Job Description
Are you the type of teacher who is excited by experiential, play-based learning opportunities in a small school environment? Gardner School is looking for dedicated and creative educators to join our dynamic staff and help move the school forward as a leader in progressive education in Clark County. Gardner is a place where creativity, connection, curiosity, and courage are celebrated, and where learning is ongoing for students, staff, and families. Gardner School has two campus locations, our Preschool-6th grade Main Campus in the Mt. Vista neighborhood in Vancouver, and the 18 months-school age Country Friends Campus in Hockinson.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The School Support Float at Gardner’s Country Friends Campus provides operational and classroom support to ensure the smooth daily functioning of the school. It is a dynamic, hands-on role that spans both office and classroom environments. The School Support Float’s role is primarily to step into classrooms as needed for teacher or support staff coverage. When not needed in the classroom, this role assists with a variety of tasks including filing, data entry, answering phones, providing general office coverage, or working on special projects as assigned.
The ideal candidate is flexible, dependable, and comfortable moving between different tasks and settings. They bring a positive attitude, strong organizational skills, and a genuine willingness to support both the administrative team and the children and educators in our classrooms. They help set up and facilitate activities, observe and support children’s learning, and contribute to daily classroom routines. The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm for early childhood education and a readiness to learn and grow alongside the team.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Classroom Support
• Support the classroom in implementing a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum in the absence or support of the Lead Teacher.
• Assist with preparing materials and classroom spaces for daily activities as needed.
• Engage positively with children, modeling respectful behavior and supporting their social-emotional development.
• Observe and interact with children, sharing any relevant insights with the teaching team.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment, including participating in regular cleaning routines.
• Supervise children indoors and outdoors to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
• Follow daily routines such as transitions, meals, rest time, and toileting/diapering, maintaining consistency for children.
• Communicate appropriately with families under the guidance of the Lead Teacher or supervisor.
• Collaborate with team members to support a cohesive and caring teaching environment.
• Follow all DCYF licensing regulations and support the classroom’s Early Achievers participation.
• Perform additional duties as directed by the Lead Teacher or site supervisor
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development as required.
• Adhere to all DCYF licensing requirements and support Early Achievers participation.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned by the supervisor, including lead teacher.
Office Support
• Perform general office duties including filing, data entry, and document management.
• Answer and direct phone calls in a professional and courteous manner.
• Provide front office coverage and assist with greeting and directing families and visitors.
• Support administrative staff with tasks and projects as needed.
• Maintain organized and accurate records in accordance with school policies.
• Work on special projects as needed
• Complete a variety of cleaning or organizational tasks as needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
DCYF Requirements Before Hiring:
• Minimum Age: 18
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Completion of required DCYF (DEL) certifications in MERIT
• Portable background check
• TB Test
• Completion of 30-hour Child Care Basics training
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• Blood Borne Pathogens Training
• Food Handler Permit
DCYF Requirements After Hiring:
• 10 STARS hours of continuing education annually
• Excellent verbal, written, and digital communication skills; ability to effectively
communicate and work with administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and
students.
• Proficiency with computers, Google Drive, and word
processing, database, and other classroom technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to create an effective learning environment and interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
All staff members are responsible for supporting student supervision during class activities and throughout the school day
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This is a 12-month position with some occasional evening or weekend commitments. These are paid and may result in adjusted weekly scheduled hours to remain within 40 hours.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical duties include frequent movement, outdoor play, and other light to moderate physical activity consistent with early childhood care and play-based learning.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Hourly Wage Range: $17.13-$19/hour, depending on education and experience
Position Classification: Hourly, non-exempt
Hours: 8:30 am-5:30 pm M/W/F, 9:00-6:00 T/Th (Flexibility in hours is a bonus, these hours could shift based on coverage needs
Benefits: Some part-time and all full-time positions qualify for Medical and Dental coverage (up to 100% employer contribution based on schedule), retirement plan (up to 3% employer match), and paid time off