Preschool Assistant Teacher

Overview

Launch is dedicated to ensuring a brilliant start for all children. Through our preschool, after school and summer programs, we provide equitable access to the highest-quality learning and care in a safe, enriching environment that prepares children for success in school and life. Our programs serve a diverse group of over 1300 children ages 3-12 and are located on-site in 9 Seattle public schools and 3 community centers. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, we serve as a proven model of effective programming and a passionate advocate for children, families and communities. Launch strives to live an anti-racist, inclusive existence, and welcomes diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives.

The Preschool Assistant Teacher provides a safe, caring, academically and socially enriching environment for preschool children ensuring the curriculum and activities are developmentally appropriate and meet all identified academic and development domains. Performs activities that ensure the safety, involvement, and creativity of each individual in the group. Works cooperatively with the lead teacher(s) to discuss and aide in the implementation of daily plans in accordance with the current curriculum.

Essential Job Functions

• As an assistant to Preschool Lead Teacher to support the overall operation of the preschool classroom program for children 3-5 years of age.
• Plan, prepare, implement and clean-up activities and projects using the High Scope program outline.
• Enter weekly observations and assessments in TSG.
• Provide positive behavior guidance. Be specific about what you want children to do, rather than what you do not want them to do.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt to changes and modifications as recommended by coaches,leadership, and changing trends in early childhood education.
• Maintain center appearance and cleanliness, including post activity clean up.
• Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with Department of Health Food Safety standards and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Communicate frequently with parents, site leadership, and other key stakeholders about classroom activities, observations and identified progress, etc. Prepare and schedule parent/teacher conferences.
• Complete required reports/assessments including observations, attendance (DATTs), health screenings, developmental screenings, etc.
• Use daily planning time to prepare developmentally appropriate activities for students.
• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Complete Kindergarten transition forms and support Kindergarten Readiness programs.
• Attend and complete all required trainings including State and Registry Service workshops.
• Enforce all general safety rules of the center. Apply first aid, perform CPR, complete incident reports, and practice other health and safety or life-saving procedures as needed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education, Experience & Training Equivalent

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Complete the Department of Children Youth and Families state required Initial Certificate (12 credits) within 5 years of hire. (https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/EPS_0026.pdf)
• Commitment to continued professional development including trainings as required by various regulatory agencies.
• A minimum of two years’ experience working with preschool children (3-5 year olds) with knowledge and competence in:
• Behavior management skills
• Activity planning/coordinating

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to communicate with children and adults in a positive and proactive manner.
• Ability to create versatile and varied age-appropriate activities for children of different ages and developmental stages.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member.
• The ability to problem-solve, think strategically, and handle sensitive information and difficult situations tactfully and confidentially
• The ability to exhibit cultural humility when working with staff and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds
• The ability to lead by example and routinely demonstrate behavior consistent with Launch’s values, or children, families, employees and mission.
• The ability to collaborate with on-site educators, colleagues and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality, on-site programs.
• The ability to communicate effectively, professionally and empathetically in both written and verbal formats.
• The ability to work effectively in a normal classroom environment; physical requirements include normal walking, sitting, bending, twisting, standing and reaching activities and the ability to regularly lift items weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Strong organizational skills, demonstrated by (but not limited to) a safe, clean and effectively managed worksite and compliance with Launch’s confidentiality policy regarding child, family and employee information.
• Demonstrate an eagerness to learn and enhance skills that promote Equity and Inclusion

Condition of Employment

• Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record clearance
• TB Clearance
• Food Worker Card
• First Aid/CPR
• Blood Borne Pathogens/HIV training
• Mandated Reported Training
• MMR Vaccination Record
• Must attend any required trainings

After Hire

• Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Trainings:
• Medication Management
• Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
• Families Experiencing Homelessness
• Abusive Head Trauma

Within Six months of Hire

• Completion of STARS Basic 30 hour Child Care course