Childcare Specialist - Birth to ; Educational Assistant

Educational Assistant Childcare Specialist

The Educational Assistant Childcare Specialist works cooperatively with supervisor, licensed staff, colleagues, and families 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 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience
  
  Required:
  
  Prior job-related experience, paid or volunteer, with children ages birth to 5 years in a formal setting.
• Education Required:
  
  High School diploma or equivalent. Education preferred: A Child Development Associate's Degree (CDA), Early Childhood Education AA degree, or completion of continuing education courses.
• 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.
• Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing
  
  Required:
  
  Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, Child Care Division Criminal Background Check, Food Handler's Card, and First Aid and CPR Cards.

Knowledge of:
Principles of child development Instructional practices Skill in:
Operation of basic computer applications, (e.g. email, word processing, etc.) Communicating effectively in English, both verbally and in writing (e.g. correct spelling, grammar and punctuation) Read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, and policies Understanding and carrying out verbal and written instructions Rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations Functioning as a self-starter, who works well independently or in a team Planning, prioritizing and completing assignments with minimum supervision Handling multiple projects, and tasks to meet deadlines Interacting with persons of different age groups and cultural and linguistic backgrounds to sustain physical activity including reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity.

Sit, stand, and move with children throughout the day Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, Maintain confidentiality of student records, Meet scheduled and deadlines, Read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, policies, Learn and apply methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Monitors individual students, classroom and/or playground activities for the purpose of providing a safe and positive and culturally inclusive learning environment for infant, toddler and preschool aged children as well as high school aged students
• Performs recordkeeping and basic clerical functions, scheduling, copying, etc. for the purpose of supporting the teacher in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials
• Assists in the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and environment under the direction of licensed staff (Program Coordinator) by leading small group activities, observing using specific tools and supervising children in a positive manner and assisting in maintaining the daily routine including instruction, assessments and social and emotional development
• Confers with teachers, parents and/or appropriate community agency personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing of students' objectives, including home visits and parent conferences
• Assists in preparing the environment by setting up learning centers, preparing bulletin boards, meal service and meal reports, etc.
• Assists in preparing needed materials and supplies
• Supervises small groups of children as well as high school aged students and teen parents
• Acts as a positive role model to all students and parents involving parenting skills and assisting with problem solving
• Works with parenting…