Early Learning Instructional Assistant

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to employment@westsideschool.org.

Westside School is seeking a joyous full-time individual to join our Early Learning Team in the position of Instructional Assistant. The Instructional Assistant will work with the Early Learning Team supporting teachers and students in a preschool or pre-kindergarten classroom full-time, as well as lead a cohort of Early Learning students in our aftercare program, Stay and Play. The Instructional Assistant will bridge the transition from the school day to aftercare, creating continuity for students enrolled in our Stay and Play program.  The role of the Instructional Assistant is to supervise children, coordinate activities, and work in conjunction with other staff and the Early Learning Division Head.

Westside’s emergent Early Learning curriculum is play-based, focused on experiential learning, and designed to foster the social-emotional foundations for academic learning. Our Early Learning Instructional Assistant will promote a joyful and safe school environment where play is learning and supports the creation of a community of learners in the classroom who respect and care for one another.  We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the school’s focus on diversity and inclusion and who demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency and uphold the mission, vision, and values of Westside School.

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time, temporary position for the 2025-2026 academic school year. This position will end on 6/30/2026. The compensation range for this position is $25-$27 per hour and is based on the experience level, and credentials of the candidate.

Reports to: Early Learning Division Head

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work in partnership with the lead teacher to implement the curriculum, provide supervision, maintain the classroom, and collect student documentation.
• Work with students in small groups, individually, or as a whole class.
• Work in the Extended Day Program for 90 minutes per week.
• Set annual professional goals with the Lower Division Head.
• Participate in coaching cycles, professional learning communities, and professional development.
• Attend required meetings during and after school including all staff, division, departmental collaboration, and student support advisory meetings.
• Complete all required training mandated by Washington State DCYF and complete and maintain required 10 hours of annual STARS clock hours to meet licensing requirements.
• Assist with dismissal, snack, lunch, and recess assignments.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and prepare required reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to routinely sit, kneel, bend, and crouch on the floor for extended periods of time while keeping children in visual and auditory range.

Successful candidates will have the following personal and professional qualifications:

• High School diploma required
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience working with preschool age children
• Passionate, knowledgeable, and creative
• Team player and committed to making learning joyful
• A willingness to learn about, reflect upon, and support a dynamic learning environment
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the children program
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with colleagues, accept feedback, and conduct oneself in a professional manner
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills able to effectively communicate with parents
• WA State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) for Child Care Center: Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Qualifications  Required*
  Westside will cover the cost of all requirements
  *Candidates who do not have the required degree/certificate will be considered with a commitment to complete them within a specified length of time from start of employment.

Start Date: Dependent on clearance of Portable Background Check

Westside School’s Diversity Statement:
Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.

​Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.