Teacher Assistant (PT, Head Start)

About the Department

At a Glance!

Join our Head Start team as a Teacher Assistant!

Are you passionate about Early Childhood Education and love working as part of a team?

We're looking for a dedicated Teacher Assistant to provide vital support to our Lead Teachers in a Head Start classroom.

In this role, you will help implement a high-quality, center-based program designed to build essential school readiness skills for preschool children.

The classification for this position is classified as a Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 under Washington State Classification Specifications .

The workload for this position averages 17.5 hours per week, no more than 19 hours per week/ OR 75 hours per month, for 9.25 months per year.

This position reports to the Area Manager.

Successful candidates start at the beginning of the salary range and will receive scheduled salary increases.

Follow Head Start: For more on Lower Columbia College Head Start , see our News & Reports and join our Social Media page.

At a Glance!

Join our Head Start team as a Teacher Assistant!

Are you passionate about Early Childhood Education and love working as part of a team?

We're looking for a dedicated Teacher Assistant to provide vital support to our Lead Teachers in a Head Start classroom.

In this role, you will help implement a high-quality, center-based program designed to build essential school readiness skills for preschool children.

The classification for this position is classified as a Early Childhood Program Specialist 2 under Washington State Classification Specifications .

The workload for this position averages 17.5 hours per week, no more than 19 hours per week/ OR 75 hours per month, for 9.25 months per year.

This position reports to the Area Manager.

Successful candidates start at the beginning of the salary range and will receive scheduled salary increases.

Follow Head Start: For more on Lower Columbia College Head Start , see our News & Reports and join our Social Media page.

You will have the opportunity to: Assists Lead Teacher in providing experiences through utilization of the lesson plan to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, directing children in educational activities as well as during lunch, free time, field trips, transitions between activities and playground periods. Assist Lead Teacher with providing and maintaining an environment in accordance with the Creative Curriculum. Uses positive guidance techniques such as redirecting challenging behavior, setting and maintaining limits, maintaining self-control in a respectful manner without being threatening or humiliating, following the Discipline Policy and Procedure. Observes and records behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths, areas to grow and areas of progress. Manages the classroom in Lead Teacher's absence. Helps achieve a pleasant, inviting atmosphere in which the child feels comfortable and secure including reinforcing ethnic and cultural backgrounds of children. Assists the Lead Teacher in administering developmental screening tools on enrolled Head Start/ECEAP children. Assists as a bus monitor monitoring transportation of children to and/or from school daily, as needed. Establishes friendly cooperative relationships with parents and encourages parent participation in the classroom. Receive visitors and telephone inquiries, explain procedures and program routine. Respects the confidentiality of information about enrolled children and families, personnel issues and program operations as defined in the Confidentiality Policy. Discusses concerns directly and openly with appropriate staff persons. Administers prescribed medication and first aid; handle medical emergencies as they arise. Meets with team members to collaborate on planning and delivery of services. Attends appropriate workshops, classes and other professional development activities. Other duties as assigned. This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Assists Lead Teacher in providing experiences through utilization of the lesson plan to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, directing children in educational activities as well as during lunch, free time, field trips, transitions between activities and playground periods.
• Assist Lead Teacher with providing and maintaining an environment in accordance with the Creative Curriculum.
• Uses positive guidance techniques such as redirecting challenging behavior, setting and maintaining limits, maintaining self-control in a respectful manner without being threatening or humiliating, following the Discipline Policy and Procedure.
• Observes and records behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths, areas to grow and areas of progress.
• Manages the classroom in Lead Teacher's absence.
• Helps achieve a pleasant, inviting atmosphere in which the child feels comfortable and secure including reinforcing ethnic and cultural backgrounds of children.
• Assists the Lead Teacher in administering developmental screening tools on enrolled Head Start/ECEAP children.
• Assists as a bus monitor monitoring transportation of children to and/or from school daily, as needed.
• Establishes friendly cooperative relationships with parents and encourages parent participation in the classroom.
• Receive visitors and telephone inquiries, explain procedures and program routine.
• Respects the confidentiality of information about enrolled children and families, personnel issues and program operations as defined in the Confidentiality Policy. Discusses concerns directly and openly with appropriate staff persons.
• Administers prescribed medication and first aid; handle medical emergencies as they arise.
• Meets with team members to collaborate on planning and delivery of services.
• Attends appropriate workshops, classes and other professional development activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications 18 years old High School diploma or equivalent AA Degree in Early Childhood Education Demonstrated knowledge in early childhood development, including cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical growth in preschool-aged children A year or more experience in a classroom supportive role with children ages birth to 3 grade. Previous experience and/or willingness to serve low-income and/or underrepresented populations Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment Strong communication skills Preferred Qualifications A year or more experience in a classroom supportive role with children ages three to five. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Prior to First Day of Employment Washington State Patrol Background Check Sex Offender Registry Check TB test completed within the last year Food Worker Card Valid Driver’s License Cleared Portable Background Check through MERIT (to include fingerprinting) Policy Council Approval Provide Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or Acceptable Version of CIS in accordance with the Washington Department of Health, to include: MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our Administrative Services Manager.

• 18 years old
• High School diploma or equivalent
• AA Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Demonstrated knowledge in early childhood development, including cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical growth in preschool-aged children
• A year or more experience in a classroom supportive role with children ages birth to 3 grade.
• Previous experience and/or willingness to serve low-income and/or underrepresented populations
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Strong communication skills

• A year or more experience in a classroom supportive role with children ages three to five.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

• TB test completed within the last year

• Cleared Portable Background Check through MERIT (to include fingerprinting)

• Provide Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or Acceptable Version of CIS in accordance with the Washington Department of Health, to include: MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles
• MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles

How to apply: An online application must be completed for consideration. Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself): Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position Resume References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor Unofficial transcripts (if applicable) Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities. Residency Requirement To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role. Lower Columbia College Human Resources For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at [email protected] . Equal Employment Opportunity Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Kendra Sprague, Vice President of Foundation, HR & Legal Affairs, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, [email protected], Phone number, (360) 442-2120, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388. Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page. The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX . The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply. Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR . Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form. Mission, Vision & Values Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC. For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan . Conditions of Employment If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. This position is part of a bargaining unit subject to the WFSE HE collective bargaining agreement. The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol. If you are hired and are proficient in Spanish, you will have to take a Spanish proficiency test to receive the 5% assignment pay. Anticipated Start Date LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.

An online application must be completed for consideration.

Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started.

Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted.

A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):

• Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position
• Resume
• References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor
• Unofficial transcripts (if applicable)

Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process.

Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation.

The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.

To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states.

This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College.

Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role.

For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at [email protected] .

Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Kendra Sprague, Vice President of Foundation, HR & Legal Affairs, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, [email protected], Phone number, (360) 442-2120, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.

• Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.
• The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX .
• The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR .

Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.

Our Mission, Vision & Values define our reason for being, and provide the framework for planning and improvement efforts at LCC.

For details on LCC's Mission, Vision & Values, see our Strategic Plan .

Conditions of Employment

• If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• This position is part of a bargaining unit subject to the WFSE HE collective bargaining agreement.
• The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.
• If you are hired and are proficient in Spanish, you will have to take a Spanish proficiency test to receive the 5% assignment pay.

LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.

Non-permanent Part-time Employees Paid Leave Paid leave is accrued in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Leave is accrued based on the same proportional basis that the non-permanent part-time appointment bears to a full-time schedule.

Non-perm employees accrue prorated vacation, sick leave, one personal holiday, and two personal leave days.

Non-perm employees may also participate in leave sharing.

Holiday Credit Holiday credit is provided to non-perm part-time higher education employees and is proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the same month of the holiday of that required for full-time employment excluding all holiday hours.

Temporary Part-time Employees Paid leave Temporary employees accrue sick leave at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.

A sick leave balance not to exceed 40 hours will be carried over into January each year.

Other benefits for part-time employees Other Benefits for Part-time Employees Retirement After 5 consecutive months of 70 or more hours worked, part-time employees are eligible for retirement and required to participate.

Employees participate in either PERS Plan 2 or PERS Plan 3 administered through the Department of Retirements Systems.

Both plans are matched by LCC.

On-site Childcare Center The Early Learning Center is a state licensed program that offers high quality childcare for children ages 1 month through kindergarten entry to students, staff and faculty.

The center is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The program is a participant of the Washington State Early Achievers quality rating and improvement system and rated a level 4-Quality Level of Excellence.

Our teachers are trained in the Early Childhood Education field.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems.

The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Red Devil Wellbeing Red Devil Wellbeing is LCC's employee wellness program that strives to help employees improve and maintain their wellbeing enabling them to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Non-perm employees may also participate in leave sharing.

On-site Childcare Center The Early Learning Center is a state licensed program that offers high quality childcare for children ages 1 month through kindergarten entry to students, staff and faculty.

The center is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The program is a participant of the Washington State Early Achievers quality rating and improvement system and rated a level 4-Quality Level of Excellence.

Our teachers are trained in the Early Childhood Education field.

Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems.

The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Red Devil Wellbeing Red Devil Wellbeing is LCC's employee wellness program that strives to help employees improve and maintain their wellbeing enabling them to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

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