Our Beginning

About Us:  

Our Beginning School is a Reggio Emilia inspired children's school. To us, a Reggio Emilia inspired schools involves believing each child who comes through the door is capable and competent, and respecting them as such. We believe in the importance of children leading their own learning, and educators partnering with children to build connected networks of knowledge and understanding.  We care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years of age. 

We are seeking dependable, flexible team members to join our substitute team as On-Call Early Learning Substitute Teachers & On-Call School Bus Drivers.  We are hiring for muliple positions. 

These positions provide substitute teaching support in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms and safely transport children and staff on field trips, educational outings, and special events. Drivers operate a 14-passenger school bus. No CDL is required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 25 years of age
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Valid Washington State driver's license
• Safe driving record for the previous five years
• Ability to pass a driving record review, DCYF Portable Background Check, and pre-employment drug screening
• Current Infant, Child, and Adult CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to safely perform the duties of the position
• Experience working with young children preferred
• Reliable, professional, and punctual

Responsibilities

• Provide substitute teaching support in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms
• Support children's learning, safety, and daily routines
• Safely transport children and staff to field trips and school activities
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
• Follow all transportation, safety, and emergency procedures
• Assist with attendance checks before departure and arrival
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly vehicle
• Use a smartphone, GPS navigation system, and school communication applications
• Work collaboratively with teachers and school staff to support children's safety and supervision

Additional Requirements

Must be able to:

• Read traffic signs, maps, directions, and safety instructions
• Communicate effectively with children, families, staff, emergency personnel, and law enforcement when necessary
• Complete required transportation and incident documentation
• Lift up to 40 pounds
• Enter and exit the vehicle multiple times throughout the day
• Assist with emergency evacuations when necessary

Washington State regulations require drivers to maintain a valid driver's license appropriate for the vehicle being operated and a safe driving record for at least the previous five years. Drivers may not operate school vehicles if they have a known condition that could compromise safe driving, supervision, or emergency evacuation responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a classroom environment with young children (infants–5/6 years) 
• Frequent sitting on the floor, kneeling, crawling, squatting, bending, twisting, turning, reaching overhead/shoulder, and standing 
• Ability to lift, carry, and safely assist young children (up to 45 lbs.) 
• Ability to walk and move quickly, and respond to children’s needs 
• Ability to actively engage in both indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions 
• Ability to maintain visual and audio supervision of children at all times- including active supervision.
• Ability to hear and respond to children and environmental sounds
• Ability to sustain energy and engagement throughout a full workday
• Ability to enter data on keyboards/computers

Average Weights by Age (for reference):

• 1 year (infants/toddlers): ~20–25 lbs 
• 2 years: ~25–30 lbs 
• 3 years: ~30–35 lbs 
• 4 years (Pre-K): ~35–40 lbs 
• 5 years (Pre-K/Kindergarten): ~40–45 lbs 

Skills:

The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential for maintaining accurate records and ensuring the safety of all students. Additionally, the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities is crucial for success in this role. Finally, a passion for working with children and a commitment to their safety and well-being are essential qualities for the Bus Driver and Assistant Teacher position.

About Our Schools

Candidates must be comfortable working in both:

• Our Beginning School, a Reggio Emilia-inspired early learning program
• Moai School, a Christian Reggio Emilia-inspired early learning program

Schedule & Pay

• On-call, flexible weekday schedule
• No guaranteed minimum hours
• $23.00–$25.00 per hour DOE

Apply Today

Please submit your resume to hr@ourbeginning.com 

Our Beginning School and Moai School are Equal Opportunity Employers.