EA- Childcare Specialist - Birth to 5 years old (Temporary)

Application deadline for in-district bargaining unit members: August 11, 2026. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit member, outside applicants will be considered thereafter until filled. Projected start date: approximately September 2, 2026. This is a temporary position for the 2026/27 school year only: 5 hours/day, 191 days/year.

About the role

The Educational Assistant – Childcare Specialist works cooperatively with supervisors, licensed staff, colleagues, and parents to implement a high-quality program of early learning activities for children in a formal setting. This role requires maturity and the ability to relate well with both children and adults, along with experience in diverse childcare settings, knowledge of trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate care, and experience working with students with disabilities. Strong collaboration skills, flexibility, and teamwork are essential. Positions are located within the Childhood Development Center at Gresham High School.

Responsibilities

• Monitors individual students, classroom, and/or playground activities to provide a safe, positive, and culturally inclusive learning environment for infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and high school-aged students.
• Performs record-keeping and basic clerical functions (scheduling, copying, etc.) to support the Coordinator in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials.
• Assists in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum and environment under the direction of licensed staff by leading small group activities, observing children using specific tools, and supervising children in a positive manner.
• Assists in maintaining the daily routine, including instruction, assessments, and social and emotional development.
• Confers with the Coordinator, parents, and/or community agency personnel to evaluate students' progress and implement students' objectives, including home visits and parent conferences.
• Prepares the environment by setting up learning centers, preparing bulletin boards, meal service, and meal reports.
• Supervises small groups of children, including children of high school-aged students, and high school-aged students, some of whom are parenting.
• Acts as a positive role model for all students and parents, involving parenting skills and assisting with problem-solving.
• Works with parenting teens in a supportive and inclusive manner while their child is at the center, ensuring they have access to developmentally appropriate resources and services.
• Engages with children using developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive approaches.
• Assists in preparing needed materials and supplies, considering multiple languages and cultures.
• Performs tasks associated with toileting, including diapering, toilet training, and any personal care needs of children, including physical movement and/or lifting of students.
• Recognizes escalating or emergency situations, calls for help, and assists until help arrives.
• Evaluates situations to take appropriate action and/or direct them to the appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Assists with daily attendance and monitoring records.
• Ensures 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 the scope of the job description.
• Carries out tasks according to Gresham High School Child Development Center procedures and routines.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• "Highly Qualified status" meaning an Associate's degree, 72 credits, or passing the Para Pro exam.
• Prior job-related experience (paid or volunteer) with children ages birth to 5 years in a formal setting.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, Child Care Division Criminal Background Check, Food Handler's Card, and First Aid and CPR Cards.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Step 4 or higher on ORO (Oregon Registry Online) or ability to obtain within one year of being in the role.

Skills

• Principles of child development and instructional practices for early childhood.
• Operation of basic computer applications (e.g., email, word processing).
• Effective communication in English, both verbally and in writing (correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation).
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and policies.
• Understanding and carrying out verbal and written instructions.
• Rapidly learning methods and materials used in instructional situations.
• Functioning as a self-starter who works well independently or in a team.
• Planning, prioritizing, and completing assignments with minimal supervision.
• Handling multiple projects and tasks to meet deadlines.
• Interacting with persons of different age groups and cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Maintaining confidentiality of student records.
• Sustaining physical activity, including reaching, handling, talking, hearing conversations, and near/far visual acuity.
• Sitting, standing, and moving with children throughout the day.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to talk and hear conversations in a potentially noisy environment.
• Use of precise control of fingers and hand movements, often in repetitive motions such as keyboarding.
• Reach for and handle objects.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Lift and carry young children.
• Regular focus on a computer screen.
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting and/or moving up to 40 pounds may be required on occasion.

Workplace Expectations

• Maintaining regular and punctual attendance; following site and/or district protocol for reporting absences.
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding information relating to staff, students, and parents.
• Dressing in a professional and appropriate manner for the assignment and work setting.
• Exercising prudent judgment and working independently in the performance of routine duties.
• Following all District policies and work procedures.
• Utilizing the District's electronic systems and applications related to the position.
• Participating in required meetings and trainings related to the position.
• Maintaining required licenses/certifications and successfully completing required trainings.
• Demonstrating professionalism when working and communicating verbally and nonverbally with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures and/or backgrounds.
• If bilingual, interpretation, translating documents, and/or communicating orally in the second language may be requested.
• Cultivating and modeling a respectful working and learning environment.

Pay

Salary Range 10: $22.96 to $31.47/hour.

Schedule

5 hours/day, 191 days/year.