Educational Assistant Childcare Specialist - Birth To 5 YearsThe Educational Assistant Childcare Specialist works cooperatively with supervisor, licensed staff, colleagues, and parents to implement a high-quality program of early learning activities for children in a formal setting. Because of the collaborative nature of this position, maturity and an ability to relate well with both children and adults is important. Applicants must also have experience with working in a diverse childcare setting, knowledge of trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate care, and working with students with disabilities. Applicants will have strong collaboration skills and ability to be flexible and a team-player. The positions are located within the Childhood Development Center at Gresham-High School.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience Required:
Prior job-related experience, paid or volunteer, with children ages birth to 5 years in a formal setting.
Education Required: High School diploma or equivalent.
Education Required:
"Highly Qualified status" meaning an Associates degree, 72 credits, or passing the Para Pro exam. Education preferred: A Child Development Associate's Degree (CDA), Early Childhood Education AA degree, or completion of continuing education courses. Two years of post-secondary education (72 college quarter hours or more), an Associate's or higher degree, or an Instructional Assistant Certification from an Oregon community college. Education preferred: Step 4 or higher on ORO (Oregon Registry Online) or ability to obtain within one year of being in the role. Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, Child Care Division Criminal Background Check, Food Handler's Card, and First Aid and CPR Cards.
Essential Job Functions:
Monitors individual students, classroom and/or playground activities for the purpose of providing a safe, positive and culturally inclusive learning environment for infant, toddler and preschool aged children as well as high school aged students. Performs record-keeping and basic clerical functions, scheduling, copying, etc. for the purpose of supporting the Coordinator in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials. Assists in the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and environment under the direction of licensed staff (Program Coordinator) by leading small group activities, observing using specific tools and supervising children in a positive manner and assisting in maintaining the daily routine including instruction, assessments and social and emotional development. Confers with Coordinator, parents and/or appropriate community agency personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing of students' objectives, including home visits and parent conferences. Assists in preparing the environment by setting up learning centers, preparing bulletin boards, meal service and meal reports, etc. Assists in preparing needed materials and supplies, with consideration of multiple languages and cultures. Supervises small groups of children, some of whom may be children of high school aged students. Supervises high school aged students, some of whom are parenting. Works with parenting teens in a supportive and inclusive manner while their child is at the center. Engages with children using developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive approaches. Maintains a professional and collaborative attitude at all times. Treats all children with dignity and respect with developmentally appropriate guidance techniques. Attends all staff meetings and recommended training programs. Performs tasks associated with toileting, including diapering and toilet training when appropriate as well as any personal care needs of children being served including physical movement and/or lifting of students. Recognize an escalating/emergency situation, call for help, and defuse/assist with the situation until help arrives. Evaluates situations to take appropriate action and/or direct the situation to the appropriate personnel for resolution. Other Job Functions: Assists with taking daily attendance and monitoring records. Makes sure meals are served, prepared and cleaned in a sanitary manner. Helps with general housekeeping tasks and keeps storage areas neat and orderly. Performs other tasks as assigned within scope of job description and range. Carry out tasks according to Gresham High School Child Development Center procedures and routines.
Physical Requirements:- Ability to: sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods of time.
- Talk and hear conversations in a potentially noisy environment.
- Use precise control of fingers and hand movement, often in a repetitive motion such as keyboarding.
- Reach for and handle objects.
- Use close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
- Lift and carry young children.
- Regularly focus on a computer screen.
- Bending, stooping, kneeling and lifting and/or moving up to 40 pounds may also be required on occasion.
- Workplace Expectations:
- Maintaining regular and punctual attendance.
- In case of an absence site and/or district protocol for reporting absences is followed.
- Maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding information relating to staff, students and parents.
- Dress in a professional and appropriate manner for the assignment and the work setting.
- Exercising prudent judgment.
- Work independently in the performance of routine duties.
- Follow all District policies and work procedures.
- Utilize the District's electronic systems and applications related to the position.
- Participate in required meetings and trainings related to the position.
- Maintain required licenses/certifications and successfully complete required trainings for the position.
- Demonstrate professionalism when working and communicating verbally and nonverbally with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures and/or backgrounds.
- If employee is bilingual, interpretation, translating documents, and/or communicating orally in the second language may be requested.
- Cultivate and model a respectful working and learning environment.
