Center Assistant - Float

Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) seeks an experienced, engaging, and dedicated Center Assistant - Float to join our educational community. This is a full time, non-exempt position reporting directly to the Center Director. This position is based in Vancouver, WA.

Who is SELF?

Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) is a nonprofit organization founded in response to the question, “How can we work to improve opportunities for our community’s children?” This question is at the heart of the work that we do.

SELF Mission:

Support for Early Learning & Families envisions a Southwest Washington where every child thrives through equitable access to quality, affordable early care and education—powered by a united community of families, educators, leaders, and advocates.

We work in partnership with the Educational Service District (ESD) 112 to staff and facilitate numerous childcare centers in the southwest Washington area. Our programs are designed to support children at ages ranging from birth, to preschool, to school age. We have program types to support children of all backgrounds and needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a community that helps our mission by helping each other. 

To learn more about SELF, we invite you to visit our website: www.SELFwa.org

General Description of Position:

The Center Assistant supports the shared commitment and responsibility to provide a safe and engaging educational and care setting for children ages birth to five years in throughout the center program. Under the supervision of the Center Director, the Center Assistant assists in providing center wide supports varying from staffing and break coverage, preparing and maintaining classrooms, and providing direct services to create quality learning and care experiences for children. The Center Assistant supports the implementation of methods that promote independence, curiosity, decision-making, cooperation, persistence, creativity, and problem solving in young children. The Center Assistant must demonstrate patience and gentleness in their care practices, model consistent and stable relationship skills, and assist in the completion of necessary program documentation using program, as assigned. The Center Assistant works within the framework of age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans, to promote the health, nutrition, and education of children in their care. The Center Assistant assists in supporting accurate, helpful, and timely schedule transitions and break coverage across multiple Centers.

What could you bring to SELF?:

• Energetic, and mission-focused with a passion for early childhood development, learning and fun! 
• Professional and positive disposition that demonstrates a strong work ethic, integrity and reliability. 
• Passionate about supporting the growth and development of children through child-lead programming 
• Collaborative, positive, and team oriented.  
• Proactive in actively contributing to the learning and work environment and demonstrating the ability to handle multiple priorities and emergent program needs.  
• Appreciation for and commitment to supporting children and families with diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.  
• Interest in professional development and growth. 

What could SELF offer you?  

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• A 401(k)-retirement savings plan with up to 2.5% employer match. 
• PTO
• Paid holidays
• Life Insurance- $10,000. 
• The general work schedule is Monday through Friday business hours, with some work hour flexibility as needed.  
• Availability is requested occasionally for paid in-service meetings or professional development events, or other work needs.   
• Discounted childcare for pre-school 
• Employee Assistance Program. 
• Quarterly passes to Columbia Sportswear and Adidas employee store.  
• A collaborative, mission-focused organizational culture with continuous professional development opportunities.  
• An opportunity to make a difference in our community! 

Qualifications and Skills:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must meet one of the following:

o   The equivalent of 12 college quarter credits in early childhood education.

o   Initial or higher Washington State Early Childhood Education Certificate.

o   A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. 

• 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to work within a team and work effectively with other people.
• Ability to follow directions and follow through efficiently on assigned tasks.
• Ability to work an opening or closing shift, depending on the need.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, busy environment with constant interruptions, while maintaining a focus on children and meeting program requirements. 
• Follow the direction of the Center Director.
• Must present a professional and positive demeanor in behavior and dress. 
• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds of families served.

Agency Coordinated:

• Enrollment in DCYF background check system - https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister  –  FREE  
• A valid WA Food Handlers Card. More information: https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/ 
• Completion of Washington State HIV/Blood Borne Pathogens – FREE 
• Participation in Washington’s State Training and Registry System (STARS) program required – (enroll within 45 days of hire date) 

Health and Safety Requirements - All Initial Health and Safety Requirements are Agency Funded and Facilitated:

• A valid CPR/First Aid certification - child/infant. 
• Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test – Valid testing within previous 12 months. 
• Documented immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). 
• Initial health exam completed by medical provider. 

Application Process:  

For consideration, please complete the application at the following link: www.SELFwa.org 

Reference and background checks are conducted with finalist candidate(s) as part of our interview process. The Center Assistant - Float position is available immediately and will remain open until it is filled. 

SELF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic. Our organization is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.