Raze Early Learning & Development Center Assistant-Infant Teacher Raze is a culturally based early learning center grounded in Black Excellence and Joy. Our mission is to disrupt the preschool-to-prison pipeline through identity-affirming, community-rooted early education. As an Assistant Infant Teacher you are called to create a culturally immersive, developmentally rich environment that nurtures language, literacy, and motor milestones while centering Black brilliance. This role is perfect for educators devoted to justice, holistic development, and authentic collaboration with families and communities. Key Responsibilities Early Literacy & Language Development Design and deliver hands-on, language-rich experiences that spark early literacy and storytelling. Use songs, interactive reading, puppetry, and culturally relevant materials to support vocabulary expansion and emergent reading skills. Motor Skills & Physical Development Develop activities that foster fine motor skills (e.g., stacking, sensory bins, finger plays) and gross motor coordination (e.g., crawling tunnels, movement games). Adapt learning spaces to promote safe, exploratory movement aligned with each child's developmental stage. Culturally Responsive Learning Environment Infuse storytelling, Black history, and identity-affirming themes throughout daily activities. Create a safe, predictable, and joyful environment that reinforces belonging and emotional growth. Social-Emotional & Responsive Teaching Use strength-based observations to guide practice and monitor developmental progress. Lead family-teacher conversations using authentic artifacts and developmental data, in partnership with Raze's behavioral health team when needed. Partnership with Families & Community Build trusting, two-way communication with families through daily touchpoints and shared family events. Honor diverse cultural backgrounds and parenting approaches in both curriculum and engagement strategies. Mentorship & Team Collaboration Model and mentor best practices in culturally affirming instruction, classroom management, and reflective teaching. Collaborate with other assistants and support staff to promote a culture of continuous learning and communal joy. Equity, Justice & Inclusion Integrate anti-bias and inclusive practices across all interactions and learning experiences. Intentionally challenge systemic inequities; model anti-racist pedagogies and language awareness.

Qualifications Required Experience:

Minimum 1 year working with infants and/or toddlers, specifically in early literacy, language development, and motor skills domains. Demonstrated success in supporting emergent communication and movement milestones is essential.

Education :

High school diploma or equivalent, plus ability to earn an ECE Initial Certificate (within 5 years of hire) and then an ECE Short Certificate (within 2 years afterward)—as required by Washington State WAC for lead teachers .

Professional Development:

Willingness to register in the state's electronic workforce registry, document ongoing professional learning, and complete pre-service and annual training requirements (e.g., child care basics, safe sleep, shaken baby prevention, medication management, health & safety topics) . Certification and Immunization (prior to first day): MMR vaccination, First Aid, Child and adult CPR, Food Handlers card, Negative TB Test Preferred Deep understanding of early literacy frameworks (e.g., phonological awareness, picture-book routines). Experience with culturally based curricula and developmentally responsive instruction. Bilingual/multilingual skills, especially in Spanish, Marshallese, or Swahili. Familiarity with Washington state licensing, early learning standards, and QRIS systems like Early Achievers. Lived experience within or close to Black American communities. What We Offer Onsite mental health support Health, dental, and vision coverage Paid leave (vacation & sick) Liberation-based, trauma-informed professional development Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and leadership in the Raze community Ready to Join Us? If you are an educator passionate about cultivating early literacy, language, and motor development within culturally sustaining, joyful contexts—while fulfilling Washington's ECE professional progression—you belong here. Apply today and help shape a revolutionary path in early learning in Spokane. Raze is an equal opportunity employer, committed to embracing diverse identities, abilities, gender expressions, family structures, and faiths.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$17.75 - $18.75 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off Ability to

Commute:

Spokane, WA 99208 (Preferred) Ability to

Relocate:

Spokane, WA 99208: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person