Education Intern - Introductory

Southern Oregon Head Start•Central Point, OR

About The Position

The Introductory Education Intern supports the mission of Southern Oregon Head Start by assisting with classroom activities and routines under the supervision of teaching staff. In partnership with Rogue Community College (RCC), the practicum gives students an opportunity to learn the structure and routines of early childhood classrooms, develop foundational skills for supporting children’s learning and development, and build confidence interacting with young children in group settings. Interns also develop professional behaviors such as teamwork, communication, and reliability while earning credit toward a degree or certification. The role includes classroom setup and cleanup, supporting transitions, interacting with children individually or in small groups as directed, preparing materials, practicing positive child-guidance strategies, cleaning and organizing the classroom, and assisting with meals and snacks. Interns participate in orientation and training, observe classroom management, meet with supervising Teachers every other week, and reflect on learning goals and progress. The position is primarily performed in a classroom environment and is classified as Center-Facing. Physical requirements include lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds for 25 feet and pushing or pulling up to 40 pounds for 20 yards, along with the mobility and stamina needed for classroom duties. Work may involve exposure to unpredictable child and family behavior, hazardous chemicals, contagious conditions, and personal computers or other office equipment. Employment is contingent on required pre-employment health screening and Central Background Registry enrollment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of ECE125 and ECE126, concurrent enrollment in ECE135, and eligibility for the RCC ED170 practicum.
CPR/First Aid Certification and Food Handler Certification; certifications can be obtained at Head Start after hire.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, and basic computer knowledge.
Ability to perform general clerical tasks.
Ability to apply an understanding of developmentally appropriate activities and support children's social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Ability to understand and follow recipes and food-preparation directions.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand and follow procedures, ensure safety, and complete required documentation.
Must be organized, flexible, and resolution-oriented; able to multitask, make sound judgments, and demonstrate appropriate role modeling.
Ability to maintain full and complete attention to children at all times.
Ability to work as a team member and be self-directed.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds for 25 feet and push or pull up to 40 pounds for 20 yards.
Sufficient mobility, strength, range of motion, stamina, vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination to perform job duties safely and effectively.
Ability to react quickly to children's physical actions and to sit for extended periods as required.
Pre-employment health screening as required by the agency and position, and Central Background Registry enrollment.

Responsibilities

Assist with classroom routines, including setup, cleanup, and transitions.
Interact with children individually or in small groups under staff direction.
Support Teachers in preparing materials and organizing learning environments.
Observe and practice positive child-guidance strategies under staff supervision.
Participate in daily classroom cleaning and organization.
Assist with serving meals and snacks and follow sanitation and safety routines.
Participate in orientation and training provided by SOHS and RCC.
Observe classroom management techniques and debrief with teaching staff.
Engage in reflection and check-in meetings with supervising Teachers every other week.
Reflect on personal learning goals and progress through guided prompts.
Relate positively and nurturefully to children, parents, and co-workers, with sensitivity to their needs.
Respond quickly and safely when dealing with children or situations involving children.
Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment, follow safety regulations and procedures, and contribute to workplace safety.
Perform other related duties as appropriate and within the scope of the position.