Early Learning Assistant Teacher (Colbert Campus)

Job Summary:

The Early Learning Assistant Teacher at Northwest Christian Schools (NWCS) plays a vital role in supporting the lead teacher to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. This role assists in implementing age-appropriate curriculum, fostering social-emotional development, and supporting Biblical teaching curriculum to children ages 12 months to Pre-K.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the lead teacher to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that align with the NWCS mission and vision.  
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized learning environment conducive to the growth and development of young children.  
• Support the lead teacher in delivering engaging lessons and activities that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.  
• Maintain high emotional energy and display enthusiasm for the subject matter and individual student effort.  
• Provide individualized attention and support to students, catering to their unique learning styles, abilities, and needs.  
• Assist in observing, documenting, and assessing students' progress and developmental milestones, maintaining accurate records as required.  
• Assist with implementing positive behavior management strategies and techniques to promote a supportive and respectful classroom culture.  
• Maintain open and effective communication with parents/guardians regarding students' progress, activities, and any concerns or updates.  
• Work collaboratively with other staff members, including teachers, administrators, and support staff, to create a cohesive and supportive educational environment. 
• Integrate NWCS values and principles into daily activities and interactions, fostering spiritual growth and character development. 
• Be an ambassador for NWCS and promote growth in our early learning programs and retaining students for kindergarten.
• Willingness to assist in other classrooms to support staffing needs and perform requested duties to support the program. 
• Develop and implement constructive coping strategies to effectively manage the responsibilities associated with supporting instructional activities and student supervision. 
• Other duties as assigned.  

Compensation, Benefits & Schedule:

• Compensation: $17.60/hour
• Schedule: Part- or full-time position available, Monday-Friday, with flexibility to work hours between 7:00am through 6:00pm. This school year position follows the school calendar for the academic year, including school closures.
• Benefits: Full time employees are eligible for benefits, including medical, dental and vision. Employees working over 20 hours/week are eligible for tuition discount.
• Time Off:  Paid personal time off for vacation, illness, appointments, and personal needs. School closures (e.g., Christmas Break, Spring Break) are generally unpaid unless requested by supervisor to complete specific projects/tasks.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:

General

• High School GED or Diploma.
• ECE Initial Certificate or actively working towards completion.  
• Model a life of personal commitment to Jesus Christ by exemplifying a lifestyle that honors God and actively participating in a local, Bible-believing church. Must be willing to affirm and abide by the Schools’ Statement of Faith.
• Prior experience in similar or equivalent role in childcare.
• Meet the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) requirements including background check and TB test.

Physical

• Standing 5 to 6 hours per day. 
• Walking students to and from the playground, lunchroom and activities. 
• Ability to kneel and sit on floor for extended period of time to play or talk with children at eye-level. 
• Lifting up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to move quickly, run, etc. over smooth to uneven surfaces such as on asphalt, pea gravel, on the playground, or on the grass during playground duty. 

Northwest Christian Schools is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right to prefer employees who share its Christian faith and values where it is appropriate and legally permitted. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

Organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.