Teacher Assistant

About the role

Supports the Head Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children ages six (6) weeks through eight (8) years. Helps implement curriculum, maintain classroom routines, and prioritize child wellbeing. Complies with Oregon Department of Early Learning & Care (DELC) requirements. When the Head Teacher is absent, assumes full responsibility for leading the classroom, including guiding floating Teachers or other support staff to maintain safety, learning, and continuity of care. Follows all Samaritan Early Learning Center Policies and Procedures and demonstrates Samaritan PRIDE values.

The Samaritan Early Learning Center creates fun learning experiences for infants, toddlers and children up to eight (8) years with activities that reflect their developmental stage. It has served the children and families of Lincoln City and north Lincoln County for the past three decades. In 2015, Samaritan Early Learning Center’s commitment to quality was recognized with a five-star rating, the highest quality rating possible from Oregon’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). To date, it is the only QRIS top-rated infant/toddler preschool program in Lincoln County.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Teacher in implementing curriculum and maintaining classroom routines
• Prioritize child wellbeing and safety in a developmentally appropriate environment
• Comply with Oregon Department of Early Learning & Care (DELC) requirements
• Assume full classroom leadership responsibility when the Head Teacher is absent, including guiding floating Teachers or support staff
• Follow all Samaritan Early Learning Center Policies and Procedures
• Demonstrate Samaritan PRIDE values

Requirements

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current enrollment in the Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) Central Background Registry (CBR)
• Within 30 days of hire:
  • Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety (ICCHS)
  • Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (RRCAN)
  • CCLD approved safe sleep training
  • Oregon Food Handler’s certification
• Within 90 days of hire:
  • Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
  • Foundations for Learning (CCLD approved Child Development Training)
• If primarily assigned to a Preschool Promise grant funded classroom, one of the following upon hire:
  • Demonstrated competencies as defined by Step 5 in the Oregon Registry Online (ORO), the DELC professional development system for the Child Care Licensing Division, and rules for an Assistant II (for Certified Family Child Care) or Aide II (for Certified Centers Child Care)
  • Have a similar standing as option above within the credentialing system for K-12 teachers in Oregon

Skills

• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Ability to follow curriculum and support instructional activities
• Skilled in supervising children and maintaining safety
• Ability to guide floating Teachers when acting as classroom lead
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Physical Demands

• Carry 1-handed: 0–20 lbs (frequently), 20–40 lbs (occasionally)
• Carry 2-handed: 0–20 lbs (frequently), 20–40 lbs (occasionally), 40–60 lbs (rarely)
• Climb: stairs (occasionally), ladder (rarely), scaffolding (rarely)
• Lift (floor to waist, 0″–36″): 0–20 lbs (frequently), 20–40 lbs (occasionally), 40–60 lbs (rarely)
• Lift (knee to chest, 24″–54″): 0–20 lbs (frequently), 20–40 lbs (occasionally), 40–60 lbs (rarely)
• Lift (waist to eye, up to 54″): 0–20 lbs (frequently), 20–40 lbs (occasionally)
• Lift (overhead, 54″ and above): 0–20 lbs (occasionally), 20–40 lbs (rarely)
• Push: 0–20 lbs force (frequently), 20–40 lbs force (occasionally), 40–60 lbs force (rarely)
• Pull: 0–20 lbs force (frequently), 20–40 lbs force (occasionally), 40–60 lbs force (rarely)
• Reach: forward (continually), upward (frequently)
• Bend forward at waist (frequently)
• Crawl (hands & knees) (occasionally)
• Kneel (on knees) (frequently)
• Squat: repetitive (frequently), static hold >30 sec (occasionally)
• Sit (frequently)
• Stand (continually)
• Walk: level surface (continually), incline (occasionally)
• Rotate trunk: sitting (occasionally), standing (occasionally)
• Finger dexterity (continually)
• Grasp: hand/fist (continually)
• Manual dexterity: hands/wrists (continually)
• Pinch: fingers (frequently)