Assistant Teacher - Early Childhood Programs

ASSISTANT TEACHER - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
Part-time (25-39 hrs./wk.), non-exempt, Benefitted, AFSCME represented position
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:
Open to Willamalane employees only through 5pm on 10/19/2026
Open until filled; application screening will begin immediately
Anticipated start date 10/19/2026
JOB DESCRIPTION:
General Statement Of Duties: Assists Lead Teacher with the preparation and implementation of monthly curriculum and enrichment activities; assists in providing a positive learning environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development; Monitors and supervises preschool-kindergarten age children in a variety of activities in a classroom setting at a program site; Recommends program activities and projects; ensures safety of children who are participating in the program; does related work as required.
Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this classification is responsible for ensuring the safety of children in the program while supervising and assisting children in developmentally appropriate activities such as games, songs, learning activities, arts and crafts projects, gym time, nap time, snack and/or lunch; recommending and implementing activities and projects. Work is performed under the supervision of the Recreation Supervisor with daily on-site direction from an Early Childhood Teacher. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of positions in this classification.
Examples Of Essential Duties Performed: (Illustrative only. Any single position of a class will not necessarily involve all of the duties listed, and many positions will involve duties that are not listed.)
Monitor participant safety with various measures including attendance taking and frequent head counts. Ensure the safety of all participants and program staff at the site.
Lead and supervise children in age-appropriate enrichment activities such as centers and circle time, art projects, outdoor and gym time, songs and games, nap time, snack and/or lunch; leads, directs and prepares activities as requested.
Prepare and serve snacks; perform necessary clean up according to Food Service standards and practices.
Provide redirection to children using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports strategies, as well as social-emotional age-appropriate language.
Prepare room; set up supplies and/or equipment for activities; perform necessary clean up.
Respond to questions from parents and keep them informed regarding the child's progress and achievements.
Report all cases of suspected child abuse to supervisor and contact Services to Children & Families as necessary.
Respond to incidents utilizing First Aid, CPR/AED as needed.
Maintain necessary records and files on programs, classes, and activities.
Performs other job-related duties or tasks as required.
DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with mentoring and engaging with preschool-pre K children in a childcare setting.
Experience in organizing and facilitating daily activities in a childcare setting.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to contribute as a team member in a fast-paced, diverse work environment.
Comprehension of Oregon State childcare rules and regulations.
Knowledge: Knowledge of positive behavior management for preschool age children; some knowledge of age-appropriate activity development for children.
Skills: Planning and implementing recreational and educational activities for preschool age children; excellent customer service skills; childcare record keeping.
Abilities: Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; work successfully with children, parents, and staff; work as a member of a team; act calmly and effectively in emergency situations; intervene in conflicts effectively by using positive intervention strategies; understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Physical Requirements of the Position: The employee will frequently be required to stand and be mobile for over 70% of the work period. While performing the duties of this position the employee will frequently be required to crouch or kneel and seldom be required to bend and twist. Physical exertion and coordination is occasionally required to lift materials up to 30 pounds such as activity materials, snack foods, furniture etc. The position requires manual dexterity and coordination, for the vast majority of the work period. In performing the essential duties of this position, the employee will spend over 50% of the work period indoors and the remainder outdoors, thus exposure to heat in summer is possible. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.
Personal Protective Equipment: Ability to use protective equipment required to perform job tasks as needed and as required by health and safety guidelines.
Minimum Experience & Training: High school graduation or equivalency and one year of experience working with children in a comparable preschool or early child development center; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties.
Preferred Experience & Training: Associate degree or certificate in early childhood, child development, or a related field, and one year of progressively responsible experience working with children in a comparable preschool or early child development center; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties. Individuals bilingual in Spanish or ASL are encouraged to apply; a bilingual rate adjustment for Spanish or ASL is contingent upon passing a proficiency test.
Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain the following within first 30 days of employment
First aid and CPR certification
Oregon Food Handler Permit
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect certification (RRCAN)
Introduction to Childcare Health and Safety certification (ICCHS)
Foundations for Learning Certification (FFL)
Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR), within 7 days of hire date.
This job is co

Employment type
Part Time BU

Work arrangement
No