Classroom Assistant (Castlevale Early Head Start)

EPIC Early Learning is seeking a passionate Classroom Assistant to join our dedicated team in supporting children's development and enhancing the quality of early childhood education. With over 45 years of experience, EPIC is committed to providing nurturing and impactful educational experiences for children and families across Central Washington.

The Classroom Assistant works in collaboration with the Team Leader and Family Services Teacher (FST) to ensure the Infant/Toddler classroom provides an educational environment that is developmentally and linguistically appropriate and accommodates children’s individual rates of development as well as individual interests, temperaments, cultural backgrounds and learning styles. This role also ensures the classroom is safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive. In the absence of the designated transportation staff, the Classroom Assistant serves as a Transportation Assistant helping ensure the safe transportation of children to and from the center by assisting with boarding, supervision, and safety procedures during transit. The CA will work with the Team Leader and FST to ensure that the team works in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards/USDA requirements, state licensing requirements and agency policies and procedures. 

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• HS/GED Required.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License & Auto insurance
• Washington State ECE Initial Certificate & Infant/Toddler State Short Certificate or equivalent Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) in the correct setting.
• One year classroom work experience working with Infants/Toddlers or preschool children.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with other team members, ability to grasp a team-centered approach to delivery of services for children and families.

 * Candidates who do not meet the minimum education requirement must meet this requirement within two (2) years of hire date and will be placed on a Professional Development Plan.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AA in Early Childhood Education

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist the Team Leader and Family Services Teacher in implementing classroom activities and preparing materials.
• Support developmental assessments, health screenings, and documentation for children's educational and special services.
• Promote and follow policies on child abuse and neglect, child guidance, and active supervision.
• Conduct child observations and input data as assigned.
• Assist with scheduling and participating in parent-teacher conferences and home visits.
• Support classroom volunteers and parents by providing guidance and fostering a welcoming environment.
• Use culturally responsive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Serve as a Transportation Assistant when needed to ensure safe transport of children, following all safety procedures.
• Supervise children during transport, engage positively, monitor behavior, and ensure accurate headcounts.
• Communicate any transportation-related issues or concerns to staff and management; assist families during arrivals and departures.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and sanitary environment; provide first aid, CPR, and emergency support as needed.
• Foster a culture of safety across all settings and support EPIC’s “Speak Up, Speak Out” initiative.
• Generate and document in-kind contributions to support program goals.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and coaching to enhance performance and student outcomes.
• Engage in center activities including family nights, parent meetings, staff meetings, and trainings.

Pay Rate: $19.46 to $22.96 per hour (full-time, year-round position)

Location: 2902 Castlevale Road, Yakima, WA 98902

Position Closes: August 11, 2025

·         Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans

·         Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)

·         Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)

·         9 Paid Holidays

·         Employee Assistance Program

·         Basic Life Insurance

·         403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)

·         As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.