Head Start Assistant Teacher (Para-Educator)

About the role

This position is responsible for assisting the Head Start Lead Teacher by performing support tasks related to early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Work with English and non-English speaking students under the direction of classroom teachers to facilitate academic skills and oral language development.
• Supervise children inside and outside the building in a variety of situations.
• Provide instructional assistance such as facilitating learning centers; individual and small group instruction; facilitating and modeling play.
• Assist in the preparation of materials needed for classroom instruction.
• Meet the needs of young children by performing duties as requested by the supervising teacher, including social skills and behavioral/emotional needs.
• Perform basic clerical tasks in the development of teaching materials.
• Assist with maintaining records on a weekly basis.
• Assist with personal hygiene needs of students.
• Assist with cleaning and disinfecting of classroom equipment and materials.
• May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams.
• Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
• Promote positive public relations when communicating with the public.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• AA Degree, 72 college level credits, or ability to pass the Federal Para-Educator test.
• Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, or enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree, or enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents – including phone and email communication.
• Possess the desire to be a role model for students and to interact positively with students.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the public.
• Understanding of early childhood development.
• Must be willing to acquire a health examination that includes screening for tuberculosis.
• Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor.
• Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.
• Must have or ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid card.

Schedule

7 hours per day, 5 days per week, 189 days per school year.

Benefits

• PSE Salary Schedule
• Retirement
• SEBB Benefits
• 9 Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave