Full-Time, Excellent Benefits and Paid Time Off
Starting Wage: $18.54 - $20.60 per hour, based on Education
Bilingual Starting Wage: $19.47 - $21.63 per hour, based on Education
PURPOSE:
The Early Head Start (EHS) Teacher Assistant assists the Specialist I/EHS Teacher in providing for the care, safety and well-being of the children within the center-based services; supporting early learning experiences and curriculum in the classroom; assisting specialists/teachers with child assessment documentation. The EHS Teacher Assistant is responsible for meeting the Head Start performance standards and following the Agency policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
I. CHILD EDUCATION SERVICES - CENTER
A. Provide nurturing, responsive care to children according to the EHS Education policies and procedures.
B. Ensure child safety and supervision at all times according to the child supervision procedures.
C. Participate in curriculum planning and implementation under the leadership of the Specialist I/EHS Teacher.
D. Support the classroom daily schedule and individualized plans to support children’s success, including children with disabilities and challenging behaviors;
E. Document child observations and daily care provided.
F. Implement strategies to support positive child guidance as assigned.
G. Provide diapering, hand washing, and all other health and safety routines in accordance with policies and procedures.
H. Welcome and support parents and create respectful partnerships with all families.
I. Actively participate in classroom debriefs and training opportunities to increase skills and knowledge in working with young children.
J. Report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect in accordance with state laws and Agency policy.
K. Participate in cleaning and organizing of classrooms, outdoor environment and center on a daily basis.
L. Substitute for EHS Teachers/Specialists as determined by Site Manager.
II. STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING
A. Engage in training opportunities and meet all agency training requirements in a timely manner.
B. Participate in the development of a Professional Development Plan and meet established goals.
C. Engage in coaching, teacher learning communities and/or professional learning communities as assigned.
D. Communicate professionally in all contact regarding Early Head Start.
III. INTERACTION WITH CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND CO-WORKERS
A. Must relate in a positive way, both verbally and physically, to children, parents, and co-workers.
B. Must provide a nurturing environment, using appropriate verbal and physical interaction.
C. Must be sensitive to the needs of children, parents, and co-workers.
D. Must demonstrate/use quick, safe reactions and responses in dealing with children or situations that involve children.
IV. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY
A. Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment.
B. Follow safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
C. Actively contribute towards promoting a safe workplace and environment.
V. OTHER DUTIES
May be assigned other related duties as appropriate and within the scope of general responsibilities for this position. However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that may need to be performed by the employee fulfilling this position. This job description describes the general nature and level of work, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties which may be required.
REQUIRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; and
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required
OR
Step 8 in Oregon Registry Pathways required.
Experience: Minimum of six months of experience in an early childhood setting, or program working with pregnant women, or parents of infants and toddlers preferred.
Certification/Accreditation : Enrollment in Oregon Registry required; Certified TS Gold Interrater Reliable required; Current CPR/First Aide (Adult and Pediatric) and Food Handler Certification required (may be obtain at Head Start after hire).
Essential Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; high proficiency in the use of computer software programs and data bases; strong leadership and effective group facilitation skills; ability to apply sound understanding of infant/toddler growth and development to parent/child activities; ability to promote the growth and development of adults as parents; ability to work with parents and their children warmly, calmly, respectfully and in an encouraging and unhurried manner; ability to oversee both small and large groups of parents and children; possess a general knowledge of child nutrition, health, safety and special needs and a general knowledge of community resources for families. Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand and follow procedures, ensure safety, and complete required documentation related to the position.
Bilingual EHS Teacher Assistant must possess sufficient language proficiency to facilitate interpretation and/or translation of written data in all forms and ability to provide accurate information to the public requiring bilingual assistance; must demonstrate understanding of inclusion of the Hispanic culture, language, values and practices in all services provided.
Essential Mental Abilities: High initiative and ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to prioritize, resolution oriented; facilitate and/or manage multiple activities; Inform, explain, and exercise sound judgment; demonstrate flexibility, openness to change, and an understanding and acceptance of staff, child and family diversity; ability to remain alert and productive for extended periods of time; maintain confidentiality standards.
Essential Physical Requirements: This position is classified as Center‑Facing. Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. a distance of 25 feet and to push and/or pull up to 40 lbs. a distance of 20 yards. Sufficient mobility, strength, and range of motion to perform standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting or kneeling, twisting, and ascending or descending steps. Ability to react quickly to the physical actions of children. Ability to sit for extended periods of time as required by the position. Sufficient stamina to perform job duties at the required frequency. Sufficient vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye‑hand coordination to perform job duties safely and effectively. These physical requirements reflect the maximum potential demands of working in a center‑based setting and are not indicative of continuous lifting or carrying.
Exposure to Hazards: Repetitive motion tasks, sitting for long periods of time; unpredictable child and family behavior; hazardous chemicals; contagious conditions; work with personal computer and other office equipment; driving and riding in motor vehicles.
Working Conditions: R iding in motor vehicles; unpredictable child/client behaviors; work with personal computer and other office equipment; possible exposure to contagious conditions.
EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON:
Pre-employment health screening as required by Agency and position (may include, but is not limited to: drug screening, occupational health screening and/or functional testing)
Central Background Registry enrollment
Proof of current personal automobile insurance in accordance with agency policy
REPORTS TO: Site Manager
