Assistant Teacher

Location

5011 Bernie Whitebear Way Seattle, WA 98199

Application Deadline Date

July 7 2025

Audience

Early Childhood Education Specialization

Salary

$25 an hour

Benefits

403(b) Retirement, Health, Dental, Life, Vision insurance, Employee assistance program, Employee discount, Paid time off (Vacation, holidays, sick)

Contact Info

Contact Name

Wilson Kelly

Contact Email

jobs@unitedindians.org

Position Description

JOB TITLE: Assistant Teacher
PROGRAM: Daybreak Star Preschool
REPORTS TO: Preschool Manager
STATUS: Full-Time / Hourly

Job Summary

Daybreak Star Preschool is seeking an Assistant Teacher who is passionate about early learning and views themselves as a lifelong learner. The ideal candidate is collaborative, culturally responsive, and enthusiastic about creating an engaging, supportive learning environment for preschool-aged children.

Essential Responsibilities

As part of a collaborative teaching team with a Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher will help nurture a classroom environment that supports children’s growth and development through play, exploration, and connection with the natural world. Responsibilities include:

  • Co-facilitating a play-based, culturally responsive curriculum for children ages 3–5.
  • Designing and delivering age-appropriate activities that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
  • Supporting a positive, collaborative classroom culture with fellow educators.
  • Observing and documenting children's development using the HighScope Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD (after completing IRR certification).
  • Promoting curiosity and a love of learning through consistent engagement with children.
  • Demonstrating sensitivity to the unique cultural backgrounds and family dynamics of each child.
  • Supporting children's ethnic and racial identity development within the classroom.
  • Maintaining open, solution-focused communication with the teaching team.
  • Following all policies and procedures related to child safety, communication, and crisis/risk management.
  • Assisting in the development and execution of risk and hazard response procedures.
  • Ensuring accurate program records, including daily attendance and meal tracking.
  • Supporting the care and organization of classroom materials and learning environments.
  • Following daily cleaning and sanitizing protocols in alignment with licensing requirements.
  • Assisting with classroom opening and closing duties as needed.
  • Performing additional duties as assigned to support program needs.

 Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ability to work collaboratively and maintain calm under pressure in a dynamic preschool environment.
  • Strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills.
  • Effective communication with young children at an age-appropriate level.
  • Current certifications in:
    • CPR/First Aid
    • Food Handler’s Card
    • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Ability to pass a background check through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
  • Flexibility to work occasional evenings or non-standard hours as needed.
  • Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where legally required.
  • MERIT training and requirements are updated 

Educational Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, or a related field.
  • ECE Short Certificate (as required for licensed preschools in Washington), or an ECE Initial Certificate with willingness to obtain the Short Certificate within two years.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience working with diverse communities, especially Native American populations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the natural world and experience sharing that knowledge with children.
  • Experience supervising or mentoring volunteers.
  • Minimum of three years of experience working with preschool or school-aged children.
  • Formal training or hands-on experience in early childhood education or related disciplines.

Equal Opportunity and ADA Compliance

UIATF is committed to equal opportunity in employment and complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The organization does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, promotion, or other employment practices. Employees needing accommodations due to a qualifying disability should contact the HR Department.