E/HS/ECEAP Educator Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY :

Assists in providing comprehensive child development services to children. Builds positive relationships with families and supports healthy development of their child.

Assists in conducting child development screenings and assessments and works with children in childcare to promote their development.

Participates in center family events and activities. Maintains documentation and record keeping both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities per Head Start Performance Standards, ECEAP, CARF, NAEYC, Early Achievers, WAC’s Standards and Akin protocols.

Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Interacts positively with all children to support individual learning and social-emotional development. Communicates regularly and respectfully with families;

assists Educators to involve families in education program planning and implementation

Collaborates with educator in planning, implementation of curriculum and activities, assessing and observing children;

uses assessing results and input from families, IFSP / IEP goals, and other information to develop and implement individual school readiness plan (ISRP) within Performance Standards and Akin EHS / HS timelines, and in record keeping and documentation

• Collaborates with educator in the childcare center activities such as setting up the learning environment, cleaning and disinfecting toys and materials, health & nutrition activities, health and safety practices, lesson planning, and other duties as assigned by the Educator
• Collaborates with educator to support with developing class schedules, routines, and activities. Prepares and implements lesson plans based on each child’s ISRP goals & developmental needs when an Educator(s) is absent;

includes health and safety, nutrition, and social emotional (Preschool-Second Step) activities following Performance Standards and Akin Early Head Start Work Plan

Collaborates with educator in meal / snack time in setting-up the room and preparing meals or snacks as appropriate and eating family style meals with the children;

Feeds infants following Head Start Performance Standards and Akin EHS / HS practices

• Collaborates with educator to support with conducting a minimum of two home visits and 2 parent-teacher conferences each year for the purpose of sharing child’s progress, assessment results, and to plan ISRP goals for the next quarter
• Participates in center family events; encourages and supports family involvement in their child’s learning experiences
• Participates in center employee meetings, program and center professional development activities, and other professional development activities.

In collaboration with supervisor develop and implement an annual professional development and training plan. Completes required training

• Collaborates with educator to support with maintaining records and documentation to meet various program Performance Standards and Akin EHS / HS protocols
• Changes diapers, assists with toilet training, and assist older children with toileting as team efforts
• Provides supervision on field trips and center activities
• Serves as the lead in the classroom when an Educator is absent
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a teaching team
• Able to use MS Office and other programs used by the program
• Must possess strong human relations skills to communicate and work effectively within a culturally diverse work environment and community
• Ability to embrace and support Akin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive organization

WORKING ENVIRONMENT :

• Generally, functions in a classroom environment; however, may conduct meetings and other business in : Classrooms, community settings, or off-site locations for professional development activities.
• Quarterly travel required for professional development opportunities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

• May engage in daily outdoor playground activities including walking times with children so exposure to outdoor natural elements is expected.
• Ability to be continuously moving around and occasionally sit, crouch, and kneel.
• Ability to frequently carry up to 10lbs and occasionally up to 50lbs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• HS Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of a current Child Development Associate (CDA) in infant / toddler or preschool preferred upon hire. Required within first year of employment
• One-year work experience in a childcare or child development classroom
• One-year experience in working with children and parents from a culturally diverse and low-income backgrounds
• Proof of physical exam (done within one year upon hire and updated every three years), including a one-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment.

For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided

Successful completion of a drivers check if position requires driving on a regular basis (at least three times per week) or drives clients.

Must not have more than two driving incidents within the last three years

Completion of Akin criminal history background check, and DCYF Portable background check (PBC), including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS :

The salary range for this position is $20.32 - $27.24. The starting salary range for this position is $20.32 - $22.04 DOE for external candidates.

Employees will also receive 10 days of vacation leave each year, three Employee Appreciation Day each year, and will accrue one sick day per month (pro-rated for part-time employees).

Employees will also enjoy 15 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. We also offer EAP and mental health benefits.