Assistant Lead Teacher-Toddler in Pullman, WA

Summary

Building Blocks Child Care Center, Inc. is an Early Achievers Level 4–rated, independent preschool and childcare center located in Pullman, WA.

Position: Assistant Teacher – Toddler Classroom

(Ages 1 year to 2.5 years)

We are seeking an Assistant Teacher who is experienced and knowledgeable in early childhood development. The ideal candidate understands children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth and is able to help create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Assistant Teachers play a key role in supporting classroom operations, building strong relationships with children and families, and collaborating with lead teachers. Strong communication skills with both children and adults are essential.

Compensation

$17.15–$22.50 per hour

Placement within this range is based on experience and education. Most candidates begin at the lower end of the range and receive scheduled wage increases based on performance evaluations and completion of at least 10 hours of annual continuing education. Highly qualified candidates may be offered placement toward the upper end of the range.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday
• 30–40 hours per week
• Shifts scheduled between 7:15 AM–5:45 PM

We aim to provide consistent 6–8-hour shifts, though schedules may adjust based on staffing needs.

Part-time opportunities may be available for morning or afternoon shifts.

Duties

• Collaborate effectively with teaching team
• Maintain ongoing, open communication with parents, co-workers and supervisors
• Ensure that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships with you and your team
• Provide a classroom environment that encourages parent and community partnership
• Collaborate with children's families to ensure a smooth transition from home to Child Care setting
• Create weekly plans and implement an age-appropriate curriculum that nurtures and stimulates all domains of each child's development in their care
• Provide a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children's learning and growth
• Perform ongoing developmental evaluations of children as required
• Maintain licensing regulations
• Maintain Early Achievers level 4 rating standards or exceed
• Set up classroom materials or equipment and maintain cleanliness and please aesthetics of the classroom
• Provide for basic needs of children.
• Teach life skills.
• Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
• Monitor student performance.
• Monitor student behavior, social development, or health.
• Evaluate student work.
• Discuss problems or issues with lead teacher
• Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.
• Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.
• Apply multiple teaching methods.
• Assist in maintaining student records.
• Assist to prepare reports detailing student activities or performance.
• Display student work.
• Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
• Supervise teaching team
• Assist to maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Requirements

Pre-service and Hiring Requirements:

The following requirements do not need to be completed prior to interview but are required prior to, or within one week of hiring.

• Registration in MERIT (ECE professional development & workforce registry)
• Background Clearance through DCYF (Department of Youth Children and Families)
• Safe Sleep training certification
• Mandated Reporter training certification
• TB Test (negative results)
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Food Handlers Permit

Education & Experience Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED, or some college with 1 year of full-time classroom (large group) childcare experience

Training Requirements

Upon Hire or within one week of hire:

• Background clearance through Department of Child, Youth and Families
• Negative TB Test
• Blood Borne Pathogens Training
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Safe Sleep Training

Within 90 days of hire, the following needs to be completed:

• CPR & First Aid Certification
• Child Care Basics Certification

Skill Requirements:

• Able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency a 40-pound child.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to maintain an overall positive and professional disposition.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• Effectively plan, organize and implement educational activities.
• Demonstrable record of making decisions on behalf of children with their well-being the top priority
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, change diapers and/or help children use the potty, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools, or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl and lift up to 30 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Desired Education & Experience Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED, or some college with 3 years of full-time classroom experience and willing to sign an education contract to obtain required education for the position

OR

• Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate (12 college credits) and 2 years of full-time teaching experience

OR

• Early Childhood Education Short Certificate (20 college credits) and 1 year of full-time teaching experience

Benefits

Benefits available immediately:

• accumulation of sick days
• accumulation of family medical leave
• full childcare tuition for all children 1+ years old, if space is available (~$1500/child)
• scholarship opportunity for continuing education in ECE (bachelor's pathway)