Instructional Assistant - Head Start - Part-time

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

74d•$21 - $23

About The Position

MWVCAA is seeking a part-time Instructional Assistant for its Head Start program. The role supports children throughout the day by fostering inclusion, encouraging meaningful learning experiences, and building positive relationships with peers and staff. The position responds to requests for focused support in high-need situations and provides individualized or small-group assistance according to children’s goals, needs, supervisor direction, and written plans. Support may take place during indoor and outdoor activities, group time, free choice, meals, bathroom routines, and bus transitions. The assistant monitors children’s interactions and helps prevent or promptly address concerns, including behavioral incidents. The position may support Head Start locations in Salem, Woodburn, Dallas, Independence, Jefferson, and Stayton. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. The position is part-time, up to 19 hours per week, with hours not guaranteed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Level 1: Obtain a Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college within two years of hire to maintain employment in the program.
Level 2: Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.
Six months of experience working in a Head Start classroom or one year of experience working with preschool children in a classroom or childcare setting.
Valid driver license, an insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory driving record for the previous three years.
Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
Pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
Knowledge of child development.
Understanding of inclusion practices in an early childhood education environment.
Ability to assess challenging situations and provide support during unexpected situations.
Knowledge of de-escalation strategies for high-needs situations.

Responsibilities

Respond to school requests for focused support in high-need situations.
Provide individual support to assigned children based on their goals and needs, supervisor direction, and written plans.
Support assigned children throughout the day during indoor and outdoor activities, group time, free choice time, meals, bathroom routines, and bus transitions, individually or in small groups as needed.
Monitor children’s interactions to prevent or promptly address concerns, including behavioral incidents.
Be willing to support Head Start locations in Salem, Woodburn, Dallas, Independence, Jefferson, and Stayton.
Perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or management.