Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher (Job ID: 12851) posted 5/18/2026 Position Type: Classified/ Early Childhood - PreK Date Posted: 5/18/2026 Location: To be determined Date Available: 2026‑27 School Year Closing Date: 05/26/2026 Days of the Week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Shift Times: 7:30‑3:30 Hours per Day: 8; $24.73‑$30.16 DOE Days per Year: 193

POSITION SUMMARY

The E‑Start Assistant Teacher assists the teacher in providing children with a learning environment and varied experiences which will help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development, in enhancing parents’ role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development and to support children’s physical well‑being and access to on‑going health services. The primary focus of this position is assisting the teacher in the learning activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Program: Participate in planning with teachers and other staff members; prepare materials and environment; assist in maintaining a safe, orderly and developmentally appropriate environment. Interactions with Children and Families: Interact positively with all children to support individual learning and meet their emotional needs; communicate regularly and respectfully with families and involve them in the program. Environment: Help maintain a safe and healthy environment for children, supervise children in the classroom, outdoor spaces and on field trips. Individualizing: Participate in ongoing assessment of individual children, including written observations, work samples, and developmental checklist; assist in developing and implementing individual learning plans (ILP). Health and Development Screening: Assist in administering screenings and performing health duties. Meals: Participate in meal preparations, family‑style meal implementation and cleanup; complete USDA paperwork; assist with maintaining emergency food and non‑food supplies. Record Keeping: Maintain complete written records for each child/family, stored confidentially. Interdisciplinary Planning: Participate as a team member in interdisciplinary planning and cross‑component coordination. Parent Involvement: Encourage and support family involvement in all aspects of the program, including parent gatherings/meetings; may visit parents in their homes. Duties in Absence of Teacher: Assume responsibilities of teacher when requested. Staff Training: Attend pre‑service and in‑service trainings.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Washington State ECE Initial Certificate, Short Certificate of Specialization, or Certificate; Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; or 12 job‑related credits (substitution: Professional Development Plan).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

One (1) school year (9 months) experience in a preschool classroom. Current and former E‑Start parents receive preference for eligible vacancies.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Abide by OSHA safety rules/standards and wear required safety equipment; wear safe shoes with toe and heel covering. Criminal background clearance. Maintain a valid Food Handler’s permit. Maintain district‑approved CPR and first aid training within 90 days; courses must include hands‑on exam. Reliable transportation. Submit a PSESD health clearance form from a medical provider. Provide current negative TB test results or negative chest X‑ray. Cannot smell of smoke, perfume, or other chemicals. Maintain district‑paid PBIS certified course. Complete FWPS district‑approved Right Response training at the advanced level; maintain certification through annual recertification. Pass and maintain a Portable Back Check (PBC) on Merit through DCYF; cleared prior to employment start date. Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

KNOWLEDGE OF

School board policies and procedures. Compliance with USDA.

ABILITY TO

Demonstrate basic knowledge of technology and willingness and ability to increase proficiency. Organize and perform job responsibilities efficiently and independently without close supervision; pay strict attention to detail. Speak, read, and follow written or verbal communications. Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines. Develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff and service providers. Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co‑workers. Practice ethical and professional standards including confidentiality. Relate effectively with parents, staff, students and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community. Provide training and support to volunteers. Follow directions/guidance from the teacher. Use computer for word processing, databases, spreadsheets and other networking capabilities. Provide supervision on field trips. Perform job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others. Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment. Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools’ commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.” Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual while celebrating group cultural heritage.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires frequent bending, lifting, walking, lifting up to 40 lbs; occasionally push/pull up to 300 lbs; may involve standing, stooping, kneeling, typing, speaking, using hand/finger dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Indoor controlled space with moderate to occasional loud noise; indoor and outdoor recess; exposure to infectious diseases; requires adherence to universal precautions; possible exposure to angry or frustrated individuals; frequent interruptions; requires OSHA safety compliance.

WORK SCHEDULE

Typically 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday, during preschool hours; may vary; must be able to work some evenings.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the E‑Start Center Coordinator and E‑Start Teacher.

REPRESENTATION

Position is represented by E‑Start.

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION

Teacher Assistant position on the E‑Start Salary Schedule; includes benefits prorated based on FTE: medical, dental, vision; sick, life insurance and retirement.

EEO STATEMENT

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Federal Way Public Schools