Classroom Assistant (Early Head Start)

The Classroom Assistant works in collaboration with the Team Leader and Family Services Teacher (FST) to ensure the Infant/Toddler classroom provides an educational environment that is developmentally and linguistically appropriate and accommodates children’s individual rates of development as well as individual interests, temperaments, cultural backgrounds and learning styles. This role also ensures the classroom is safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive. The CA will work with the Team Leader and FST to ensure that the team works in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards/USDA requirements, state licensing requirements and agency policies and procedures.  

Job Responsibilities: 

1. Assist the Team Leader and the Family Services Teacher in the following duties in accordance with Head Start /USDA requirements: 
o    Assist in implementing classroom activities and preparation of materials and supplies.
o    Assist in administering developmental assessments and health screenings for all children.
o    Implement, support, and promote policies and procedures for Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Guidance and Active Supervision. 
o    Conduct child observations and input data as assigned.  
o    Document all contact directly received from parents. Assist with written and electronic documentation of the provision of education and special services as assigned.
o    Assist with the scheduling of parent teacher conferences and home visits and participate in the conferences/visits as assigned. 
o    Provide assistance to classroom volunteers and parents to help them feel comfortable and successful in the classroom by providing guidance and direction to them during the classroom session. 
o    Use practices that value cultural backgrounds, special needs, and developmentally appropriate practices.
2.    Maintain a safe, healthy and sanitary environment ensuring that children are supervised at all times; respond quickly to crisis or emergency situations that may occur; provide first aid, CPR, and access emergency services as needed. 
3.    Be committed to applying EPIC’s Core values to daily work by maintaining professionalism, accountability,consistency with program standards, and promptly reporting observed concerns through appropriatechannels and following our Speak Up, Speak Out guidelines.
4.    Proactively generate and document in-kind contributions.
5.    Actively participate in professional development/coaching to improve student learning and performance.
6.    Actively participate in center family nights, parent meetings, staff meetings, professional development opportunities and all relevant center activities. 
 

Working Conditions/Physical/ Mental Abilities and Processes:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Work requires daily standing, sitting, walking, stooping, kneeling, lifting, twisting, turning, pushing, pulling, speaking, hearing, seeing and the ability to articulate clearly; use of hands to finger, bending and reaching.
Ability to feel or operate objects and equipment; reach with hands and arms.
Ability to work with personal computer for long periods of time.
Some travel to and from main office and training sites

Benefits:
•    Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans
•    Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)
•    Paid Holidays (9)
•    EPIC Scholarship Available
•    Employee Assistance Program
•    Basic Life Insurance
•    403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)
•    As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.

Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee.
Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee).
Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) in Merit. 
Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
Current Food Handlers card 
Current First Aid/CPR card
Prior to first day complete Health & Safety training certificates through DCYF student training portal. 
Complete Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training within 3 months of hire
Meet the minimum education requirements within the timeframe as stated in the performance standards.
Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training.
CEO Approval.

1.    Must be at least 18 years of age. 
2.    HS/GED Required.
3.    Valid Washington State Driver’s License & Auto insurance
4.    Washington State ECE Initial Certificate and the Infant/Toddler State Short Certificate or equivalent Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) in the correct setting. 
5.    One year classroom work experience with Infant/Toddler or preschool children.
6.    Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
7.    Demonstrated ability to work closely with other team members, ability to grasp a team-centered approach to delivery of services for children and families.

Preferred Qualifications:

•    AA in Early Childhood Education