Instructional Assistant - Head Start

We are seeking Full Time and Part time Instructional Assistants to join our Head Start program! The Instructional Assistant works to support classrooms where there are children who need additional support and attention due to behavioral, health, or disability related challenges. The Instructional Assistant works in collaboration with the teaching team to support children utilizing the protocols created in response to their behavioral, health or disability needs. The role of the Instructional Assistant is to help the child throughout each part of the day, including transitions between, assisting them to be included in all activities and opportunities for learning and developing relationships with peers and staff.

There are multiple Full Time and Part Time positions available. This position is expected to last 3-6 months but may be extended depending on program needs.

Candidates must submit an application by 3/24/25 to be considered for first-round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED.
  • Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education or a related field is preferred.
• One year of experience working with young children.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• 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.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
• Candidate must 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.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

Support to Children

• Provides individual support to assigned children that are reflective of the child's goals and needs based on supervisor direction and written plans. This includes assisting the child to achieve full participation in all classroom activities, support to make successful transitions, and modeling to assist the child in peer interactions.
• Assists assigned child or children throughout the day including inside, group time, free choice time, mealtimes, outside time and in the bathroom or on the bus if necessary. This may be in the form of one-on-one support, or in small groups to help the child with social interactions.
• Monitors children's interactions to prevent or promptly address any concerns that may arise, including behavioral incidents.
• May participate in home visits, conferences, or other conversations with parents to help articulate children's challenges and progress, and to seek parent input.

Team Work, Communication and Paperwork

• Maintains on-going documentation of communications with parents in ChildPlus.
• Documents the assigned child's progress each day, taking note of things that went well, things that didn't go well, and providing examples.
• Shares observations and insights with teaching team.
• Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.
• Occasional driving in all weather conditions to sites in Polk and Marion counties.
• Physical ability to quickly evacuate children from the classroom in an emergency.
• Ability to calmly manage frequent demands for time and attention.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Mostly indoor classroom and bus riding environment.
• Frequent outdoor supervision of children and monitoring pick up/drop off.
• Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals, creative substances such as paints.
• Occasional exposure to body fluids/biohazards (such as saliva, vomit and urine).
• This position requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work.

**Enrollment in the Central Background Registry is beneficial if you are even considering working with children in the State of Oregon, since it will be required before you can start a position. Enrollment is free and it is recommended that you start now as the process can take time. Start enrollment online at: oregonearlylearning.com

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth, and supported to envision and reach a positive future.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.