Substitute Instructional Assistant - Head Start - Part-time

About the role

Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission-driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. We offer competitive pay, a rich company culture that values diversity, and an array of benefits, with the best benefit being the reward of helping those in our community live better lives.

Responsibilities

• Maintains focus on supporting the child throughout the day by fostering inclusion in all activities.
• Encourages meaningful learning experiences and builds positive relationships with peers and staff.
• Provides individual support to assigned children based on supervisor direction and written plans.
• Supports assigned child(ren) during indoor/outdoor activities, group time, free choice time, meals, bathroom routines, and bus transitions as needed, either one-on-one or in small groups.
• Monitors children’s interactions to prevent or promptly address concerns, including behavioral incidents.
• Willingness to support all Head Start locations: Salem, Woodburn, Dallas, Independence, Jefferson, Stayton.

Minimum qualifications

Education and/or experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Level 1: Must obtain Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college within two years from date of hire to maintain employment in the Program.
• Level 2: Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college; six months of experience working in a Head Start classroom or one year of experience working with preschool children in a classroom/childcare setting.

Certificates, licenses, registrations

• Driver qualifications are required: valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory driving record for the previous three years.
• Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Pass pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
• Pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Possess knowledge of child development.
• Understand inclusion practices in an early childhood education environment.
• Ability to assess challenging situations to provide support during unexpected events.
• Possess knowledge of de-escalation strategies for high-needs situations.

Physical and mental demands

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.
• Ability to remain calm during escalated situations involving staff or clients.
• Ability to mitigate stress associated with a busy office and regular deadlines.

Work environment

Mostly an indoor classroom environment.