Childcare Assistant

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Childcare Assistant

Salary

$16.28 Hourly

Location

Tacoma WA 98466, WA

Job Type

Part Time

Job Number

21-22-TMP #MON

Division

Student Affairs

Department

ELC - Early Learning Center

Opening Date

11/24/2021

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

Who We Are


Tacoma Community College ( TCC ) is built on the traditional homelands of the Puyallup Tribe. The Puyallup people have lived on and stewarded these lands since the beginning of time and continue to do so today. Our college commits to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of the Indigenous people of this land and beyond. TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community and we strive to become an anti-racist institution. We are examining racism, both implicit and explicit, as a system of domination, and we seek to identify and abolish it in our policies, procedures, and practices.
 
As the winner of the 2020 Association of Community College Trustees Equity Award for the entire Pacific Region, TCC is committed to recruiting faculty and staff who are reflective of the diverse community we serve. We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally underserved populations at TCC including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, the college seeks applicants who will intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and who recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community.  
 
Since opening its doors in 1965, Tacoma Community College has provided a high-quality, affordable education to more than 500,000 people. Serving Tacoma, Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, online students and the women’s prisons, TCC educates about 11,000 students annually. Many TCC students are the first in their families to attend college, 58 percent receive financial aid, 13 percent have children, 42 percent are students of color, and 48 percent work while attending school. TCC has multiple campuses: the main campus is in Tacoma, another is in Gig Harbor, and two additional sites are maintained at the Washington Corrections Centers for Women.

Position Summary

This is a part-time hourly position to assist classroom teachers with breaks and planning time in order to meet Early Achievers', NAC, ECEAP, EHS, and DCYF standards.

Essential Functions

  • Complies with DSHS requirement (WAC).
  • Implements Developmentally Appropriate Practices to address infant, toddler, and preschooler's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
  • Implements guidance techniques that respect the individuality of each child.  Responds to children with respect, courtesy, and an understanding of their developmental stage of growth.
  • Works with Lead Teacher in planning and implementing curriculum appropriate for toddlers or preschoolers.
  • Encourages language development.  Fosters independence and self-help skills.
  • Observe each child's development and discusses with the Lead Teacher.
  • Functions as a member of a team-oriented staff.  May be assigned duties that relate to supervising, instructing, assigning, and checking the work of others.
  • Communicates with Program Manager and Lead Teacher regarding information and insights that effect the efficient and cohesive functioning of the program. This information may relate to the program, children, or parents.
  • Participates in staff meeting and in-services.
  • Periodically assesses classroom and program strengths and needs, and communicates with Program Manager or Lead Teacher.
  • Communicates routinely with parents in an open, professional manner. Refers matters concerning child's development and center policies to Lead Teacher or Program Manager.
  • Adheres to policies as stated in the Early Learning Center Handbook and Personnel Handbook.
  • Supervises in the absence of core teaching staff. 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications 

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Six month experience in an early childhood program.
Preferred Qualifications 
  • One year experience in early childhood setting
  • 20 credits of early childhood education OR combination of both
  • Experience in an Early Head Start Program
  • Infant/Toddler certificate
Conditions of Employment
  • Successfully pass a criminal history background check prior to employment, including portable background check and fingerprinting.
  • Must possess a valid food handler's card.
  • Must obtain a TB Test prior to employment.
  • Must possess a valid CPR/First Aid Card.
  • Regular and predictable attendance.
  • Ability to bend, reach for items high or low, sit on the floor or low chairs, lift children weighing up to 35 to 45 pounds.
 
The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate
  • Ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
  • An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
  • Commitment to professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Skill in building, and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
  • Good organizational skills and resourcefulness in problem solving.
  • Experience working effectively in a customer service, education or social service delivery setting.
  • Ability to be self-directed and work independently in a team environment.
  • Must be highly dependable, responsible and possess a good work ethic.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 

Application Process

Application Material & Procedures 
Complete application packages must include the following:

  1. Tacoma Community College online application.
  2. Resume
  3. Cover Letter
Terms of Employment 

This is part-time hourly position is bound by the WAC 357-04-045 provisions above and is scheduled to work Monday through Friday, varied hours up to 17 hours per week. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the needs of the department.   The rate of pay is $16.28 - $16.28 per hour. A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a service fee may be required. TCC Part-time hourly and student employees including work study students, will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Hourly non-student employees may be applicable for comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: https://www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment/ 
 
Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Stephen Smith, Title VII and Title IX, 253-566-5055; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer,  Building 7, 253-566-5328.  Tacoma Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment.  This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice. 
  

Tacoma Community College
Human Resources
6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA  98466  
www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment

 

The benefits information presented on this page is a summary of College provided benefits. This information is subject to change and is subject to the provisions of any legislative mandates and College policy changes. For more detailed information about Tacoma Community College (TCC) benefits, please do not hesitate to contact the College benefits coordinator at (253) 566-5024.

TCC offers a comprehensive benefits package which include medical, dental, life insurance, and long- term disability insurance through the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB), along with retirement benefits through TIAA and the Department of Retirement System

Eligibility
Full-time faculty, classified staff, administrators and professional staff are eligible for benefits. Hourly employees and part-time faculty may be eligible for benefits if, and when, they meet specific criteria and are notified by TCC Human Resources.

Effective Date of Coverage
Coverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire, or date of achieving eligibility status. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately.

Health Insurance
Medical Plans
Eligible employees have several medical plan options to select from (provided by PEBB). Employees pay a monthly premium through payroll deduction.

Premium Rates Effective January 1, 2024


Resources:
PEBB Website

Medical Plan information

PEBB Medical Plan Comparison

 

Dental Plans
Employees choose from three dental plans. TCC covers the full dental premium for employees and enrolled dependents.

Resource:
Dental Plan Comparison

Vision
Covered under medical plan chosen.

Waiving Medical Coverage
If you have other employer-based medical insurance, Medicare or TRICARE, you have the option to waive PEBB medical coverage. Dental is mandatory for all eligible employees and cannot be waived, unless enrolled in dental coverage as a dependent under a SEBB (School District Employee Benefits Board) plan.

Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) & Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) & Limited Purpose FSA
FSA & DCAP accounts allow employees to set aside pre-taxed dollars to cover out-of-pocket health care and/or childcare expenses.

Members of WFSE (HE CCC) and WPEA, will be eligible to receive a $250 FSA card if employed as of November 1, 2023 with an annual full-time equivalent salary of less than $60,000, and is enrolled in a non-CDHP medical plan as of January 1 of the plan year that FSA funds are made available. This card is
issued by PEBB in the following January and does not count against the annual FSA limit, if enrolled in an FSA with Navia.

The Limited Purpose FSA is eligible for employees who are enrolled in a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP) that has a Health Savings Account. The Limited Purpose FSA is only for dental and vision expenses.

Resource:
Navia Benefit Solutions

Life Insurance
Benefits eligible employees, lawful spouse or same-sex domestic partner, dependent children under 26 years of age are eligible to enroll in life insurance. Coverage is effective first of the month following the date of employment for basic coverage; for optional coverage, amounts become effective the first of the month following approval date.

Basic Coverage: $35,000 Basic Term Life & $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) This is employer-provided at no cost to the employee.

Supplemental Life Insurance Coverage(s): Any supplemental term life insurance and AD&D coverage for employee, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner, and family is available at additional cost to the employee.
Resource:
MetLife Life Insurance

Long Term Disability (LTD)
Basic LTD: Provides 60% of the first $400 pre-disability earnings, reduced by any deductible income at no cost to the employee.

Supplemental LTD: Supplemental LTD coverage to replace at 60% or 50% of full pre-disability earnings is available at an additional cost to the employee.

Resource:
PEBB Long-Term Disability Insurance

PAID LEAVE
Classified staff, Administrators, and Professional staff are eligible for paid vacation, sick leave, and personal leave, along with paid federal holidays. Classified Monthly vacation entitlement amounts can vary from 11.33 to 16.67 hours per month depending on the length of state service. Administrator/Exempt Professional vacation leave is 16.00 hours per month. Monthly sick leave entitlement is 8.00 hours per month based on 100% FTE position and will be prorated accordingly if less than 100% FTE. Annual personal leave entitlement varies depending on employee type. Full-time classified, administrators, and professional staff are paid for all federal holidays.

Full-time faculty receive 84.00 hours of paid sick leave per academic year along with 28.00 hours of personal leave. Full-time faculty are paid on an annual contract and do not receive pay for federal holidays.

Part-time faculty receive sick leave each quarter using a formula based on the total FTE% from the cumulative teaching contracts issued to them that quarter. They would receive 7.00 hours of personal leave if they are issued a multi-quarter appointment at the start of the academic year. Part-time faculty do not receive pay for federal holidays.

Part-time hourly and student employees receive 1 hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked in a month (and fractions, thereof). Up to 40 hours of sick leave can carry over from one calendar year to the next.
If a part-time hourly or student employee is hired into a full-time position, the sick leave hours earned in the part-time position do not carry over to the full-time position. Part-time hourly and student employees are not paid for federal holidays.

Monthly entitlements are given at the beginning of the following month.
All employees in salaried positions may take up to five days of paid bereavement time off for the death of a family member. This is separate from the sick leave or vacation leave.

RETIREMENT
Retirement participation is mandatory for retirement benefit eligible TCC employees. Employees are offered a choice between two retirement plans and that choice is generally irrevocable while employed at TCC.

Classified Employees and (retirement eligible) Part-Time hourly:
Classified employees and eligible part-time hourly employees must choose between the Public Employees Retirement Systems (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3. More information about these plans can be found at this link: Department of Retirement Systems Plans

Faculty:
Faculty can choose to enroll in the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) with the plan administrator being TIAA or the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Plan 2 or Plan 3 administered by the Department of Retirement System (DRS). Prior history in any of these plans may limit current plan choice. Click here to compare TRS Plan 2, TRS Plan 3, and SBRP.

SBRP -TIAA – This is a Defined Contribution Plan. The employee contributes a mandatory defined amount and the state matches the employee’s contributions. Contribution rates are based on age.

TRS Plan 2 – A 401(a) defined benefit plan. TCC and employee contribute a percentage of salary to fund the plan. Your monthly benefit at retirement will be based on your earned service credit and compensation.

TRS Plan 3 – A 401(a) hybrid plan with Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution components. The defined contribution portion of the plan is funded through mandatory employee contributions. The employee may choose between six contribution options. TCC contributes to Defined Benefit part.

Administrative/Exempt Employees
Administrators and Exempt employees may choose to participate in the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), administered by TIAA, or the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3, administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Prior history in a Washington State Retirement Plan may limit plan choice. Click here to compare PERS Plan 2, PERS Plan 3, and SBRP.

SBRP/TIAA – This is a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan. The employee contributes a mandatory defined amount and the state matches the employee’s contributions. Contribution rates are based on age.

PERS Plan 2 – A 401(a) defined benefit plan. TCC and employee contribute a percentage of salary to fund the plan. Your monthly benefit at retirement will be based on your earned service credit and compensation.

PERS Plan 3 – A 401(a) hybrid plan with Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution components. The defined contribution portion of the plan is funded through mandatory employee contributions. The employee may choose between six contribution options. TCC contributes to Defined Benefit part.

PERS Rates Effective September 1, 2023

TRS Rates Effective September 1, 2023.



State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP) - Contributions Rates:
Contributions are based on your age:

Voluntary Retirement Savings:
State Board Voluntary Investment Program (SBVIP):

SBVIP is a voluntary, optional, unmatched retirement savings plan, operating under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), administered by TIAA. SBVIP participants may contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to the annual IRS limit and can start and stop their contributions at any time during employment. Contact Human Resources to start/stop contributions.
 
Deferred Compensation Program (DCP):
Tax-deferred savings plan administered by the Department of Retirement Systems. New Full-time employees are automatically enrolled in DCP 3 months after hire at a contribution rate of 3%. Employees are sent a notification letter within approximately 30 days of hire. This notice includes information about auto-enrollment and the necessary steps to take if one chooses to opt-out or make changes to their DCP enrollment. Contributions can be changed at any time during employment. Following the initial auto- enrollment possibility, employees would contact DRS to setup contributions and can contribute on a pre- tax basis up to the annual IRS limit.


Tuition Waiver
Administrative, Classified, Full-time Faculty, and Part-Time faculty employed for more than 50% FTE are eligible to register for space-available classes, up to 10 credits per quarter, with the State Employee Tuition Waiver program. Class registration and any applicable class fee will still apply. Click here for the Tuition Waiver form.

Liberty Mutual
PEBB members may receive a discount of up to 12% off Liberty Mutual’s auto insurance rates and up to 5% off of Liberty Mutual’s home insurance rates.

Contact Liberty Mutual at 1-800-706-5525 and mention that you are a State of Washington PEBB Member (client #8246) or visit a local Liberty Mutual office and let them know you are State of Washington PEBB Member (client #8246) for a quote.


Collective Bargaining Agreements:
WFSE Higher Education Community College Coalition: WFSE (HE CCC) CBA
WPEA Higher Education: WPEA CBA
WFSE Represented Exempt Bargaining Unit: WFSE-Exempt CBA
TCC Faculty Negotiated Agreement: TCC Faculty Negotiated Agreement

01
Which best describes your level of education?
  • High School graduate or equivalent
  • Some College
  • Associates degree from an accredited college or university
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university
  • Masters degree from an accredited college or university
  • Infant/Toddler Certification
02
How many full time equivalent (FTE) years of experience do you have working in an early childhood program? (i.e. six months at 40 hours per week; one (1) year at 20 hours per week, etc.)
  • None
  • Less than six months
  • More than six months and and less than two years
  • More than two years and less than three years
  • More than three years and less than four years
  • Over four years
03
Please describe your early childhood program experience.
04
Do you have twenty (20) college quarter hours in early childhood development, education, or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Please describe your experience working in an Early Head Start program
06
Do you have a food handler's permit? May obtain within 30 days of employment.
  • Yes
  • No
07
Do you possess a current CPR & First Aid Certification? Note: You must obtain certification within 30 days of employment.
  • Yes
  • No
08
Do you have the ability to bend, reach for items high or low, sit on the floor or low chairs, lift children weighing up to 35 to 45 pounds?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
Tacoma Community College
Division
Student Affairs
Address
6501 South 19th St

Tacoma, Washington, 98466
Phone
253-566-5115