Teacher Aide
Location
5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle WA 98199
Application Deadline Date
July 7 2025Audience
Early Childhood Education Specialization
Salary
$24 an hour
Benefits
403(b) Retirement, Health, Dental, Life, Vision insurance, Employee assistance program, Employee discount, Paid time off (Vacation, holidays, sick)
Position Description
JOB TITLE: Teacher Aide (Support Educator)
DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Preschool
STATUS: Full-Time / Hourly
Job Summary
The Daybreak Star Preschool Program is seeking a passionate and committed individual who values early childhood education and sees themselves as a lifelong learner. This position offers flexibility, with the Support Educator assisting across all classrooms and playing an important role in our extended care program. We are excited to welcome someone who is eager to engage with children, support our daily routines, and contribute to our inclusive and culturally rich learning environment.
Essential Responsibilities
The Support Educator works collaboratively with classroom teaching teams to provide care and support for preschool children. Responsibilities may vary depending on daily needs and classroom assignments, and include:
- Assisting teaching staff with the supervision and care of children throughout the day.
- Supporting play-based learning experiences and participating in daily classroom activities.
- Learning and implementing social-emotional development strategies under the guidance of lead teachers.
- Incorporating Native teachings and curriculum, with support from the teaching team and/or director.
- Aiding in daily transitions, classroom routines, and outdoor activities, including walks through Discovery Park.
- Observing and engaging in children’s play and development.
- Supporting teacher breaks and classroom coverage as needed.
- Assisting with before and after-school care, including transitions to and from the playground.
- Collaborating on extended care curriculum with the team, offering simple, engaging activities that build on the day’s learning.
- Helping with cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining a safe and healthy classroom environment.
- Preparing learning materials and supporting curriculum development as needed.
Support Educators are encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance, and engage actively as valued members of the teaching team. Additional duties may be assigned based on program needs.
Professional Development
This is a position with potential for growth. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who is excited to be part of a holistic, inclusive, and culturally grounded preschool program. Join our team and help us enrich the lives of the children and families we serve.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Can work as part of a team and make contributions through collaboration, and problem solve while maintaining a sense of calm as unforeseen situations arise
- Is comfortable and reliable with planning, organizing, and time-management skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with children at an age-appropriate level
- Proof of vaccine against COVID-19 or medical and/or religious exemption.
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Food Handler’s Card
- Blood Borne Pathogens certification
- Pass Background Check through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration.
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, environmental education or related field AND an ECE Short Certificate (required for licensed preschools in Washington) or ECE Initial Certificate with willingness to obtain a ECE Short Certificate within 2 years
- MERIT training and requirements are updated
DESIRED
- Experience working with diverse communities, specifically Native American, is highly valued
- Demonstrated knowledge of the natural world and experience sharing that knowledge with
- children in the field
- Experience supervising and mentoring volunteers
- Minimum of three years of experience in a setting for preschool to school aged children
Formal training and/or experience in early childhood education or related areas
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not exhaustive, and the organization can amend the job description to meet the evolving needs of the organization.
Americans’ w/ Disabilities Act
UIATF will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, layoff, termination, compensation, benefits, or other employment related activities. The Organization complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and ensures equal employment opportunity for qualified persons with disabilities. Employees with a qualifying disability that require accommodation should contact the HR Department.