Childcare Classroom Assistant - Substitutes - Part time at Tacoma Community College

Who We Are

Tacoma Community College (TCC) is a public two-year institution that serves a diverse population of approximately 14,000 students.  We embrace our identity as a community college and strongly encourage applications from candidates who recognize and honor the important role that equity, diversity, and inclusion brings to an educational community.  Our stated mission is to create meaningful and relevant learning, inspire greater equity, and celebrate success in our lives and in our communities.  We are recognized nationally as an, Achieving the Dream "leader college" and our faculty are engaged in innovative work to improve student retention and program completion. According to the Community College Survey of Student Engagement, TCC ranks high on measures of active learning and academic challenge, thanks to our creative and scholarly faculty.  We seek to recruit and retain a workforce that:

• Reflects the diversity of our community.
• Values intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching.
• Is attracted by the campus mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities.
• Cares about student success and collaborates on strategies to facilitate success for underrepresented populations.
• Welcomes difference and models respectful interaction with others.
• Engages effectively with the community both within and outside of TCC.

Regional Setting
For information on Tacoma and the surrounding area:   https://www.tacomacc.edu/tcc-life/life_in_tacoma

*This recruitment is to establish an applicant pool for future vacancies. Individuals will be contacted as vacancies occur.

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

• Complies with DSHS requirement (WAC).
• 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 

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

• 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.
• 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.

• 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. Cover letter and Resume.  

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 $16.28-$16.28. 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:  https://www.tacomacc.edu/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 College
Human Resources
6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA  98466  
www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment