Educational Assistant- Childcare Assistant - EA- Childcare Specialist - Birth To 5 Years Old

Job Title: Educational Assistant- Childcare Assistant- EA- Childcare Specialist- Birth to 5 years oldCategory: Classified

Application Deadline: In-District Bargaining Unit Members November 12, 2024. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit member, outside applicants will be considered thereafter until filled.

Projected Start Date: Approximately November 30, 2024. Exact date to be determined by the district.

8 hours/day, 191 days/year

Salary Range 10 $21.64 to $29.65/hour

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the desired qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our desired qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the desired qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application. Preference will be given to those applicants with work or lived experience with culturally, linguistically and racially diverse communities.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT- CHILD CARE SPECIALIST- Birth to 5 years

POSITION SUMMARY: The Educational Assistant- Childcare Specialist works cooperatively with supervisor, licensed staff, colleagues, and parents to implement a high-quality program of early learning activities for children in a formal setting. Because of the collaborative nature of this position, maturity and an ability to relate well with both children and adults is important. Applicants must also have experience with working in a diverse childcare setting, knowledge of trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate care, and working with students with disabilities. Applicants will have strong collaboration skills and ability to be flexible and a team-player. The positions are located within the Childhood Development Center at Gresham-High School.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, Experience, Licensure and Certification

Experience Required:Prior job-related experience, paid or volunteer, with children ages birth to 5 years in a formal setting.

Education Required: High School diploma or equivalent.

Education Required: "Highly Qualified status" meaning an Associates degree, 72 credits, or passing the Para Pro exam.

Education preferred: A Child Development Associate's Degree (CDA), Early Childhood Education AA degree, or completion of continuing education courses. Two years of post-secondary education (72 college quarter hours or more), an Associate's or higher degree, or an Instructional Assistant Certification from an Oregon community college.

Education preferred: Step 4 or higher on ORO (Oregon Registry Online) or ability to obtain within one year of being in the role.

Equivalent job experience in formal child care settings will also be considered

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, Child Care Division Criminal Background Check, Food Handler's Card, and First Aid and CPR Cards.

Knowledge of:

Principles of child development

Instructional practices for early childhood

Skill in:

Operation of basic computer applications, (e.g. email, word processing, etc.)

Communicating effectively in English, both verbally and in writing (e.g. correct spelling, grammar and punctuation)

Read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, and policies

Understanding and carrying out verbal and written instructions

Rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations

Functioning as a self-starter, who works well independently or in a team

Planning, prioritizing and completing assignments with minimum supervision

Handling multiple projects, and tasks to meet deadlines

Interacting with persons of different age groups and cultural and linguistic backgrounds

to sustain physical activity including reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity.

Sit, stand, and move with children throughout the day

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions,

Maintain confidentiality of student records,

Meet scheduled and deadlines,

Read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, policies,

Learn and apply methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Monitors individual students, classroom and/or playground activities for the purpose of providing a safe, positive and culturally inclusive learning environment for infant, toddler and preschool aged children as well as high school aged students.

Performs record-keeping and basic clerical functions, scheduling, copying, etc. for the purpose of supporting the Coordinator in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials

Assists in the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and environment under the direction of licensed staff (Program Coordinator) by leading small group activities, observing using specific tools and supervising children in a positive manner and assisting in maintaining the daily routine including instruction, assessments and social and emotional development

Confers with Coordinator, parents and/or appropriate community agency personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing of students' objectives, including home visits and parent conferences

Assists in preparing the environment by setting up learning centers, preparing bulletin boards, meal service and meal reports, etc.

Assists in preparing needed materials and supplies

Supervises small groups of children as well as high school aged students and teen parents

Acts as a positive role model to all students and parents involving parenting skills and assisting with problem solving

Works with parenting teens in a supportive and inclusive manner while their child is at the center

Assisting to ensure parenting teens have access to their own developmentally appropriate resources and services

Engages with children using developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive approaches

Supervises small groups of children, some of whom may be children of high school aged students.

Supervises high school aged students, some of whom are parenting.

Assists in preparing the environment by setting up learning centers, preparing bulletin boards, meal service and meal reports, etc.

Assists in preparing needed materials and supplies, with consideration of multiple languages and cultures.

Being a positive role model to all students and parents involving parenting skills as well as assisting with problem solving

Maintains a professional and collaborative attitude at all times

Treats all children with dignity and respect with developmentally appropriate guidance techniques

Attends all staff meetings and recommended training programs

Assists in the development and implementation of an educational plan for each child

Perform tasks associated with toileting, including diapering and toilet training when appropriate as well as any personal care needs of children being served including physical movement and/or lifting of students

Recognize an escalating/emergency situation, call for help, and defuse/assist with the situation until help arrives

Evaluates situations to take appropriate action and/or direct the situation to the appropriate personnel for resolution

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Assists with taking daily attendance and monitoring records

Makes sure meals are served, prepared and cleaned in a sanitary manner

Helps with general housekeeping tasks and keeps storage areas neat and orderly

Performs other tasks as assigned within scope of job description and range

Carry out tasks according to Gresham High School Child Development Center procedures and routines

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to:

sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods of time

talk and hear conversations in a potentially noisy environment

use precise control of fingers and hand movement, often in a repetitive motion such as keyboarding

reach for and handle objects

use close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

lift and carry young children

Regularly Focus on a computer screen

Bending, stooping, kneeling and lifting and/or moving up to 40 pounds may also be required on occasion.

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS

Maintaining regular and punctual attendance. In case of an absence site and/or district protocol for reporting absences is followed.

Maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding information relating to staff, students and parents

Dress in a professional and appropriate manner for the assignment and the work setting

Exercising prudent judgment

Work independently in the performance of routine duties

Follow all District policies and work procedures

Utilize the District's electronic systems and applications related to the position Participate in required meetings and trainings related to the position

Maintain required licenses/certifications and successfully complete required trainings for the position

Demonstrate professionalism when working and communicating verbally and nonverbally with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures and/or backgrounds

If employee is bilingual, interpretation, translating documents, and/or communicating orally in the second language may be requested

Cultivate and model a respectful working and learning environment