On-Call Classroom Assistant in Burien

About Akin

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well‑being so everyone can thrive. Through early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

Position Summary

Assists in providing comprehensive child development services to children. Participates in center family events & activities. Assists in documentation and record keeping per Head Start Performance Standards, ECEAP Performance Standards, CARF and Licensing Standards and Akin protocols. Supports the Lead teacher and Assistant teacher in assigned duties and responsibilities. Handles protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and emotional development.
• Communicate regularly and respectfully with families; assist Lead and Assistant teachers to involve parents in the education program.
• Assist in learning activities to support individualized education plans and meet children’s developmental goals.
• Assist in early‑learning center activities such as setting up the learning environment, cleaning and disinfecting toys and materials, health & nutrition activities, health and safety practices, lesson planning, and other duties as assigned.
• Assist in meal/snack time by setting up the room, preparing meals or snacks as appropriate, and engaging in family‑style meals with the children, following CACFP, HS and ECEAP Performance Standards, Licensing and Akin Policies and Procedures.
• Change diapers, assist with toilet learning, and assist older children with toileting.
• Participate in in‑service staff training, staff meetings, and other educational opportunities, including annual required STARS training.
• Participate in center employee meetings, program and center professional‑development activities, and other professional‑development trainings.
• In collaboration with supervisor, develop and implement an annual professional‑development and training plan; complete required training.
• Assist with record keeping and documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively and follow both written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish positive, goal‑oriented relationships with children, staff, and families.
• Proficient in Office 365 and database usage.
• Ability to develop working relationships and partnerships and work collaboratively with teams.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in a professional and ethical manner.
• Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment.

Working Environment

This job is performed in an early‑learning environment. Employees encounter moderate noise (classroom setting, outdoors, printers, phones), typical classroom lighting and temperatures, moderate interruptions, and may need to sit at a computer for extended periods. Limited travel to other site locations within the state and the ability to work a rotating schedule for the duration of center operating hours are required.

Physical Demands

While performing essential duties, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to lead classroom daily activities with children and families. Frequently, the employee walks, grasps, and pushes/pulls up to 30 lb. Occasionally, the employee sits, bends at knees, kneels/crawls, bends at waist, turns/pivots, balances, reaches overhead, extends reach, pinches, lifts up to 50 lb, and uses hands/fingers for keyboarding. Constant speaking/hearing in person and occasional phone use are required; vision is needed for observation of children and families. Regular, predictable attendance is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Proof of physical exam within past 12 months (updated every three years).
• One‑step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless written proof of a negative test within past 12 months is provided. If previously positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest X‑ray must be provided.
• Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer.
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal‑history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting (MERIT portal).
• Within 30 days of hire: CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification.
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training.
• Food Handler’s Permit.
• Other assigned trainings.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of work experience in a childcare or child‑development classroom.
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) in infant/toddler or preschool, and/or early‑childhood education college credits.
• One‑year experience working with children and families from culturally diverse and low‑income backgrounds.
• Basic STARS training prior to employment.
• Language skills: Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Somali.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification and Food Handler’s Permit.

Salary Range and Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental, retirement benefits, and paid time off. The target starting pay for this position is $20.91 – $24.04 per hour, typically within the first half of this range. Actual offers are based on individual qualifications and do not consider pay history.

Why Join Akin?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
• Work in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment.
• Access ongoing professional development and growth opportunities.
• Be part of a team committed to inclusion, belonging, and community.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.