Assistant Teacher - Early Childhood Programs

ASSISTANT TEACHER— Early Childhood Programs

Nonexempt, AFSCME represented position   

Benefitted position, 35-37 hours/week (part-time)

July 2024 position will transition to 40 hours/week (full-time) as we expand our preschool programs. 

CLOSING DATES:

Internal applicants are invited to apply by 5 PM on 4/2/2024 

For best consideration, applicants should apply by 5 PM on 5/24/2024 

Check out this brochure for more information about Willamalane and the Assistant Teacher position. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

General Statement Of Duties: Assists Lead Teacher with the preparation and implementation of monthly curriculum and enrichment activities; assists in providing a positive learning environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development; Monitors and supervises preschool-kindergarten age children in a variety of activities in a classroom setting at a program site; Recommends program activities and projects; ensures safety of children who are participating in the program; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features Of The Class: An employee in this classification is responsible for ensuring the safety of children in the program while supervising and assisting children in developmentally appropriate activities such as games, songs, learning activities, arts and crafts projects, gym time, nap time, snack and/or lunch; recommending and implementing activities and projects. Work is performed under the supervision of the Recreation Supervisor with daily on-site direction from an Early Childhood Teacher. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of positions in this classification.

Examples Of Essential Duties Performed: (Illustrative only. Any single position of a class will not necessarily involve all of the duties listed, and many positions will involve duties that are not listed.)

• Monitor participant safety with various measures including attendance taking and frequent head counts. Ensure the safety of all participants and program staff at the site.
• Lead and supervise children in age appropriate enrichment activities such as centers and circle time, art projects, outdoor and gym time, songs and games, nap time, snack and/or lunch; leads, directs and prepares activities as requested.
• Prepare and serve snacks; perform necessary clean up according to Food Service standards and practices.
• Provide redirection to children using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports strategies, as well as social emotional-age appropriate language.
• Prepare room; set up supplies and/or equipment for activities; perform necessary clean up.
• Respond to questions from parents and keep them informed regarding the child's progress and achievements.
• Report all cases of suspected child abuse to supervisor and contact Services to Children & Families as necessary.
• Respond to incidents utilizing First Aid, CPR/AED as needed.
• Maintain necessary records and files on programs, classes, and activities.
• Performs other job-related duties or tasks as required.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Experience with mentoring and engaging with preschool-pre K children in a childcare setting.
• Experience in organizing and facilitating daily activities in a childcare setting.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to contribute as a team member in a fast-paced, diverse work environment.
• Comprehension of Oregon State child care rules and regulations.

Knowledge & Skills: Knowledge of positive behavior management for preschool age children; planning and implementing recreational and educational activities for preschool age children. Some knowledge of age appropriate activity development for children; excellent customer service skills; childcare record keeping. 

Abilities: Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; work successfully with children, parents, and staff; work as a member of a team; act calmly and effectively in emergency situations; intervene in conflicts effectively by using positive intervention strategies; understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Minimum Experience & Training: High school graduation or equivalency and one year of experience working with children in a comparable preschool or early child development center; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties.

Preferred Experience & Training: Associate's degree or certificate in early childhood, child development, or a related field, and one year of progressively responsible experience working with children in a comparable preschool or early child development center; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties.

Physical Requirements Of The Position: The employee will frequently be required to stand and be mobile for over 70% of the work period.  While performing the duties of this position the employee will frequently be required to crouch or kneel and seldom be required to bend and twist.  Physical exertion and coordination is occasionally required to lift materials up to 30 pounds such as activity materials, snack foods, furniture etc. The position requires manual dexterity and coordination, for the vast majority of the work period. In performing the essential duties of this position, the employee will spend over 50% of the work period indoors and the remainder outdoors, thus exposure to heat in summer is possible. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation.  Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Personal Protective Equipment: Ability to use protective equipment required to perform job tasks as needed and as required by health and safety guidelines.

Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain the following within first 30 days of employment

• First aid and CPR certification
• Oregon Food Handler Permit
• Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect certification (RRCAN)
• Introduction to Childcare Health and Safety certification (ICCHS)
• Foundations for Learning Certification (FFL)
• Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR), within 7 days of hire date.
• This job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test and ability to pass a criminal background check will be required prior to employment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Receive a $1,000 hiring bonus! Applicants are eligible after 6 months of employment and must complete the following:
  • Sign an offer letter of employment
  • Pass all background checks and drug screens 
  • Attend orientation and all trainings for this position
  • Successfully complete 6-month probation
• Receive an additional $500 retention bonus after completing 1,000 hours worked. 
• Incentives are provided through an American Rescue Plan grant and will be available until funds are exhausted. 

Hours/Shifts

Monday - Friday, various shifts available between the hours of 7 AM - 6 PM. 

Drug Free Workplace

This job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test and ability to pass a criminal background check will be required prior to employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BENEFITS: 

• Paid vacation leave upon completion of probationary period, which is the 1st of the month following at least 6 months from hire date. Vacation leave benefits will accrue based on years of service.
• Paid sick leave beginning with date of hire. 
• Paid holidays (11 District-recognized holidays plus one floating holiday per calendar year).
• Medical and dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, 1st of the month following date of hire.
• Annual cost of living increase (up to 4% as approved by the Board). 
• Merit increase (3%) upon successful completion of probationary period and then annually. 
• Additional $1/hour increase upon successful completion of a Spanish competency test. 
• Retirement benefits after completing probationary period.
• Voluntary deferred compensation and flexible spending programs.
• Discount on selected childcare programs (see Policy Manual for restrictions).
• 25-percent discount on certain recreation programs.
• Free use of pools for lap and play swim for employee and family. 
• Free use of fitness center for employee and family.
• Free Wellness programs for employee.
• Automatic payroll deduction for union membership dues.
• Payroll direct deposit is available.