Classroom Assistant

Position Open Date: 05/21/2026 Position Close Date: 06/04/2026 Interested in making a difference in your community while building a career? Join our team as a Classroom Assistant! Seeking Full-Time, Part-Time, and On-Call Applications! WHO WE ARE: For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselvesbuilding a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute. OUR VALUES: At Opportunity Council, our values guide everything we do. Collaboration, respect, integrity, passion, and learning shape how we show up for each other and for our community. Were also committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of our workfrom the help we offer in the community to the kind of workplace we create for our staff. To learn more about us and our work, visit our website: www.oppco.org WHAT YOU WILL DO: The Classroom Assistant (CA) works with teachers, co-workers, and volunteers to provide learning experiences for children, aged three to five-years old, in a Head Start and/or ECEAP Preschool. The CA will assist with planning, set-up, clean-up, and training as well as center transportation activities as needed. In addition, the CA maintains working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, state ECEAP standards, agency policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. ABOUT THE SCHEDULE: Were hiring for both school-year and year-round positions, with opportunities for full-time and on-call roles. School-Year Positions: Work AugustJune with paid school breaks. During the summer, these roles transition to on-call status, offering flexibility while keeping you connected to our team.Year-Round Positions: Available for those seeking continuous, full-time employment.Full-Time Roles: Based at one of our Bellingham locations.On-Call Roles: Available county-wide for maximum flexibility. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists in planning, implementation and evaluation of individual and group center activities, field trips, parent/child activities and health care.Develops lesson plans for an assigned area or individual learning experiences as assigned.Assists in the preparation, set-up and clean-up of classroom/center activities as assigned.Works directly with children in small groups and individually.Assists with maintenance of materials and equipment.Assists with record keeping, routine center and parent communications and related documentation.Assists the bus driver in ensuring a safe environment on ELAFS buses. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: Attends parent events, meetings and training sessions as required by supervisor.Provides occasional internal guidance to work team regarding daily issues, which enables others to act or make decisions.Assists with food service delivery, when needed.Transports materials and equipment on occasion.Provides pupil transportation by driving a 22-passsenger bus on field trips and provides daily transportation of children when assigned. SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Able to work effectively with parents, volunteers, children and staff.Basic language skills including the ability to read and express oneself clearly verbally and in writing.Competent in documentation and record keeping.Demonstrated ability to relate in a supportive, non-judgmental manner to families of varying cultural, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.Knowledge of other languages and cultures preferred.May occasionally be involved in projects that require new ideas or approaches; position is responsible for developing modifications to established procedures related to educational activities.Able to explain and/or instruct others in routine existing policies, practices, and procedures and extract information from clients to understand their problems.Basic computer skills, including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet applications, and data base input and e-mail for communication and record keeping.Able to adapt interpersonal skills in response to individual styles, personalities, and cultures. OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE: High school diploma or equivalent; andA Child Development Associates (CDA), Associates in ECE, or Baccalaureate in any field with 12 college quarter credits in ECE and experience in ECE.One year volunteer or work experience in early childhood education preferred.Experience working with families under stress preferred.Valid Washington State drivers license or obtain by date of hire.Must submit driving abstract of driving record for previous 5 years prior to start date.If recruitment is for a Bilingual position: Must bilingually speak, write and read with fluency and proficiency between English and Spanish, Russian, Punjabi, and/or other languages Initial health examination indicating you are fit for duty and free from communicable disease within 60 days of hire. Medical checkups are required every two years thereafter.Completed TB test and test results submitted to HR prior to hire date.Criminal record check (Portable Background Check through DCYF) to ascertain that the applicant has not been convicted of a child abuse or neglect offense per Washington State Child Abuse Law (Ch. 486, Laws of 1987) or DSHS licensing requirements.Have (or obtain prior to hire date) and maintain Washington State Food Handlers Permit during length of employment.Current First Aid card and Infant/Child CPR training (or obtain within 30 days) and must maintain current certificates for length of employment.May obtain a Class C commercial drivers endorsement (CDL) when the program provides training. This license must be maintained during the length of employment. We place a strong value in hiring individuals with lived experiences of, poverty and/or homelessness or who have previously participated in Opportunity Council programs or other social services. OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE: We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal, holidays)Paid time off for wellness needsEmployer-paid holidaysEmployer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care optionsHSA and FSA plans, subject to plan termsEligibility for critical illness insurance coverage403(b) Retirement plan with employer contributionEligibility for health coverage for legal dependentsEligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverageVoluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care and personal legal services ABOUT WHATCOM COUNTY: Working with Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is more than just a job, its a chance to be part of something bigger. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our community is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to positive change. Whether you're supporting local families, advocating for equity, or building programs that uplift our neighbors, you'll find purpose and connection here. Join us in building a stronger Whatcom County where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute ABOUT SKAGIT COUNTY: Skagit County is a place where natural beauty meets heartfelt community spiritand working with our nonprofit means becoming part of that connection. From the vibrant arts scene to the agricultural heritage of the Skagit Valley, this region is rich in culture, diversity, and opportunity. Our team is dedicated to serving local communities through programs that promote equity, resilience, and well-being. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and want to work where your efforts truly matter, Skagit County is the place to grow, serve, and thrive. We believe our team should reflect the communities we serve. Thats why we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Opportunity Council is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not permit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital or family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, age, genetic information, disability, use of a service animal, or any other status protected by law.