Early Achievers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $45,024.00 - $60,132.00 Annually
Location : Main Campus, 6501 S 19th Street, Tacoma WA 98466, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-14-CS #MON
Division: Student Affairs
Department: ELC - Early Learning Center
Opening Date: 04/25/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: WFSE
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is used for a longevity step
Who We Are
(TWO OPENINGS)
Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.
Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.
We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Position Summary:
This position interacts with parents, practicum students, volunteers, and team members to guide the educational activities of young children enrolled in the College's Early Learning Center. This position of Assistant Teacher in an ECEAP Classroom works directly with the Lead Teacher and under the general direction from the Center Director and Assistant Director. This position responds to each child's developmental stage of growth with respect, courtesy, and understanding. Work is performed following the Department of Early Learning (DEL) requirements, Early Achiever expectations, Early Head Start (EHS) and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) standards, in addition to the Tacoma Community College and Early Learning Center policies and procedures, we follow National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.
Essential Functions

• Work with the lead teacher in planning and implementing environmental curriculum appropriate for the young children in your care.
• Use of Teaching Strategies GOLD and related databases as needed. Assisting lead teacher with paper and computer work.
• Helping Lead Teacher with preparing and possibly doing parent/teacher conferences.
• Model appropriate behavior, using developmentally appropriate communication skills and being considerate of others.
• Observe each child's development and discuss this with the lead teacher.
• Assist in ensuring that children are involved in activities suited to their immediate emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs.
• Provide ample outdoor activity options for children, maintaining focus on children's activities.
• Assist children in taking responsibility for the classroom equipment they use.
• Assist with preparation, presentation and cleanup of projects and activities such as art projects, stories, songs, outdoor activities, and bulletin boards.
• Encourage language development. Foster independence and self-help skills.
• Assist with maintenance of a healthy and safe environment. As necessary, lift, move, and/or run after children in emergencies and physically remove children from dangerous situations.
• Function as a member of a team-oriented staff. This includes participating in staff meetings and in-service training which will occasionally include evening hours.
• Maintain 10 hours of continuing education each year.
• Communicate with the Directors and lead teacher about information and insights that affect the program's efficient cohesive functioning. This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
• Responsible for classroom in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Provide oversight and guidance to Work Study Students and Practicum Students.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions

• Use opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise relating to the Early Childhood Program Specialist position and training in continuing education and experiences.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• ECE degree or CDA or Washington State Credentials Certification (completion of any of the three).
• 1 year of experience providing care and support in an early childhood environment.
• Proficient experience using computer programs, such as, Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Conditions of Employment

• The finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily prevent employment, but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by HR staff.
• Tacoma Community College has no responsibility or obligation to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

• Successfully complete a portable background check (PBC) prior to employment through the Managed Education & Registry Information Tool (MERIT).
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Valid Food Handlers Permit.
• Record of MMR vaccination.
• Record of current (in the last 12 months) Tuberculin (TB) Test.
• Ability to lift and carry 35-45 pounds, live weight and respond in emergency situations.
• Blood Bourne Pathogens training certificate.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• Be commitment to professional enrichment and learning in the early childhood education field and stay current with licensing and accreditation requirements.
• A passion for educating, caring, and nurturing children.
• An ablity to remain calm and show patience and understanding with children.
• Effective communication skills with team members, visitors, all students, and parents.
• Respect and confidentiality, ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Excellent customer service skills, including establishing, building, and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills along with following instructions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of personalities in a diverse work environment.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Willingness to earn the trust, respect, and confidence of others through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.

Application Process
Application Materials & Procedure
Complete application packages must include the following:

1. Tacoma Community College application
2. Resume & cover letter. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meet the qualifications for this position. Specifically address your experience, training, and knowledge in providing empathy and respect in the care and nurturing of children 3 to 5 years of age in an early childhood program and your supervisory experience.
3. Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (official transcripts will be required for the successful candidate).

Terms of Employment
This is a full-time classified position scheduled to work Monday through Friday, for an 8.5-hour shift. During the summer months, Tacoma Community College operates on a Monday through Thursday schedule with work hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the department's needs. The salary range is $4,320 - $5,812. Tacoma Community College offers a comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition for the employee; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a membership fee is available anytime upon employment. The layoff unit for this position is "All Other WFSE Classified". Degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and verified by National Student Clearinghouse. International degrees will be verified for U.S. equivalency.
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: Patrícia McCray-Roberts, Title VII and Title IX, 253-566-5051; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, 253-566-5157. Tacoma Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. 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
The benefits information presented on this page is a summary of College provided benefits. This information is subject to change and is subject to the provisions of any legislative mandates and College policy changes. For more detailed information about Tacoma Community College (TCC) benefits, please do not hesitate to contact the College benefits coordinator at (253) 566-5024.
TCC offers a comprehensive benefits package which include medical, dental, life insurance, and long- term disability insurance through the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB), along with retirement benefits through TIAA and the Department of Retirement System
Eligibility
Full-time faculty, classified staff, administrators and professional staff are eligible for benefits. Hourly employees and part-time faculty may be eligible for benefits if, and when, they meet specific criteria and are notified by TCC Human Resources.
Effective Date of Coverage
Coverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire, or date of achieving eligibility status. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately.
Health Insurance
Medical Plans
Eligible employees have several medical plan options to select from (provided by PEBB). Employees pay a monthly premium through payroll deduction.
Premium Rates Effective January 1, 2024
Resources:
Dental Plans
Employees choose from three dental plans. TCC covers the full dental premium for employees and enrolled dependents.
Resource:
Vision
Covered under medical plan chosen.
Waiving Medical Coverage
If you have other employer-based medical insurance, Medicare or TRICARE, you have the option to waive PEBB medical coverage. Dental is mandatory for all eligible employees and cannot be waived, unless enrolled in dental coverage as a dependent under a SEBB (School District Employee Benefits Board) plan.
Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) & Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) & Limited Purpose FSA
FSA & DCAP accounts allow employees to set aside pre-taxed dollars to cover out-of-pocket health care and/or childcare expenses.
Members of WFSE (HE CCC) and WPEA, will be eligible to receive a $250 FSA card if employed