Department: Early Learning
Location: Walla Walla, WA
Reports To: ECEAP Site Coordinator
Classification: FLSA Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday-Friday (7.5 hrs. per day / 180 days per year/late August - mid June)
Rate of Pay: $20.12 (step 1/year 1) - $22.64 (step 5/year5)
SUMMARY: Educational Service District 123 is looking for a qualified candidate to fill the Early Childhood Education and Assistant Program (ECEAP) Assistant Teacher position in Walla Walla. The Assistant Teacher collaborates with the Lead Teacher in planning and implementation of daily classroom programs for preschool children.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
An assistant teacher demonstrates competency to implement program activities under the direction of a lead teacher and ensures a healthy and safe learning environment for students.- In partnership with the Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher will participate in planning of the educational program and assist with the implementation of the daily classroom routine. This includes music, meals, group projects, free choice time, and supervision of students.
- Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and meet their emotional needs.
- Collaborate with Lead Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom schedule and routine.
- Collaborate with site team, families, and family support specialists to plan and conduct family events.
- Support Lead Teacher to plan, carry out, and participate in educational planning meetings with families.
- Complete daily attendance/meal/snack count and tracking records, then submit to Supervisor.
- Assist with record keeping on individual children and families as directed by the Lead Teacher.
- Complete written observations of individual children throughout the year.
- Participate with Lead Teacher to develop a learning plan for each child within 90 days of school entry.
- Administer standardized screening tools as directed.
- Prepare and serve snacks and meals; participate in and facilitate mealtime service and join children at the table for support and conversation.
- Administer first aid as needed.
- Assume responsibilities of the Lead Teacher in his/her absence.
- As directed, participate with Lead Teacher in recruitment and training of family and community volunteers.
- Participate in ESD 123 in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other education opportunities to continue learning best practice strategies in the field.
- Collaborate with Lead Teacher, families and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families. This can include transitions to before and/or after-school care and between ECEAP and Kindergarten.
- Keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Follow all applicable ESD 123 Board policies and procedures and ECEAP Performance Standards.
Supervisory: None
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs related duties as assigned.*
*Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.
QUALIFICATIONS: - All persons serving in the role of ECEAP assistant teacher must meet one of the following qualifications:
(a) Washington State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initial Certificate or higher;
(b) DCYF approved equivalent; or
(c) High School Diploma or GED with an ESD 123 approved professional development plan (PDP) granting eligible new hires five (5) years from the date of hire to become fully qualified with (a) or (b) above.
- Cleared portable background check.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: - At least one year of experience working in a preschool classroom or similar setting preferred.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish language preferred, but not required.
Requires knowledge and ability to: - Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children.
- Ability to communicate effectively and relate positively to students, parents, staff and volunteers in a diverse environment.
- Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands and new instructional concepts.
- Ability to attend occasional evening meetings or trainings.
- Ability to supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips.
Certification and Licenses: - MERIT Portable Background Check (cleared before working directly with children).
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine or proof of immunity.
- Completion of one-step Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) skin test, or treatment in accordance with WAC 110-300-0105(3).
- First aid and CPR card within 90 days of hire.
- Food Handler’s Permit.
POSITION BENEFITS: - Opportunities to receive on the job training
- Access to full benefits (SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance. WA DRS SERS retirement plan. Medical reimbursement account, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance etc.)
- Access to the agency's wellness program
- Paid sick leave (10 days per full school year Sept-Aug)
- Paid personal leave (up to 2 days per full school year)
- Work a typical school calendar with winter, spring, and summer break off.
COMPENSATION: - Paid once a month on the last working day of the month.
- Receives an average monthly gross paycheck based on the number of days and hours assigned to the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31) and placement on the salary schedule.
- A full work calendar for this position is 180 days and 7.5 hours per day. Below is an example of a gross monthly paycheck for a full work year:
- $2,263.50 (step 1/year 1) - $2,750.63 (step 5/year 5)
- This amount may increase or decrease slightly based on hiring date and months remaining in the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31).
TRAITS THAT YOU MUST POSSESS: - Proactive self-starter. A strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
- Flexible and can thrive in a fast-paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
- Possess confidence while being humble – lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self, and define success collectively rather than individually.
- Hungry – always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step or opportunity.
- Smart – have common sense about people. Good judgement and intuition around the subtleties of group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions.
THESE STATEMENTS MUST RESONATE WITH YOU: “Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I’ll figure it out.”
“I am not sure, but I will find out for you.”
“I have not done that before, but I can do it.”
“I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach.”
ABOUT OUR TEAM AND AGENCY
Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to the beliefs and behaviors outlined in our Culture Playbook.
We want this position to be one that you are or can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy. We are looking for someone who is proud to join our ESD One Team!
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 15% sitting, 35% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed under some hazardous conditions and lifting 35 or more pounds occasionally.
