Classroom Assistant in Auburn

Assists in providing comprehensive child development services to children. Participates in center family events and activities. Assists in documentation and record keeping per Head Start Performance Standards, ECEAP Performance Standards, CARF, Licensing Standards, and Akin protocols. Supports the Lead teacher and Assistant teacher in performing assigned duties and responsibilities. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning and meets their emotional development
• Communicates regularly and respectfully with families; assists Lead teacher and Assistant teacher to involve parents in the education program
• Assists in learning activities to support individualized education plans to meet children's developmental goals
• Assists in early learning center activities such as setting up the learning environment, cleaning and disinfecting toys and materials, health & nutrition activities, health and safety practices, lesson planning, and other duties as assigned
• Assists in meal/snack time by setting up the room, preparing meals or snacks as appropriate, and engaging in family-style meals with the children, following CACFP, HS, ECEAP Performance Standards, Licensing, and Akin Policies and Procedures
• Changes diapers, assists with toilet learning, and helps older children with toileting
• Participates in in-service staff training, staff meetings, and other educational opportunities, including annual required STARS training
• Participates in center employee meetings, program and center professional development activities, and other professional development trainings; collaborates with supervisor to develop and implement an annual professional development and training plan
• Completes required training
• Assists with record keeping and documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively and follow both written and oral instructions
• Ability to establish positive goal-oriented relationships with children, staff, and families
• Proficient in Office 365 and database usage
• Ability to develop working relationships and partnerships and work collaboratively with teams
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in a professional and ethical manner
• Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds
• Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment

Working Environment

• Moderate noise (e.g., classroom setting, outdoors, printers, phones)
• Typical classroom lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods
• Limited travel to other site locations within the state
• Ability to work a rotating schedule for the duration of center operating hours

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to lead classroom daily activities with children and families
• Frequently required to walk, grasp, and push/pull up to 30 lbs
• Occasionally required to sit, bend at knees, kneel/crawl, bend at waist, turn/pivot, balance, reach overhead, extend reach, pinch, lift up to 50 lbs, and use hands and fingers for keyboarding
• Specific vision and speaking abilities required for constant in-person communication and occasional phone use; vision required for observation of children and families in various environments
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Proof of physical exam within the past 12 months (updated every three years)
• One-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless written proof of a negative test within the past 12 months is provided. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting (MERIT registration)
• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification (required within 30 days of hire)
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training (required within 30 days of hire)
• Food Handler’s Permit (required within 30 days of hire)
• Other assigned trainings

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of work experience in childcare or child development classroom
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) in infant/toddler or preschool, and/or ECE college credits
• One-year experience working with children and families from culturally diverse and low-income backgrounds
• Basic STARS training prior to employment
• Language skills: Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Somali
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification and Food Handler’s Permit

Pay

The target starting pay for this position is $20.91 - $24.04 per hour, typically within the first half of this range. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account. The range allows for growth during tenure in the position.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits, and paid time off.