ECEAP Classroom Aide

Department: Early Learning | Location: Walla Walla, WA

About the Role

The Classroom Aide collaborates with the Lead Teacher and/or the Assistant Teacher in successful implementation of the daily routine, schedules, and needs of preschool children and classroom environment.

Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Lead or Assistant Teacher, participate in planning of the educational program and assist with the implementation of the daily classroom routine, including music, meals, group projects, free choice time, and supervision of students.
• Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and meet their emotional needs.
• Collaborate with Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher to prepare and organize the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom routine/schedule.
• Collaborate with site team, families, and family support to plan and conduct family events.
• Complete daily attendance, meal, and snack count and tracking records.
• Assist with record keeping on individual children and families as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Participate in completing written observations of individual children throughout the year (if IRR certified).
• Assist in the administration of standardized screening tools as directed.
• Prepare and serve snacks and meals; participate in and facilitate mealtime service and join children at the table for support and conversation.
• Administer first aid as needed.
• Assume responsibilities of the Assistant Teacher in his/her absence.
• Participate in ESD 123 in-service staff trainings, staff meetings, and other education opportunities to continue learning best practice strategies in the field.
• Collaborate with Lead Teacher, Assistant Teacher, families, and site team to ensure smooth transitions for children and families, including transitions to before and/or after-school care and between ECEAP and Kindergarten.
• Keep informed of ongoing program changes and updates.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow all applicable ESD 123 Board policies and procedures and ECEAP Performance Standards.
• Perform related duties as assigned, including duties within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

This role may require travel between program sites based on staffing needs.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Cleared portable background check.
• MERIT Portable Background Check (cleared before working directly with children).
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine or proof of immunity.
• Completion of one-step Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) skin test, or treatment in accordance with WAC 110-300-0105(3).
• First aid and CPR card within 90 days of hire.
• Food Handler's Permit.

Qualifications

It is preferred, but not required, that all persons serving in the role of ECEAP Classroom Aide meet one of the following qualifications:

• The equivalent of 12 college quarter credits in early childhood education;
• Washington State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initial Certificate or higher; or
• DCYF approved equivalent.

• Experience working in a preschool classroom or similar setting preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish language preferred, but not required.

Skills

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children.
• Ability to communicate effectively and relate positively to students, parents, staff, and volunteers in a diverse environment.
• Ability to adjust to varied situations, demands, and new instructional concepts.
• Ability to supervise students on regularly scheduled field trips.

Desired traits:

• Proactive self-starter with a strong sense of taking initiative.
• Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident yet humble, with a focus on team success over individual status.
• Hungry for learning and taking on more responsibilities.
• Smart with good judgment and intuition around group dynamics.

These statements should resonate with you:

• "Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I'll figure it out."
• "I am not sure, but I will find out for you."
• "I have not done that before, but I can do it."
• "I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach."

Benefits

• Opportunities to receive on-the-job training.
• Access to full benefits (SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance; WA DRS SERS retirement plan; medical reimbursement account; life and long-term disability insurance).
• Access to the agency's wellness program.
• Paid sick leave (10 days per full school year).
• Paid personal leave (up to 2 days per full school year).
• Work a typical school calendar with winter, spring, and summer breaks off.

Pay

• Paid once a month on the last working day of the month.
• Receives an average monthly gross paycheck based on the number of days and hours assigned to the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31) and placement on the salary schedule.
• Hourly rate: $19.17 (step 1/year 1) - $21.58 (step 5/year 5) starting September 1.
• Full work calendar: 180 days, 7.5 hours per day.
• Example of gross monthly paycheck for a full work year: $2,156.63 (step 1/year 1) - $2,427.75 (step 5/year 5).

This amount may increase or decrease slightly based on hiring date and months remaining in the work calendar (Sept 01-Aug 31).

Schedule

• Monday-Friday (7.5 hours per day / 180 days per year, late August to mid-June).

Working Conditions

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 15% sitting, 35% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed under some hazardous conditions and lifting 35 or more pounds occasionally.

About Our Team and Agency

Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to the beliefs and behaviors outlined in our Culture Playbook. We want this position to be one that you are or can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy. We are looking for someone who is proud to join our ESD One Team!