Day Care Teacher Assistant - 10 MTH bei Chief Leschi School

This position is for the 2025-26 School Year

GROUP:   Classified 

SALARY:  CLS Early Learning Childcare Salary Schedule

FLSA STATUS: Non - Exempt

WORKDAYS PER FISCAL YEAR:  180         

HOLIDAYS: 10  

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SUMMARY:
The Teacher Assistant provides support in the care and early education of children from birth through school age by assisting lead teachers in creating a culturally appropriate, safe, and nurturing learning environment.

ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS:
Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup Tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Assists in planning and implementing daily activities, both in the classroom and outdoor environments.

• Greets parents, children, and staff with a positive attitude and encourages proper check-in/out procedures.

• Helps prepare the learning environment and teaching materials.

• Assists with supervision in bathrooms and during meal times to foster good hygiene and manners.

• Treats children with dignity and respect in accordance with the school's discipline policy.

• Participates in housekeeping responsibilities to ensure a clean and healthy environment.

• Supports lead teachers in classroom instruction and care tasks.

• Attends staff meetings, in-service training, and professional development as required.

• Assists with outdoor classroom lessons and cultural instruction.

• Follows student support plans and implements strategies under guidance from specialists and administrators.

• Maintains a warm, supportive classroom environment.

• Respects confidentiality and adheres to GELC/CLS policies.

• Participates in trainings related to trauma-informed care, autism, and other special needs topics.

• Takes Puyallup language and culture classes as scheduled.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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Note: This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed, while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED

• Must meet one of the following:

  • Two years of study at an institution of higher education (72 quarter hours);

  • Associate’s degree or higher;

  • Passing score (461) on a state/local Paraeducator assessment exam.

• 6 months experience working with groups of young children
• Must complete Basic STARS training within one year of hire.
• Must complete all three steps of the WA State Stackable Certificates (47 credits) within three years of hire and meet all milestone requirements during that time.

Proof of qualifications must be included in the application for consideration.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful criminal background clearance.

• Successful and/or clear drug screening.

• Proof of CPR, First Aid certification, and TB test within two weeks of hire.

• Valid Food Handler’s Permit.
• WA DCYF Safe Sleep Training compltion.

• Maintain current immunizations and attend all required trainings.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Child development principles and practices.

• Positive guidance and discipline strategies.

• Cultural competency and language integration strategies.

• Basic safety, health, and sanitation practices in child care.

ABILITY TO:

• Support young children in both structured and unstructured environments.

• Work positively with a diverse team, including administrators, families, and support staff.

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and integrate tribal values in daily practice.

• Communicate effectively, follow directions, and maintain confidentiality.

• Engage respectfully with children with special needs or trauma-affected backgrounds.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Building Principal or Designee

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Maintain close, color, peripheral, and depth vision.

• Use hands to manipulate objects; reach with arms; taste or smell.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a classroom setting, with exposure to outside weather on occasion.

• Noise level is typically loud due to interaction with children.

• Moderate physical exertion is required.

Chief Leschi Schools is an Equal Opportunity /M/F/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer, except as provided under the Indian Preference Act.