Education Assistant

Child Start•Missoula, MT

12d

About The Position

The Education Assistant provides organizational and clerical support and maintains communication within the Education Component. The role enters data into the program database, files required documentation, maintains the library system, and serves as a classroom substitute as needed. The assistant must adhere to Child Start, Inc. Head Start’s Confidentiality Agreement. The position supports education staff and administration with accurate data entry, error resolution, information sharing, teaching resources, meeting minutes, and Feed-n-Read activities. It also maintains library inventory and circulation, conducts orientation for new volunteers, coordinates volunteer recognition and community organizations for events, and provides classroom coverage. The assistant collaborates with staff, volunteers, substitutes, parents, and community organizations, participates in required meetings and training, and follows agency procedures and applicable Head Start and state childcare licensing requirements. Working conditions include desk work, standing for extended periods, and community visits. Duties may involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or communicable diseases; use of shared facilities or implements; and business travel on flights and various types of roads. The position may require lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds and moving quickly to respond to children for safety purposes. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma or GED.
Must possess a CDA (Child Development Associate) certification or be willing to obtain it within the first two years of employment.
Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license.
Must complete required health screenings, immunizations, and physical examination.
Must pass a comprehensive State and FBI fingerprint background check; the State WIN Check must be completed before the first day.
Experience and training that provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job duties.
Intermediate computer skills and ability to use software including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Ability to take direction and accept flexibility in job expectations.
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to prioritize, organize, problem-solve, and effectively handle multiple tasks.
Physical ability to move quickly to respond to children for safety purposes.
Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or crisis situation.
Ability to identify and solve problems constructively.
Ability to participate constructively in scheduled service-area and program-wide meetings and training.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with staff, parents, and the community.

Responsibilities

Accurately enter data from forms of varying complexity and troubleshoot data errors or discrepancies.
Review data for errors or potential problems and work with staff to resolve or correct them.
Work with Education Managers and administration to ensure data entry is accurate and complete.
Communicate and share Education Component information with teaching staff and component personnel.
Maintain resources for teaching staff, such as home visit packets and screening bags.
Take minutes at Education Component meetings and post them on the Agency’s Shared drive.
Plan and implement the Feed-n-Read program activity twice each school year.
Maintain the check-out and check-in system for library materials.
Identify needed library resources and repair or replace materials when needed.
Add acquired items to the library and maintain the resource library inventory.
Conduct orientation for new volunteers before classroom placement.
Plan and implement volunteer recognition and appreciation throughout the school year.
Schedule community organizations for Feed-n-Read events and work with them to implement special events throughout the school year.
Serve as a classroom substitute and cover employee breaks in classrooms as needed.
Maintain positive working relationships with Education Managers and teaching staff.
Collaborate with Child Start, Inc. Head Start components and staff to support comprehensive services and a positive working environment.
Provide support and feedback to volunteers, substitutes, and parents.
Participate in required program meetings and training, including training required by STARS, state childcare licensing, and Child Start, Inc. Head Start.
Complete tasks within required time periods and follow Child Start, Inc. Head Start’s absence procedures.
Follow Head Start Performance Standards, state childcare licensing requirements, and agency standards, policies, and procedures.