Childcare Assistant

Job Title Part-time Hourly Position to Assist Classroom Teachers Who We Are Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few. Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution. We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who: Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population Are committed to teaching in a community college setting Care deeply about student success Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities Reflect the diversity of our community Essential Functions Complies with DSHS requirement (WAC). Implements Developmentally Appropriate Practices to address infant, toddler, and preschooler's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Implements guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child. Responds to children with respect, courtesy, and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth. Works with Lead Teacher in planning and implementing curriculum appropriate for toddlers or preschoolers. Encourages language development. Fosters independence and self-help skills. Observe each child's development and discusses with the Lead Teacher. Functions as a member of a team-oriented staff. May be assigned duties that relate to supervising, instructing, assigning, and checking the work of others. Communicates with Program Manager and Lead Teacher regarding information and insights that effect the efficient and cohesive functioning of the program. This information may relate to the program, children, or parents. Participates in staff meeting and in-services. Periodically assesses classroom and program strengths and needs, and communicates with Program Manager or Lead Teacher. Communicates routinely with parents in an open, professional manner. Refers matters concerning child's development and center policies to Lead Teacher or Program Manager. Adheres to policies as stated in the Early Learning Center Handbook and Personnel Handbook. Supervises in the absence of core teaching staff. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Six month experience in an early childhood program. Preferred Qualifications One year experience in early childhood setting 20 credits of early childhood education OR combination of both Experience in an Early Head Start Program Infant/Toddler certificate Conditions of Employment The finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily prevent employment, but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by HR staff. Tacoma Community College has no responsibility or obligation to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire. Successfully complete a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through the Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT). Note: This is a requirement of the State of Washington Department of Early Learning. Must possess a valid food handler's card. Must obtain a TB Test prior to employment. Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid Card. Regular and predictable attendance. Ability to bend, reach for items high or low, sit on the floor or low chairs, lift children weighing up to 35 to 45 pounds. The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate Ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment. An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace. Commitment to professionalism and confidentiality. Skill in building, and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction. Good organizational skills and resourcefulness in problem solving. Experience working effectively in a customer service, education or social service delivery setting. Ability to be self-directed and work independently in a team environment. Must be highly dependable, responsible and possess a good work ethic. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Application Process Application Material & Procedures Complete application packages must include the following: Tacoma Community College online application. Resume Cover Letter Terms of Employment This is part-time hourly position is bound by the WAC 357-04-045 provisions above and is scheduled to work Monday through Friday, varied hours up to 17 hours per week. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the needs of the department. The rate of pay is $17.13 - $17.13 per hour. A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a service fee may be required. TCC Part-time hourly and student employees including work study students, will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Hourly non-student employees may be applicable for comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans and retirement benefits are also provided. Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Patrcia McCray-Roberts, Title VII and Title IX, View phone number on click.appcast.io; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Tacoma Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and/or modified without notice.