Teacher Assistant

Best to apply by 8/28/26

This position is for the 2026-2027 School Year.

ESD 113 learns from and cares for our staff, schools, students, families, and the land, works alongside communities to build pathways that expand opportunity, and acts with collective purpose to advance educational justice.

The work schedule is 8 hours/day and between 180-204 days/year. Work calendar will be determined by school program.

This position will be located in Thurston County, WA.

Benefits include Medical/Dental/Vision, Life/AD&D insurance, FSA/DCAP, LTD insurance, Retirement/DCP, EAP, Sick Leave, Personal Leave and Holiday Pay. The salary range includes the potential of a .70 cent bilingual differential as determined by program need.

Required attachments: Transcript, Resume and Cover Letter

Please see the job description below for a list of Essential Functions and Job Requirements.

Purpose Statement

The job of ELP- Teacher Assistant - Head Start/ECEAP is done for the purpose of assisting in the planning and implementing appropriate lesson plans that meet the individual and group needs; preparing and setting up materials to support the curriculum; encouraging parent involvement in the program; documenting family and child progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific needs of family and child; and maintaining a safe environment both physically and emotionally safe.

This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: This is a union represented position (Federation of Head Start Employees) and is further distinguished from similar jobs per the essential functions and educational requirements listed below.

Essential Functions

Acts as an integral member of the teaching team for the purpose of assisting in the planning and implementation of classroom plans and assisting with classroom routine.

Assesses each child's developmental level for the purpose of documenting progress and working with the Teachers to support each child's development.

Assists in the planning of classroom activities for the purpose of creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans to meet individual and group needs.

Assists with the daily hygiene and personal needs of children, birth to 6 years (e.g. diaper changing, feeding, changing soiled/wet clothes, etc.) for the purpose of addressing the needs of individual students.

Attends various educational workshops, seminars, in-services, on-going evaluation process, reviewing the position plan, etc. for the purpose of maintaining their professional knowledge.

Contributes to the team for the purpose of defining and clarifying roles and expectations with coworkers and cooperating with other program staff to maintain program quality.

Demonstrates methods required to perform activities for the purpose of providing an effective program and addressing the needs of individual students.

Implements lesson plans for the purpose of helping to enrich and maintain a safe environment both physically as well as emotionally.

Instructs children and parents (e.g. nutrition, self-care, social, motor skills, language skills, etc.) for the purpose of optimizing development of each child and helping to enhance parenting skills.

Monitors children's activities (e.g. classroom, snacks/lunch, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing for the safety and welfare of children.

Participates in various program activities (e.g. family staffing, staff training, planning, communication and evaluation activities, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information related to program plan.

Prepares teaching materials and related reports (e.g. classroom activities, individual child observations, individual infant daily information reports, program records, etc.) for the purpose of documenting family and child activities as described in the work plan.

Prepares and sets up materials to support the curriculum for the purpose of maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment and organizing the classroom on a daily basis.

Shares information about program activities with parents for the purpose of encouraging parent involvement by helping parent volunteers feel valued for their work and interacting with parents in a positive manner.

Marginal Functions

Assists other personnel as may be required (e.g. substituting for Teacher, assisting with transportation/food services, etc.) for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: basic knowledge of comprehensive early childhood program (Head Start or ECEAP); concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development; age appropriate activities; and safety practices and procedures.

Ability is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with others; work with similar types of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with a variety of groups; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; meeting deadlines and schedules; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to affect the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 15% sitting, 35% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment.

Education and Experience Requirements

Experience: Job related experience is required.

Education (Minimum): High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: Two years' experience working with children in an infant/toddler or preschool setting desired. Basic knowledge of comprehensive early childhood program (Head Start or ECEAP) desired.

Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses

Physical Examination: Physical exam within 6 weeks of hire and periodic exams every 4 years.

CPR/First Aid Certificate: Required within 60 days of hire

Food Handlers Permit: Required within 30 days of hire

Criminal Justice and DEL Fingerprint/Background Clearance: Required

MMR Clearance: Required

Washington State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release: Required

Continuing Education and Training

Certificate Requirements: Willingness and ability to or currently enrolled in a course to obtain a CDA or in a degree program leading to an AA in Early Childhood.

Capital Region ESD 113 is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Early Learning - Teacher Assistant (Thurston County)