Are you passionate about early childhood education?

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a caring and positive Assistant Teacher to join our team at the New Adventures Early Learning Center in Tacoma, WA. 

The Early Learning Assistant Teacher is a year-round position responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in planning, organizing, and implementing Early Learning Center services and programs. This is an intermediate-level childcare position which works under the direction of the Lead Teacher.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in research, planning, change room environment, and implement weekly emergent curriculum based off children's interest in each domain: Art, Reading, Writing, Cooking. Science, Math, Music/Movement.
• Maintain all DCYF licensing and Early Achiever standards within the classroom.
• Assist Lead Teacher in preparing and organizing the classroom and classroom materials in accordance with the planned classroom curriculum.
• Assist and participate in child screenings, assessments, conferences, and portfolio construction for each child.
• Complete daily attendance/meal count and/or snack production record.
• Interact positively with all children to support their individual learning and meet their emotional needs
• Assist the Lead Teacher with setting every child up for success; assists with "Plan of Success" form as assigned.
• Assist the Center Directors and Lead Teacher with setting every child up for success; implement "Plan of Success" form when needed and meet with all parties involved to create a plan to success.
• Oversee health habits in the classroom (i.e. handwashing). Administer first aid as needed. Check indoor and outdoor environments for safety hazards.

Qualifications

• Must have an Early Childhood Education Short Certificate at a minimum.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• One or more years of experience in an Early Learning Center is required.
• Possesses (or able to obtain): CPR, First Aid, TB Test, Food Handler's Card, Child Care Basic STARS, proof of MMR vaccine, Merit account.
• Must be flexible and adapt to meet the needs of the children and program.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the YMCA.
• Must have a desire to have fun, engage with children, and inspire creativity.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. and move quickly to engage with the children.
• Able to pass Background, Reference, and DCYF background checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• Able to complete Child Abuse Prevention training on the first day of employment as well as other online/in-person training as required.

Wage: $17.50 to $19.50 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications

Hours: Full-Time, Monday -- Friday, 40 hours per week

Location: New Adventures Early Learning Center, Tacoma, WA *  *

*Benefits: *

Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit plan options

YMCA provided Life and Long-term Disability Insurance 

YMCA Household Membership

Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation (vacation accruals increase with years of service)  

8 paid Holidays/Floating Holidays per year

Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness and discount programs 

Professional training, education, and certification opportunities

Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement savings plan

8% monthly employer contribution to your YMCA pension plan after 2 years of Full-Time employment

20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services, and merchandise 

<