Teacher Assistant (PT, Head Start)

At a Glance! Join our Head Start team as a Teacher Assistant! Are you passionate about Early Childhood Education and love working as part of a team? We're looking for a dedicated Teacher Assistant to provide vital support to our Lead Teachers in a Head Start classroom. In this role, you will help implement a high-quality, center-based program designed to build essential school readiness skills for preschool children. The classification for this position is classified as a Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 under Washington State Classification Specifications . The workload for this position averages 17.5 hours per week, no more than 19 hours per week/ OR 75 hours per month, for 9.25 months per year. This position reports to the Area Manager. Successful candidates start at the beginning of the salary range and will receive scheduled salary increases. Follow Head Start: For more on Lower Columbia College Head Start , see our News & Reports and join our Social Media page. You will have the opportunity to: Assists Lead Teacher in providing experiences through utilization of the lesson plan to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, directing children in educational activities as well as during lunch, free time, field trips, transitions between activities and playground periods. Assist Lead Teacher with providing and maintaining an environment in accordance with the Creative Curriculum. Uses positive guidance techniques such as redirecting challenging behavior, setting and maintaining limits, maintaining self-control in a respectful manner without being threatening or humiliating, following the Discipline Policy and Procedure. Observes and records behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths, areas to grow and areas of progress. Manages the classroom in Lead Teacher's absence. Helps achieve a pleasant, inviting atmosphere in which the child feels comfortable and secure including reinforcing ethnic and cultural backgrounds of children. Assists the Lead Teacher in administering developmental screening tools on enrolled Head Start/ECEAP children. Assists as a bus monitor monitoring transportation of children to and/or from school daily, as needed. Establishes friendly cooperative relationships with parents and encourages parent participation in the classroom. Receive visitors and telephone inquiries, explain procedures and program routine. Respects the confidentiality of information about enrolled children and families, personnel issues and program operations as defined in the Confidentiality Policy. Discusses concerns directly and openly with appropriate staff persons. Administers prescribed medication and first aid; handle medical emergencies as they arise. Meets with team members to collaborate on planning and delivery of services. Attends appropriate workshops, classes and other professional development activities. Other duties as assigned. This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimum Qualifications 18 years old High School diploma or equivalent AA Degree in Early Childhood Education Demonstrated knowledge in early childhood development, including cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical growth in preschool-aged children A year or more experience in a classroom supportive role with children ages birth to 3 grade. Previous experience and/or willingness to serve low-income and/or underrepresented populations Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment Strong communication skills Preferred Qualifications A year or more experience in a classroom supportive role with children ages three to five. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Prior to First Day of Employment Washington State Patrol Background Check Sex Offender Registry Check TB test completed within the last year Food Worker Card Valid Driver’s License Cleared Portable Background Check through MERIT (to include fingerprinting) Policy Council Approval Provide Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or Acceptable Version of CIS in accordance with the Washington Department of Health, to include: MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our Administrative Services Manager. How to apply: An online application must be completed for consideration. Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself): Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position Resume References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor Unofficial transcripts (if applicable) Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.</spa