Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington·Yakima, Washington
The Teacher Assistant supports the Lead Teacher in the overall care and planning for the classroom and individual children, implementing developmentally and culturally appropriate early childhood experiences. Responsibilities include implementing activities, fostering a positive emotional climate, partnering with families, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment according to established standards.
Under the guidance and direction from the Lead Teacher, implement activities and experiences supporting children’s health, education, and social emotional development. Establish a learning environment according to the Creative Curriculum and Early Achiever quality standards, and ECEAP if applicable Implement the Second Steps Personal Safety Curriculum in preschool classrooms Provide activities and opportunities that encourage and individualized approach to the developmental level and learning style of each child. Under the guidance and direction of the Lead Teacher, foster a positive emotional climate in the classroom based on licensing standards. Provide guidance and support through positive interactions between children and adults Maintain an atmosphere that encourages open communication with children and adults through back and forth conversations, warm, nurturing tones, and being down at the child’s level. Provide opportunities and support for children to understand, acquire and use verbal and non-verbal means of communicating thoughts and feelings Under the guidance and direction of the Lead teacher, create a partnership with families that encourages engagement according to ECEAP and/or Early Achiever quality standards. Communicate with parents on a daily basis by greeting them and discussing, as needed, events of the children's day. Communicate with parents regarding classroom to classroom transitions, as applicable. Maintain an accurate and up to date timesheet by clocking in and out on a consistent basis. Schedule a sub when planning for time off. Under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, create and maintain a safe and healthy environment Maintain inventory and upkeep of classroom supplies and materials Report needed repairs and maintenance to the Early Learning Site Supervisor Provide a safe, developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environment through use of the Safety and Sanitation Checklist Apply health standards and care for the children and classroom according to licensing, Early Achiever, and ECEAP standards Professional Development Participate in required training according to ECEAP and/or licensing regulations. Participate in scheduled supervision meetings, lead teacher meetings, teacher learning groups and other assigned meetings as required Participate in Center activities and other duties as requested QualificationsJob Requirements: The following requirements are those that are normally required for performance of this position. Any disabled applicant or incumbent who does not meet one or more of the requirements, but who can perform the essential function of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) shall be deemed to meet these requirements. Physical Requirements: This position normally requires the physical demands of standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 50lbs or performing other work requiring medium physical exertion, talking and hearing and adequate vision on a regular basis to perform the job requirements. These physical demands are required up to 95% of the time. Non-Physical Requirements: Education Initial ECE Certificate or Professional Development Plan Experience 2 or more years’ experience in an Early Childhood program Special Skills Demonstrate professional and effective verbal and written communication Use of good judgment Basic computer skills Supervision of adults, classroom planning and management skills Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required Licensure, Registration, Certification Valid First Aid and CPR Valid Food Handlers Card Employment is conditional upon: Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting Wage Range: $17.20 to $18.20 per hour, depending on education and experience Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9am to 6pm Benefits: 7 paid holidays, 1 paid Personal Day, 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year Health insurance including medical & prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans. Majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities Retirement 403(b) Plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theft Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment It is the practice of Catholic Charities to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We gladly offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to support participation in the hiring process and employment.
Candidates must meet physical demands including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50lbs, and possess an initial ECE Certificate or Professional Development Plan. Required experience is two or more years in an Early Childhood program, along with valid First Aid, CPR, and Food Handlers Card certifications.
Market context
In Washington, teacher assistant openings in early childhood settings often draw candidates who can meet classroom physical demands and already hold the required ECE credential path, plus First Aid, CPR, and Food Handler certification. These roles are competitive because employers look for at least two years of Early Childhood program experience and readiness to support daily care routines. Review the posted requirements carefully and confirm your certifications before applying; this platform AI-summarizes the original job description’s requirements and benefits to save you research time.
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