Educational Assistant- Childcare Assistant

Application deadline for in-district bargaining unit members: October 27, 2026; outside applicants considered thereafter until filled. Projected start date: approximately November 20, 2026 (exact date determined by district). Schedule: 6.5 hours/day, 191 days/year. Salary range: $22.96–$31.47/hour.

About the role

The 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.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the desired qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our desired qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the desired qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application. Preference will be given to those applicants with work or lived experience with culturally, linguistically and racially diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor individual students, classroom and/or playground activities to provide a safe, positive, and culturally inclusive learning environment for infant, toddler, and preschool aged children as well as high school aged students.
• Perform record-keeping and basic clerical functions (scheduling, copying, etc.) to support the Coordinator in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials.
• Assist in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum and environment under the direction of licensed staff (Program Coordinator) by leading small group activities, observing using specific tools, supervising children positively, and assisting in maintaining the daily routine including instruction, assessments, and social and emotional development.
• Confer with Coordinator, parents, and/or appropriate community agency personnel to assist in evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing students' objectives, including home visits and parent conferences.
• Assist in preparing the environment by setting up learning centers, preparing bulletin boards, meal service and meal reports, etc.
• Assist in preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Supervise small groups of children as well as high school aged students and teen parents.
• Act as a positive role model to all students and parents involving parenting skills and assisting with problem solving.
• Work with parenting teens in a supportive and inclusive manner while their child is at the center.
• Assist to ensure parenting teens have access to their own developmentally appropriate resources and services.
• Engage with children using developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive approaches.
• Supervise small groups of children, some of whom may be children of high school aged students.
• Supervise high school aged students, some of whom are parenting.
• Assist in preparing the environment with consideration of multiple languages and cultures.
• Maintain a professional and collaborative attitude at all times.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect using developmentally appropriate guidance techniques.
• Attend all staff meetings and recommended training programs.
• Assist in the development and implementation of an educational plan for each child.
• Perform 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.
• Evaluate situations to take appropriate action and/or direct the situation to the appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Assist with taking daily attendance and monitoring records.
• Ensure meals are served, prepared, and cleaned in a sanitary manner.
• Help with general housekeeping tasks and keep storage areas neat and orderly.
• Perform 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.

Requirements

Education, Training, Experience, Licensure and Certification

• Prior job-related experience, paid or volunteer, with children ages birth to 5 years in a formal setting.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• "Highly Qualified status" meaning an Associate's degree, 72 quarter credits, or passing the ParaPro exam.
• Preferred: Child Development Associate (CDA), Early Childhood Education AA degree, or completion of continuing education courses.
• Preferred: 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.
• Preferred: Step 4 or higher on ORO (Oregon Registry Online) or ability to obtain within one year of being in the role.
• Equivalent job experience in formal child care settings will also be considered.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.
• Child Care Division Criminal Background Check.
• Food Handler's Card.
• First Aid and CPR Cards.