Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

12h•Onsite

About The Position

MWVCAA is a mission-driven community organization focused on equity, dignity, and opportunity. The Teacher Assistant supports Teachers and Classroom Aides in one or more program areas: education, food service, and cleaning. The role supports children’s development and safety in a Head Start classroom, and offers opportunities for growth and professional development through hands-on experience and education. Positions are available at sites in Dalles, Stayton, Woodburn, and Independence. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. It is primarily based in an indoor classroom environment. Employees may also perform other reasonably related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.

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.
For Level 2, six months of experience in a Head Start classroom or one year working with preschool children in a classroom or group setting. A combination of college Early Childhood Education practicum hours, three months of preschool classroom or childcare experience, and/or participation in a high school Early Childhood Preparatory program may be considered.
Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
Pass a pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
Pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings.
Meet driver qualifications, including a valid driver license, an insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory driving record for the previous three years.
Demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and empathy when communicating with clients, staff, and community partners.
Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office, videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
Have close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Have manual dexterity for handling office equipment.
Remain calm when staff or clients are escalated and manage stress associated with a busy office and regular deadlines.

Responsibilities

Maintain classroom safety through appropriate supervision of children and use of transition and counting forms and procedures.
Ensure children are released only to parents, guardians, or other authorized adults.
Support teachers in developing children’s cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and language skills through curriculum implementation, lesson planning, and individualization.
Conduct and record child observations to inform goal setting.
Use lesson plans and varied curricula to address individual children’s goals, characteristics, strengths, and needs.
Support work in education, food service, and cleaning as assigned.