Assistant Teacher/Kitchen Assistant

At Kiddie Academy of Tehaleh, we believe in providing a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Our team is passionate about early childhood education, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for children and their families.

We are seeking a dependable, flexible, and motivated Assistant Teacher / Float & Kitchen Assistant to join our team! This is a unique, dual-purpose position for someone who enjoys working with young children and has previous kitchen or food service experience.

The ideal candidate is comfortable transitioning between classroom support and kitchen responsibilities. You will assist teachers throughout the center, support classroom coverage as needed, and help our kitchen run smoothly when additional assistance is needed or our cook is absent.

We are looking for someone who is equally willing to roll up their sleeves in the classroom and in the kitchen!

Position Overview

This position combines classroom assistance, floating between classrooms, and kitchen support. Responsibilities will vary based on the needs of the center, staffing, meal schedules, and kitchen coverage.

Classroom & Float Responsibilities

• Assist lead teachers with daily classroom activities, routines, and implementation of our educational curriculum.
• Provide classroom coverage and float between age groups as needed to support staffing and maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
• Help create a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Actively supervise children at all times while assigned to a classroom.
• Assist with diapering, toileting, handwashing, meals, snacks, nap time, and other daily routines as appropriate.
• Support positive guidance, children's social-emotional development, and age-appropriate learning experiences.
• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and active supervision procedures.
• Maintain accurate classroom documentation and follow center policies, including name-to-face attendance and child safety procedures.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with children, families, and team members.
• Assist with classroom cleaning, organization, and preparation of learning materials.

Kitchen & Food Service Responsibilities

• Assist the cook with daily meal and snack preparation, food portioning, serving, and kitchen organization.
• Step in to assist with kitchen operations when the cook needs additional support or is absent, including helping carry out established meal plans and food service procedures.
• Follow established recipes, menus, food preparation procedures, and meal service schedules.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, including washing dishes, sanitizing food preparation surfaces, and properly storing food and supplies.
• Follow applicable food safety, temperature control, handwashing, and sanitation requirements.
• Follow all allergy management procedures, food restrictions, and special dietary instructions to help prevent cross-contact.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and rotating food and kitchen supplies.
• Follow safe food handling practices and ensure meals and snacks are prepared and served in accordance with center policies and applicable licensing requirements.
• Communicate kitchen supply needs, food concerns, and any issues affecting meal service to management.

Teamwork & Professional Responsibilities

• Be flexible and willing to assist wherever the center needs support.
• Maintain reliable attendance, punctuality, and a positive, professional attitude.
• Follow Kiddie Academy policies, staff expectations, and Washington State child care licensing requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and employees.
• Complete required training and documentation within applicable deadlines.
• Report safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, injuries, and other required incidents in accordance with center policy and applicable law.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous kitchen, food service, meal preparation, or similar experience.
• Ability to work effectively with young children and support classroom operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Food Worker Card as required for assigned duties.
• Ability to complete required Washington State DCYF background check and clearance procedures.
• Ability to meet applicable DCYF health, training, and staff qualification requirements for the assigned role.
• Willingness to complete required child care training, including Child Care Basics, CPR and First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Safe Sleep training when applicable, within the timelines required by licensing.
• Strong communication, organization, teamwork, and time-management skills.
• Ability to follow written procedures, food safety practices, and child care health and safety policies.
• Dependable, adaptable, and comfortable switching between classroom and kitchen duties throughout the day.

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a licensed child care center, preschool, or early learning environment.
• Experience in a commercial kitchen, school kitchen, daycare kitchen, restaurant, or institutional food service setting.
• Familiarity with food allergies, special diets, food sanitation, and safe meal preparation.
• Early childhood education coursework or experience working toward a Washington State ECE certificate.

Candidates must meet the applicable qualifications for their assigned child care role. Washington State's ECE education and training requirements may be completed within permitted timelines, as applicable. The center will verify qualifications and required documentation through the appropriate licensing processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and move comfortably while supervising and assisting young children.
• Ability to lift and carry classroom supplies, food supplies, and other items consistent with the position's duties and applicable safety practices.
• Ability to perform kitchen duties safely, including standing during meal preparation, washing dishes, and cleaning work surfaces.
• Ability to work in a busy environment that requires flexibility, attention to detail, and awareness of both child safety and food safety.

Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

Why Join Kiddie Academy of Tehaleh?

• Be part of a supportive team dedicated to children's growth and development.
• Enjoy a varied role that combines early childhood education and food service.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming environment for children and families.
• Develop skills and experience in both classroom operations and kitchen management.
• Access opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kiddie Academy of Tehaleh is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, Washington State, and local laws.

Pay: $17.50 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Work Location: In person