Head Start Assistant Teacher - Preschool

Clackamas County Children's Commission•Wilsonville, OR

About The Position

The Head Start Assistant Teacher assists the classroom Teacher in providing educational services to selected low-income children and children with special needs, as well as their parents. The role supports classroom assessments and individualization, daily lesson planning, developmentally appropriate classroom setup and upkeep, and classroom recordkeeping. It also involves maintaining children’s safety and supervision, using positive behavior support, preparing instructional materials, welcoming and escorting children, and supporting family engagement and developmental screenings. The Assistant Teacher is expected to participate punctually and actively in required program activities, meetings, and trainings; work respectfully and cooperatively as a team member; maintain a professional image; and follow position-related policies, program objectives, and the Clackamas County Children’s Commission Code of Conduct. The role requires maintaining confidentiality and, in consultation with a supervisor, developing professional work goals and a training plan.

Requirements

Child Development Associate (CDA), an associate or higher degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; an associate or higher degree is preferred.
Experience in an early childhood education classroom, certified childcare center, or comparable group care program.
Ability to work effectively with low-income children and children with special needs.
Ability to interact positively with families from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to use a positive approach to direct and redirect children’s behavior.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
Ability to obtain and maintain a current Oregon Food Handler’s Card.
Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insured vehicle available for work use, or have alternative transportation.
Ability to possess and maintain compliance with the State of Oregon Criminal Background Registry.
Ability to possess and maintain current First Aid/CPR certification.
Ability to work with physically active infants and toddlers for one or two class periods per day, each lasting 3.5–7.5 hours, and during meal periods.
Ability to perform extensive standing and walking, and moderate sitting, kneeling, and bending.

Nice To Haves

Associate or higher degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom Teacher with assessments and individualizations.
Assist with designing and implementing daily classroom lesson plans.
Help set up and maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
Maintain classroom records, including child observation notes, lesson plan notes, and/or attendance.
Follow all aspects of the Procedures for Bus Safely Protocol.
Ensure a safe environment and provide continuous supervision for children.
Use a Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) approach to guide children.
Greet children and escort them to the classroom.
Prepare and gather instructional materials under the direction of the Teacher.
Participate in the parent Open House at the start of each year in consultation with team members.
Attend monthly parent meetings and provide childcare.
Perform developmental screenings as requested.
Punctually attend and actively participate in required activities, meetings, and trainings.
Work respectfully, cooperatively, and reliably as a team member and participant in program activities.
Follow position-related policies and procedures and the program’s objectives.
Perform work in compliance with the Clackamas County Children’s Commission Code of Conduct.
Maintain confidentiality regarding enrolled children and families, personnel issues, and program operations, as appropriate.
Develop professional work goals and a training plan in consultation with a supervisor, and participate in training as requested.