Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency•Salem, OR

1d•$17 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant supports Teachers and Classroom Aides in one or more program areas: education, food service, and cleaning. The role helps provide a safe classroom environment and supports preschool children’s development through curriculum implementation, lesson planning, individualization, and observation. Positions are available at sites in Dalles, Stayton, Woodburn, and Independence. The role offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

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 group setting.
A combination of college Early Childhood Education practicum hours, three months of experience working with preschool children in a classroom or childcare setting, 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/alcohol screenings.
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.
Ability to remain calm when staff or clients are escalated and to manage stress associated with a busy office and regular deadlines.

Responsibilities

Ensure children’s safety through appropriate supervision and use of the transition and counting form and procedure.
Ensure children are released only to parents, guardians, or 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 for use in setting goals.
Use lesson plans and varied curriculum to address individual goals while considering each child’s characteristics, strengths, and needs.
Support work in education, food service, and cleaning as assigned.
Perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned.