Substitute Teacher Assistant-Head Start

Job Description

Job Description

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2026-189

Issue Date:

09-23-26

Closing Date:

10-06-26

Substitute Teacher Assistant

Head Start

Department of Human Services

Hourly Wage: $18.23-$20.52/Intermittent/On -Call

Location: All Centers

The Teacher Assistant plays a crucial role in the instruction and supervision of young children within an early childhood setting. Working in close collaboration with the classroom teacher, the Teacher Assistant provides support across a range of classroom activities, tasks, and events. Their contributions contribute to the delivery of high-quality, integrated services that foster the holistic development of children enrolled in the Yakama Nation Head Start program. Adhering to the Head Start Performance Standards, the Teacher Assistant ensures that all work is performed in full compliance with the established regulations and guidelines. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the Teacher Assistant actively engages with others to ensure the seamless delivery of integrated services that promote the overall development of both children and families. The primary focus of the role is within the classroom environment, where duties are carried out with professionalism.

Examples of Work Performed:

Articulates the Yakama Head Start Program mission, values, and policies to staff and clients.

Demonstrate commitment to the program's mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties.

Follows all applicable federal, state, local, and tribal policies, regulations, and procedures.

Ensures compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations governing a Head Start classroom.

Participates in regular planning with relevant individuals and teams to provide high quality services to children and families.

Establishes and maintains positive, productive, and collaborative relationships with staff, peers, and parents.

Assist with logistics, supervision, and the integration of learning opportunities during special events, promoting active engagement and meaningful experiences.

Assist in creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment that promotes positive social interactions and the development of social-emotional skills.

Assist in implementing behavior management strategies and provide guidance to children, fostering their ability to resolve conflicts and engage in cooperative play.

Assist teacher in maintaining a safe, clean, attractive, and emotionally healthy environment.

Assist teacher in setting up and maintaining learning areas/centers.

Support the teacher in tracking each child's progress and adapting instructional strategies to meet their evolving needs.

Collaborate with the classroom teacher to develop and implement individualized learning plans for children, based on ongoing assessments and observations.

Work closely with teacher to plan and implement appropriate activities to meet children's learning goals, including preparing materials for lesson plans.

Assist teacher in planning, organizing, and implementing the Yakama culture, into units, daily lesson plans, and cultural activities.

Assist in developing appropriate curriculum materials to utilize in the classrooms, incorporating cultural and traditional teachings in a variety of learning objectives and methods.

Supervises, interacts with, guides, and assists children in all aspects of the daily schedule.

Greets parents/guardians, children, and public daily and informs parents of upcoming events/activities.

Assist the teacher in the recording of program information/data.

Participates in center parent committee meetings and activities.

Participates in family/parent engagement and education activities.

Makes regular home visits (at least two per year) to each child's home.

Participate in program self-assessment activities.

Participate in staff development activities.

Provides guidance to parent volunteers and trainees.

May be assigned new projects and tasks not included in the description, or to assist other head start staff as requested by supervisor ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Early Childhood Development theories/practices.

Knowledge of Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines.

Knowledge of Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Frameworks.

Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.

Knowledge of the Yakama Nation Personnel Policy Manual and procedures.

Knowledge of the Creative Curriculum.

Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment System.

Knowledge of the Classroom Learning Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).

Knowledge of historical/cultural background of the Yakama People.

Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in terms of confidentiality.

Ability to adhere to applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in dress, appearance, attitude, presentation, and work ethic.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals or groups.

Ability to operate a computer, tablet, smartphones, copiers, faxes, laminator, and multi-media devices.

Ability to effectively and efficiently organize all position duties and responsibilities.

Ability to be flexible in work schedule and assignments.

Ability and willingness to participate in staff development activities.

Ability to endure long periods of standing, walking, stooping, and kneeling.

Ability to lift to 50 pounds.

Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and/or operate objects and equipment.

Ability to handle constant noise during children's activities for long periods of time.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum of a Washington State Initial Certificate in Early Childhood Education or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for preschool setting, willing to enroll in coursework to obtain an Associate Degree, and six months of experience working with young children. OR

Preferred Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with coursework equivalency to a early childhood education major/specialization and six months experience teaching in a preschool setting.

Experience working with young children.

Must possess a current First Aid-CPR card or obtain one within 6 months of hire.

Must possess a current Food Handler's Card or obtain one within 6 months of hire.

Preference given to current or former Head Start Parent(s) who meet qualifications.

Must be able to manage confidential information.

Must follow Yakama Nation and YN Head Start Code of Conduct.

Must pass a pre-employment background check.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.