be approved for a sincerely held religious belief or medical exemption.Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:The information described below represents the activities and surroundings one may encounter when performing the duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Primarily works in an early childhood classroom environment with frequent periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and active engagement with young children.Requires frequent verbal and nonverbal communication with children, parents, educators, therapists, and other staff, often in a busy and active classroom setting.Regularly assists with classroom setup and cleanup, organizing supplies and equipment, preparing activities, maintaining cleanliness, and completing light laundry and kitchen duties.May occasionally lift, carry, or assist young children and move classroom materials, toys, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.This is a 40 hour per week position with elective time off, paid time off, and 11 paid holidays per year. Kindering’s full time employees are provided comprehensive benefits including medical, vision, dental benefits with a Health Savings Account (HSA) for qualified individuals, company-paid life and disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 403(b), paid and elective time off, tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities, Mimi Siegel Fellowship and Department of Health License reimbursement, and more.About KinderingKindering embraces children of diverse abilities and their families by providing the finest education and therapies to nurture hope, courage, and the skills to soar. As a nonprofit neurodevelopmental center, we have provided comprehensive services for children with special needs and their families since 1962. Kindering is dedicated to maintaining a highly trained, licensed, and certified team of professionals. Current services include comprehensive developmental assessments; physical, occupational, speech, language, and infant mental health therapy; special education; family counseling; nutrition and feeding therapy; childcare consultation; parenting education; and family resource coordination. Kindering’s vision for equity is I BELONG. Eradicate systemic racial and oppressive barriers so everyone succeeds. Kindering values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We aim to seek out people from systemically oppressed and marginalized backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ, immigrants, and refugees.Kindering is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment and to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community.The statements contained in this job description are not necessarily all inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.