Childcare Assistant

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

Essential Functions

• Complies with DSHS requirement (WAC).
• Implements Developmentally Appropriate Practices to address infant, toddler, 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six month experience in an early childhood program.

• One year experience in early childhood setting
• 20 credits of early childhood education OR combination of both
• Experience in an Early Head Start Program
• Infant/Toddler certificate

• Successfully complete a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through the Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT). Note: This is a requirement of the State of Washington Department of Early Learning.
• Must possess a valid food handler's card.
• Must obtain a TB Test prior to employment.
• Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid Card.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• 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.

• Ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• 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:

1. Tacoma Community College online application.
2. Resume
3. Cover Letter