Preschool Teaching Assistant

About the Organization Since 1978, the Denise Louie Education Center has provided high-quality multicultural early learning and family support services to ensure that Seattle kids will be ready to succeed in school and life. The organization believes that children from low-income families deserve high-quality learning environments and strives to close the 'opportunity gap' so that all children can enter kindergarten ready to be successful. Mission: To promote school and life readiness by providing multicultural early learning services to children and families, especially those who need our services the most. We respect and preserve each child and family's individuality, cultural heritage, and home language. Vision: To educate and empower children and families to reach their full potential so they can advocate for themselves, our community, and the world. Job Summary We are currently seeking a highly motivated Teaching Assistant to join our cause. Teaching Assistants support Lead Teachers in providing a high-quality, multicultural, inclusive educational experience to prepare all children and families for life and school. Essential Functions Maintain a healthy, safe, and warm classroom environment through effective supervision, developmentally appropriate practices that allow learning through curiosity, experimentation, play, and implementation of individualized plans. Assist Lead Teachers in delivering weekly lesson plans by preparing materials, organizing supplies, and helping keep children on task. Assist teaching team in completion of Teaching Strategies Gold observations and checkpoint data to assess child growth and development. Provide support for children's behavior with evidence-based strategies. Assist in maintaining children’s attendance, file documents in a secure, organized system for easy reference by other staff. Provide guidance and direction to substitutes, volunteers, and classroom aides. Qualifications CDA or AA required in Early Childhood Education. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is strongly preferred. Experience working with children ages 5 and under. Able to communicate in English verbally and in writing. Bilingual in a language spoken by DLEC parents (Spanish, Amharic, Cantonese, and Vietnamese) preferred. Pay Range $24.62- $30.02 Benefits As a Denise Louie Education Center team member, you may receive some or all of the following employee benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and options for supplemental Insurance coverage. Team members are eligible to participate in the company 401(k) plan, which offers a non-elective employer contribution after an introductory period. In addition, eligible full-time and part-time employees will accrue up to 18 days of PTO, eleven paid holidays, and one personal holiday annually. Physical Demands To perform the job, the employee must be able to lift and potentially carry a child weighing up to 50 pounds, routinely kneel, bend, crouch, and sit on the floor for extended periods and stand, walk and sit on child-sized chairs throughout the day. Working Conditions The work is typically performed in an early childhood school environment, with moderate to loud noise. Vaccination Requirement All new hires must have MMR and COVID-19 vaccinations at the time of hire. A medical or religious exemption may be requested. If approved, weekly testing will be required. Location Magnuson - Sandpoint Employment Type Full-Time/Part-Time Exemption Status Non-Exempt Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Denise Louie Education Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristic protected by law. Employment Background Check Employment or volunteer service at Denise Louie Education Center is conditioned on a criminal background check as required by child care licensing and Head Start Performance Standards. Legal Documentation Equal Pay and Opportunities Act Family and Medical Leave Act E-Verify #J-18808-Ljbffr Denise Louie Education Center