Instructional Assistant - Head Start

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

OUR MISSION: MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty. Our Vision: We envision a just future, where our communities are empowered to reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth. We are seeking an Instructional Assistant to join our Head Start program! The Instructional Assistant works to support classrooms where there are children who need additional support and attention due to behavioral, health, or disability related challenges. The Instructional Assistant works in collaboration with the teaching team to support children by utilizing the protocols created in response to their behavioral, health or disability needs. The Instructional Assistant will support the child throughout the day by fostering inclusion in all activities, encoring meaningful learning experiences and building positive relationships with peers and staff.

Requirements

Instructional Assistant 1: High School diploma or GED.
Instructional Assistant 2: CDA or 1 Year Early childhood Certificate.
Minimum of one year of experience working with young children.
Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
Candidate must pass pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
Possess knowledge of child development.
Understand inclusion practices in an early childhood education environment.
Ability to assess challenging situations in order to provide support during unexpected situations.
Possess knowledge of de-escalation strategies to use during high needs situations.

Responsibilities

Responds to school requests for focused support in high need situations.
Provides individual support to assigned children that are reflective of the child's goals and needs based on supervisor direction and written plans.
Provides support to assigned child/children, throughout the day, including indoor/outdoor activities, group time, free choice time, meals, bathroom routines, and bus transitions, as needed. Support can be delivered one-on-one, or small groups.
Monitors children's interactions to prevent or promptly address any concerns that may arise, including behavioral incidents.
Participates in home visits, conferences, or other conversations with parents to articulate children's challenges, progress, and to seek parent input, as needed.
Works collaboratively with family and team to create a skill building plan and discuss individual supports that can provided.
Document frequency of behaviors to provide supporting data.
Maintains on-going documentation of communications with parents in ChildPlus.
Documents the assigned child's progress each day and providing examples.
Shares observations and insight with teaching team.
Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance