Job Description
Job Description
Summary
Puyallup Playcare Center is searching for an enthusiastic, reliable Assistant Teacher to join our team! We are looking for an individual who enjoys working with young children, likes working as a team and thrives in a fun, active environment.
Duties
Position Specific / Classroom :
- Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with the children and families
- Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and co-teachers to create and implement developmentally appropriate, theme-based emergent curriculum honoring the children’s interests and contributions
- Assist the Lead in coordinating meaningful engaging activities, field trips, and visitors
- Work with the Lead to create and maintain positive and engaging classroom and outdoor environments
- Assume leadership of the classroom in Lead’s absence, implementing daily routines, tasks and lesson plans as discussed with the Lead
- Provide a welcoming atmosphere showing respect for a diverse community and approaching challenges with compassion
- Follow daily routines of the classroom and keep things on schedule
- Meet the social and emotional, physical and cognitive needs of each child
- Practice active supervision at all times, implementing name-to-face checks regularly and at each transition
- Practice daily health checks for each child and report concerns to Lead or administration
- Share daily updates with families in-person as discussed with the Lead and co-teachers
- Assist in completing approved developmental screening for each child within 90 days of enrollment and annually each fall
- Document each child’s development using Teaching Strategies GOLD meeting all check point requirements and documentation goals, sharing with families regularly
- Assist in preparing and facilitating family conferences annually
- Serve all meals and snacks following Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines
- Monitor and adjust for severe allergies and special diet, developmental, and medical needs
- Partnering with the Lead, rotate materials to reflect current lesson plans and interests
- Complete objective incident reports and communicate occurrences to families thoughtfully after discussion with Lead Teacher and / or a Director when applicable
- Contribute to monthly newsletters
- Assist in training new hires by modeling program policies and procedures and sharing position specific information
General Program :
Follow all health and safety requirements and guidelines of the Health Department, DCYF and the program including inspecting and replacing damaged or used materialsMeet and maintain all DCYF licensing requirements for the positionAdhere to all policies and expectations outlined in the Puyallup Playcare Center Employee Handbook and Family HandbookReport suspected maltreatment or abuse of children to DCYF, Child Abuse Hotline or law enforcementComplete renewal requirements for the Early Achievers Quality Improvement Program as directed by AdministrationMaintain organized, clean spaces throughout the program including picking up playground and disinfecting toys and surfacesEvaluate self and other staff as requested for performance evaluationsProvide a welcoming atmosphere showing respect for a diverse community and approaching challenges with compassionWork collaboratively with all program employees and support a positive work environmentGreet children, families, visitors and staff and offer assistance as neededCommunicate updates to replacement staff ensuring smooth transitions between teachers and that all are in the loop before leaving your postMaintain confidentiality of all children, families and staffArrive on time for scheduled shifts and breaks; adjust working hours based on the needs of the program as requested by an administrator, including substituting in classroomsDrive center vans for field trips, substitute school-age transportation, and emergenciesPresent self in a professional image including attire, attitude, and communicationPerform and behave as a positive reflection of the program in any public capacityAttend and actively participate in regular daytime and evening staff meetingsComplete regular janitorial duties applicable to the daily schedule including taking out trash, sweeping, mopping, cleaning and sanitizing, and vacuuming.Provide quality customer service in a welcoming and supportive environmentModel a positive attitude, respectful communication, and empathy for othersMaintain friendly communication with church employees and visitors, respecting shared space and adjusting for special events or requestsPerform a variety of physically demanding tasks, including but not limited to sitting on the floor, bending, running, walking, standing, balancing, reaching, and active supervision requiring close and distance vision and hearingAssume applicable duties when substituting for alternate role (i.e. covering for another teacher in their absence) including their opening or closing dutiesBe flexible and proactive in providing assistance in any capacity as needed to ensure smooth operation and success in the prograRequirements
Pre-Service and Hiring Requirements
Cleared Background Check through the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF)TB Test (negative within the last year)Minimum Age : 18High School Diploma or equivalentTraining Before or Upon Hire
Child Care BasicsChild and Adult First Aid and CPRBlood Borne PathogensFood HandlersSafe SleepMandated ReporterMedication ManagementEmergency Disaster PreparednessFamilies Experiencing HomelessnessAbusive Head TraumaChild and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Civil RightsOngoing In-Service Training
10-Hour Annual In-Service TrainingEnhancing Quality of Early Learning (EQEL)Applicable CACFP TrainingEducation
Transcripts or Certificate : WA State ECE Initial Certificate (12 credits) or equivalentTime Allowed from Date of Hire or Promotion : 5 yearsOther Requirements
Proof of measles vaccination or immunityValid driver’s license or state identificationValid passport or social security cardDriving record with clearance to transport childrenMaintain up to date MERIT accountNice To Haves
Experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach, emergent curriculum, and special education.
Benefits
The equivalent of one-half day of sick pay will be earned each pay period and may be used after completion of the 90-day probationary period.
Vacation will be earned at the rate of one week for the first two years of employment; two weeks for years three and four; three weeks for year five and after, and may be used after the 90-day probationary periodPaid professional development opportunitiesFree college degree opportunities through Bates Technical CollegeEmployer paid employee portion of PFML and LI deductions on payrollIn accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
