Childcare Classroom Assistant - Substitutes - Part time

Who We Are

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.

Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.

We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black / African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who :

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Regional Setting

For information on Tacoma and the surrounding area : tcc-life / life_in_tacoma

Position Summary

Provide assistance to day-to-day responsibilities for teaching staff and promote best practices and support for the health, safety, and educational needs of children infant to 5 years enrolled in Tacoma Community College's Early Learning Program. Classroom assistants must be able to work with children of all ages, stages of development, and special needs as needed for the Early Learning Center.

Essential Functions

Implements developmentally appropriate practices to address infant, toddler, special needs, and preschooler's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Implements guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child. Responds to children with respect, courtesy, and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth.

Works with Lead Teacher in planning and implementing curriculum appropriate for toddlers or preschoolers.

Encourages language development. Fosters independence and self-help skills.

Observe each child's development and discusses with the Lead Teacher.

Functions as a member of a team-oriented staff. May be assigned duties that relate to supervising, instructing, assigning, and checking the work of others.

Communicates with Program Manager and Lead Teacher regarding information and insights that effect the efficient and cohesive functioning of the program. This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.

Participates in staff meeting and in-services.

Periodically assesses classroom and program strengths and needs, and communicates with Program Manager or Lead Teacher.

Communicates routinely with parents in an open, professional manner. Refers matters concerning child's development and center policies to Lead Teacher or Program Manager.

Adheres to policies as stated in the Early Learning Center Handbook and Personnel Handbook.

Supervises in the absence of core teaching staff.

May assist in kitchen or front office as needed.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Six month experience in an early childhood program or equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

20 credits of early childhood education OR combination of both

Experience in an Early Head Start Program

Infant / Toddler certificate

Conditions of Employment

Valid First Aid and CPR Certification. Must obtain within 30 days of employment.

Valid Food Handlers Permit. Must obtain within 30 days of employment.

Record of current Tuberculin (TB) Test. Must complete test within 30 days of employment.

Ability to bend, reach for items high or low, sit on the floor or low chairs, lift children weighing up to 35 to 45 pounds.

Blood Bourne Pathogens training certificate. May obtain within 30 days of employment.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.

Commitment to professionalism and confidentiality.

Skill in building, and maintaining internal / external customer satisfaction.

Good organizational skills and resourcefulness in problem solving.

Experience working effectively in a customer service, education or social service delivery setting.

Ability to be self-directed and work independently in a team environment.

Must be highly dependable, responsible and possess a good work ethic.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Application Process

Application Material & Procedures

Complete application packages must include the following :

Terms of Employment

These are part-time hourly positions bound by the WAC 357-04-045 provisions above are substitute classroom assistants. Classroom assistants must be able to work with children of all ages, stages of development, and special needs. Scheduled hours are dependent on Center's need and child enrollment, up to 17 hours per week. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the needs of the department. Candidates will be called in as needs occur. The pay range is $16.66-$16.66. A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a service fee may be available upon employment. TCC Part-time hourly and student employees including work study students, will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Hourly non-student employees may be applicable for comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page / employment benefits : about / employment / Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies : Stephen Smith, Title VII and Title IX, Building 14, 253-566-5055; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, 253-566-5328. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Tacoma Community CollegeHuman Resources 6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA 98466 www.tacomacc.edu / about / employment