Job Posting ID: 104
Location(s): YAKIMA
Employment Type: Full Time
Job Type: Non-Exempt
Posted Date: 06/02/2026
Deadline: 06/16/2026
Pay: $19.06 - $20.23
Hours per Day: 8:00:00
The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate early learning environment for preschool-aged children enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). This position assists with classroom instruction, supervision, daily routines, and family engagement activities while supporting children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
The Assistant Teacher works collaboratively with program staff and families to support school readiness and positive child outcomes in compliance with ECEAP Performance Standards, DCYF licensing requirements, and program policies.
Assist the Lead Teacher in creating and maintaining safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Support implementation and supervision of classroom activities and daily routines that promote children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Observe, document, and share information regarding children’s development and progress as assigned.
Build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, and staff using culturally responsive and respectful practices.
Support children’s social-emotional development through positive guidance, active supervision, and relationship-based practices.
Assist with meal preparation, service, cleanup, and classroom housekeeping duties to maintain healthy, safe, and organized environments.
Support children with routine hygiene, health, and safety needs in accordance with program policies and licensing requirements.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, records, and confidentiality in compliance with ECEAP Performance Standards and program requirements.
Participate in family engagement activities, including conferences, home visits, and program events as assigned.
Knowledge of:
ECEAP Performance Standards, DCYF licensing requirements, and early learning program practices.
Child development and developmentally appropriate practices for preschool-aged children.
Positive behavior support strategies and relationship-based classroom practices.
Family dynamics and the needs of low-income and diverse families.
Health, safety, sanitation, and active supervision practices in early learning environments.
Culturally responsive practices, including working with Hispanic/Latino families and multilingual communities.
Skill in:
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including fluency in oral and written English.
Basic computer and technology skills, including email, documentation, and data entry.
Organization, time management, and completing assignments with attention to detail.
Building positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
Working collaboratively within a team environment.
Ability To:
Work independently with minimal supervision while following program expectations and procedures.
Build supportive, respectful relationships with children and families.
Manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands in a fast-paced environment.
Exercise sound judgment in routine, sensitive, or emergency situations.
Work effectively with families, social service providers, school personnel, and community partners.
Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and flexibility in work assignments and schedules.
Ability and willingness to travel using personal transportation.
Education:
The equivalent of 12 college quarter credits in Early Childhood Education; OR
A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Candidates may be hired provisionally with a Professional Development Plan to complete education requirements within five (5) years of employment in an ECEAP program.
Completion of 30-Hour Basic Child Care Training, which may be obtained within the first month of employment.
Experience:
Experience working with preschool-aged children in classroom, childcare, or group learning settings.
Experience supporting developmentally appropriate practices and classroom routines for young children.
Experience observing and documenting children’s development and progress.
Experience supporting children’s social-emotional development using positive guidance and relationship-based practices.
Experience working with diverse families and communities, including low-income populations.
Experience collaborating effectively as part of a teaching team.
Experience maintaining accurate records, documentation, and program-related information.
Certifications/ Licenses:
Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
Valid Washington State Food Handler Card.
Completion of required Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) trainings within established timelines.
Background Requirements:
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background check through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in accordance with OSPI, DCYF, and district requirements.
Successful completion and maintenance of Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) background clearance as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field.
Experience working in ECEAP, Head Start, or other early learning programs.
Experience working with low-income children and families.
Bilingual skills in English and Spanish preferred.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in classroom and outdoor learning environments within an early learning program setting. The position involves frequent interaction with children, families, and staff in active and fast-paced environments.
Responsibilities include supporting classroom activities, supervision, meals, and daily routines while maintaining safe, clean, and organized learning spaces. Work may involve exposure to varying noise levels, cleaning products, and outdoor weather conditions during playground or outdoor activities.
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following conditions:
Significant (66%+ of the time):
Standing, walking, and actively supervising children throughout classroom and outdoor activities.
Bending, stooping, kneeling, sitting on the floor, and engaging in activities with young children.
Using hands and arms for classroom activities, food service tasks, cleaning, and assisting children.
Frequent (33-66% of the time):
Lifting and carrying children, classroom materials, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Assisting children with movement, toileting, meals, and daily routines.
Cleaning and sanitizing classroom materials, toys, furniture, and surfaces.
Occasional (up to 33% of the time):
Lifting or moving items weighing up to 40 pounds.
Pushing or pulling classroom equipment, furniture, or supplies.
Supervising children outdoors in varying weather conditions.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.
It is the policy of the Educational Service District 105 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status or physical or mental disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
At ESD 105, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health and well-being of our employees and their families.
