The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in implementing individual learning strategies and maintaining a safe, healthy classroom environment for children. Responsibilities include preparing curriculum materials, supervising children in groups, and ensuring overall health and safety protocols are followed.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have an AA degree or higher in Early Childhood Education and hold several certifications including CPR, First Aid, and a Food Handler Card. Additional requirements include a valid Washington State Driver's License, a negative TB test, and full Covid-19 vaccination.
Housing Hope and HopeWorks agencies are the major non-profit developer of affordable housing and provider of human services in Snohomish County. Our mission is to promote and provide affordable housing and tailored services to reduce homelessness and poverty for residents of Snohomish County and Camano Island. We achieve this through a variety of interventions including social enterprises, children’s services, subsidized housing opportunities and services, employment, education and training services.
Purpose
The Assistant Teacher works intimately with children in the classroom building a trusting and respectful relationship with each child and, under the direction of the Lead Teacher, implementing the child’s individual learning strategies. Tomorrow’s Hope is proud to be part of the Washington State Early Achievers Program.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ensuring the health and safety of Tomorrow’s Hope children.
Assist children in developing skills appropriate to the age range, including toileting, language, self-help, self-control and social skills; and to be able to implement routines, transitions, and activities appropriate for that age group.
Assist in establishing, monitoring, and maintaining a safe and healthy classroom learning environment.
Assist in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets children’s individual physical, intellectual, language, literacy, creative, self-identity, social and emotional needs.
Giving feedback on classroom functioning and success of planned activities.
Providing input into classroom curriculum planning, classroom set-up and its management.
Preparing curriculum materials.
Setting up, taking down and cleaning up the classroom and materials.
Working with children individually in both small and large groups.
Upholding Housing Hope/Tomorrow’s Hope policies, protocols and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality of information about children and their families.
In the absence of the Lead Teacher, the Assistant assumes classroom leadership and management responsibilities in executing the planned curriculum, implementing the established classroom schedule and routine, supervising children and directing other staff and volunteers.
Function as an effective team member with co-workers to build productive, collaborative relationships and to achieve program goals and objectives.
Continue to increase professional knowledge, skills and competencies in job related areas and incorporate and demonstrate new knowledge and skills on the job.
Attend and participate in required training sessions.
Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior and conduct.
Accept responsibility for seeking assistance and guidance when needed; incorporate constructive direction from supervisor to improve job performance.
Accept responsibility for quality of job performance, and make changes as needed.
Maintain a composure and attitude that is positive and sensitive to children and their families
All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned and required by program goals and objectives.
Other tasks or responsibilities as assigned to keep the center safe, clean and healthy.
Assist with office tasks as assigned.
Drive vans as appropriate.
Do general grounds maintenance as assigned.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is regularly required to stand; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 25 lbs. frequently. Items that are over 25 lbs. must be lifted, carried, pushed, pulled, or moved with proper equipment for assistance (dolly) and proper safety procedures must also be followed.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to work in a general office/classroom environment as well as outdoor environment. Possible exposure to weather—heat, wet, cold, wind, and noise.
Required Education & Experience
AA degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field
Current knowledge of Washington State Licensed Childcare Regulations
Negative TB test (Mantaux method)
Fully Covid 19 vaccinated
HIV/AIDS certificate of training
CPR and First Aid certification for infants, children and adults
Food Handler Card
Current Portable Background Check or ability to complete within one week of hire
Currently registered in MERIT system or the ability to be in the system within one month of employment
Valid Washington State Drivers License
Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Maintain a current knowledge and skills related to quality childcare and early learning practices as defined by the State and other related system
Able to follow written and verbal direction
Ability to work well in a team setting
Must like working with children
Skilled in team approach
Working knowledge of the issues related to homelessness and poverty.
Exhibit strong organizational, time management, record keeping and documentation skills
At Housing Hope, we believe every employee plays a vital role in our success. While this job description outlines the primary duties, qualifications, and scope of the role, we encourage flexibility and teamwork. We may ask you to take on additional tasks or responsibilities as needed to support our mission. Your contributions are valued, and we appreciate your willingness to help wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our organization.
Housing Hope provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in Washington
Teaching assistant roles in Washington are often tied to classroom support needs, student supervision, and daily operational help in schools and childcare settings. These positions can be competitive because employers may look for STARS training, First Aid/CPR, a Food Handler’s Permit, a valid driver’s license, and an active Christian faith, along with a clean background check. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications and prepare to speak clearly about your experience supporting children and staff.
