Teacher’s Assistant

Job Summary:

Teachers assistants are attached to one specific classroom and works with the teacher, coworkers, and volunteers to provide learning experiences for preschool aged children at Generations ELFC. This role is one of our main staff and must have a passion for our mission and serving young families. 

Maintains working knowledge of WA Child Care Licensing regulations (WACs) and Generations policies and procedures and other applicable regulations (i.e.: nursing home). 

Essential Functions/ Responsibilities:

• Assists in planning, implementation, and evaluation of individual and group center activities, field trips, and parent/child activities.
• Develops lesson plans for an assigned area or individual learning experiences.
• Assists in the preparation, setup, and cleanup of classroom/ center activities as assigned.
• Works directly with children in small groups and individually.
• Assists with maintenance of materials and equipment.
• Assists with record keeping, routine center and parent communications and related documentation.
• Adheres to and models our General Performance Criteria (see details on the back of this job description)

Other Responsibilities:

• Attends parent events, meetings and training sessions as required by the supervisor.
• Provides occasional internal guidance to the work team regarding daily issues, which enables others to take action or make decisions.
• Assists with food service delivery when needed. 

Education, Experience, Training Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 30-hour basic STARS course completed (or obtained at hire)
• Preferred: A Child Development Associates (CDA), Associates in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or Bachelors degree in any field with 12 college quarter credits in ECE and experience in ECE.
• Preferred: One year volunteer or work experience in early childhood education
• Experience working with families under stress preferred

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Able to work effectively with parents, volunteers, children and staff.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and be active with the children on their level, often on the floor, getting up and down, etc.
• Basic language skills include the ability to read and express oneself clearly verbally and in writing.
• Competent in documentation and record keeping.
• Demonstrated ability to relate in a supportive, non judgemental manner to families of varying cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Preferred: knowledge of other languages and cultures.
• Able to explain and/or instruct others in routine existing policies, practices, and procedures.
• Basic computer skills including familiarity with word processing and email for communication and record keeping.
• Able to adapt interpersonal skills in response to individual styles, personalities, and cultures

Additional Requirements Upon Hiring:

• Must obtain a TB test and submit test results prior to hire date.
• Must show proof of MMR and Covid vaccines.
• Must submit to a criminal background check
• Must have or obtain current first aid card and infant/ child CPR training 
• Must have and maintain Washington state food handlers permit during length of employment.

Benefits for full time employees:

• Paid health care benefits
• Paid holidays (In 2023-2024 school year, we had 13 days)
• Paid time off (rates are based on length of employment)
• $100 per year for work requirements
• Professional development opportunities (In 2023-2024 school year, we had 7 days)

Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed in a noisy, active preschool classroom environment or crowded office environment. Regular exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and occasional crisis situations.