TEACHER ASISSTANT I - Spokane
Company: Spokane Tribe
Location: Spokane
Posted on: February 16, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Salary: $18.00 - $21.09 VACANCY
ANN : STOI-26-009 TITLE: TEACHER ASSISTANT I DEPARTMENT: 477 /
CHILD CARE CENTER LOCATION: SPOKANE, WA STATUS: REGULAR, FULL-TIME
SALARY LEVEL: $18.00 - $21.09 / PER HOUR OPENING DATE: FEBRUARY 10,
2026 CLOSING DATE: FEBRUARY 24, 2026 SUMMARY: The Spokane Tribe of
Indians Tribal 477/TANF Program promotes and supports Tribal
children and their families reaching their full potential of
becoming healthy, productive, and self-sufficient. This is done in
a way that protects and benefits the Tribal children, respects, and
preserves their culture, values traditions, gives families access
as well as input into the full range of programs and services to
promote their self-esteem, independence, self-sufficiency, and
their educational experiences. The TANF Childrens Center provides a
safe and developmentally appropriate environment that is culturally
relevant to children and families which reside, work, or attend
school on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The primary emphasis of
the program is to provide Early Childhood learning in an
educational setting. The Early Learning Center promotes competence
in our children, parent alliances, community collaboration and
proficiency in our staff. All active investigations resulting in
removal of any minor child under custody/guardianship of an
employee will result in immediate suspension. Following completion
of active investigation, any findings of child abuse or neglect
will result in immediate termination of employment. Employees are
required to disclose any active investigations of crimes listed on
the Secretarys List of Crimes and Negative Actions (WAC
110-06-0120) during the interview/hiring process and throughout
term of employment. JOB DUTIES: Assist classroom staff in planning,
prepping, and implementing activities in accordance with
developmentally appropriate practice and program philosophy. Work
with classroom staff to ensure a variety of materials, resources,
and activities for children to explore, manipulate and use; both in
learning activities and imaginative play which develop questioning,
probing, and problem solving appropriate to developmental levels
and learning styles of the children are utilized. Assist in
language development by communicating thoughtfully throughout the
day and in a variety of activities with children. Assist classroom
staff in meeting the unique individualized needs of each child.
Assist in all classrooms, including infant, toddler, preschool, and
school-age. Assist in maintaining all learning space to ensure it
is an enjoyable environment that encourages exploration and
learning. Assist in providing a safe environment to prevent and
reduce injuries of the children; observe and monitor childrens play
activities. Promote an environment that contributes to good health
and prevention of illness; instruct children in health and personal
habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits. Attend to
childrens basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing
their diapers. Support childrens emotional and social development,
encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
Support lead staff in utilizing positive discipline tactics with
all children and recommend or initiate other measures to control
behavior in accordance with program policy and individualized care
plans as determined by classroom teaching teams. Actively
participate in ALL quality improvement endeavors, including but not
limited to meeting Washington State Early Achievers Minimum
Operating Guidelines. Observe and monitor childrens play
activities. Read to children and teach them simple painting,
drawing, handicrafts, and songs. Provide the children with
opportunities to understand and acquire communication skills
through their thoughts and feelings. Positively interact with the
children assisting them in selecting or participating in
developmentally appropriate activities. Maintain an open, friendly,
and informative relationship with children and families; and
encourage their participation in the program. Engage the children
in appropriate language development through conversation and
vocalization. Assist in supporting the childrens positive
self-image through appropriate conversations and positive guidance
techniques including negotiating skills; utilizing positive
guidance techniques and recommending or initiating other measures
to control behavior in accordance with program policies. Optimize
all childrens learning opportunities through play. Perform as a
team member to ensure that productivity outcome measures are
achieved. Maintain a friendly and constructive atmosphere regarding
relationships with all co-workers and clientele. Attend monthly
staff meetings and designated training programs. Assist in
preparing food for children and serving meals and refreshments to
children as required by the Minimum Licensing Requirements and/or
the Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements. Assist in
organizing, cleaning, and storing toys and materials to ensure
order in activity areas. Assist in maintaining classroom upkeep and
sanitization on a regular basis. Collaborate with lead staff
members in providing education to the children including working
with parents. Support childrens learning by assisting lead teachers
in planning and implementing learning opportunities based on child
interest. Assist in meeting all Federal, State, and Tribal
regulations and policies with regards to the TANF and Childcare
Programs. This position has no supervisory control KNOWLEDGE SKILLS
AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of American Indian culture, traditions,
and language. Knowledge of working with low-income children and
families. Knowledge of public assistance laws, rules, regulations,
service programs and childcare programs preferred. Knowledge of
human behavior and performance, individual differences in ability,
personality, and interests, learning and motivation. Knowledge of
early childhood developmental stages and developmentally
appropriate practices. Skills in observation and data collection.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication. Ability to
maintain positive communication among parents, co-workers, Tribal
staff, public and private agencies in serving the customers.
Ability to handle conflict, complaints, and disputes. Ability to
practice tact, courtesy, and discretion. Ability to work under
stressful conditions. Ability to maintain dependable and punctual
shiftwork in order to sustain a well-structured environment for the
children served by the ELC. Ability to work flexible hours, shifts
and rotate between various classrooms and kitchen as needed.
Ability and willingness to maintain absolute confidentiality of
sensitive information for both external and internal systems.
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for
maintaining order. Prepare, organize, and lead activities designed
to promote physical, mental, and social development. Teach basic
skills to children. Observe and evaluate childrens performance,
behavior, social development, and physical health. Read books to
the entire class or small groups of children. Attend to childrens
basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, etc. Provide a variety
of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and
use, both in learning activities and imaginative play. Assimilate
arriving children to the school environment by greeting them,
helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest
to them. Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional
guidelines and program regulations. Teach proper eating habits and
personal hygiene. Enforce all administration policies and rules
governing students and the program. Identify children showing signs
of emotional, developmental, or health related problems and discuss
them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development
specialists. Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and
projects and communicate those objectives to children. Meet with
parents and guardians to discuss their childrens progress and
needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest
ways that they can promote learning and development. Adapt teaching
methods and instructional materials to meet students varying needs
and interests. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program
of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students
with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate. Arrange
indoor and outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill
activities, and safety. Maintain accurate and complete student
records as required by laws, policies, and administrative
regulations. Demonstrate activities to children. Meet with other
professionals to discuss individual students needs and progress.
Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons
promoting learning, following approved curricula. Organize and
label materials and display students work in a manner appropriate
for their ages and perceptual skills. Attend professional meetings,
educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain
and improve professional competence. Prepare reports on students
and activities as required by administration. Collaborate with
other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation,
and revision of preschool programs. Plan and supervise class
projects, field trips, visits by guests, or other experiential
activities and guide students in learning from those activities.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required. Select,
store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials,
and supplies. Provide disabled students with assistive devices,
supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities.
Administer screenings, evaluations, or other instruments to help
determine childrens developmental levels, needs, and potential.
Prepare and implement individualized programs for students
requiring extra help. Perform administrative duties, such as bus
monitoring, bus driving, and bus loading and unloading. Supervise,
evaluate, and plan assignments for use during small, and large
group activities with children. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must be 18
years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED.
Previous experience working with Native American clientele and
understanding of their cultural needs. Successful clearance of
Criminal History and Background inquiryTribal, State and Federal.
Successful clearance of National Child Abuse Registry and Neglect
Data System. Successful clearance of National and State Sex
Offender Registry; AND maintain clearance at all times. Successful
clearance of National Child Abuse Registry and Neglect Data System.
Additional checks will be utilized to determine retention. Current
and up-to-date immunizations including a current negative TB skin
test, annual influenza vaccine, TDap in lieu of Tetanus vaccine,
Hepatitis B Vaccinationpreferred and required within one month of
hire date. Ability to lift and maneuver small children on an
ongoing basis and the necessary physical dexterity to work with
small children 30-50 lbs. on average (bending, stooping, kneeling,
crawling, lifting, etc.). Ability to pass a bi-annual health
examination to ensure the ability to safely perform job duties
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Two years (2) experience working with
children 6 weeks 6 years in a group setting (or a combination of
work and education pertaining to Early Childhood Education).
CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Washington State Food Handlers
Certification required prior to start date. Washington State Short
State ECED Certificate of Specialization or equivalent OR
willingness to obtain within two years of hire date is required. A
signed educational agreement will be required. Initial Basic STARS
30-Hour Training preferred OR ability to complete within six months
of hire date and ability to complete 10 hours as required on an
annual basis. Ability to obtain the following certificates and
licenses within the specified time frame: Blood Borne Pathogens (1
Month) First Aid and CPR Certification Infant and Child (2 months)
Employee will be required to maintain all certifications and keep
them current. MUST APPLY ON-LINE: *Indian Preference Applies Indian
Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally
recognized tribe. *FBI Background Positions involving regular
contact with, or control over, Indian Children in accordance with
the Federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention
Act, Public Law 101-630 Confirmation receipt of on-line submission
and interview status will be sent to the applicants e-mail address
used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor
their e-mails. Contact: Empero Corral HR Generalist, or Kammi
Rosenbaum 509-458-6576 or 458-6527 E-mail:
hrfrontdesk@spokanetribe.com Applications must be received in the
Human Resource Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing
date. The Spokane Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its
Indian Preference Policy All Applicants are subject to a
Pre-Employment Drug Test All Positions with the Spokane tribe of
Indians are subject to a 90-day orientation period
Keywords: Spokane Tribe, Spokane Valley , TEACHER ASISSTANT I - Spokane, Education / Teaching , Spokane, Washington
