Classroom Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assists in providing comprehensive child development services to children. Participates in center family events & activities. Maintains documentation and record keeping per Head Start Performance Standards, ECEAP, CARF and Licensing Standards and CHSW protocols. Assists and supports the Educator and Educator Assistant in performing assigned duties and responsibilities. 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 their individual learning and meets their emotional development. Communicates regularly and respectfully with families; assists Educator and Educator Assistant to involve parents in the education program
• Assists in learning activities to support individualized education plans to meet children's developmental goals
• Assists in the early learning 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 and Educator Assistant
• Assists 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, Licensing and CHSW EHS/HS practices
• Changes diapers, assists with toilet learning, and assist older children with toileting
• Participates in center family activities and events, as requested; assists in set-up and clean-up
• Participates in center staff 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
• Assists with record keeping and documentation
• Assists the lead in the classroom when an Educator is absent
• Advocates for the values of a diverse population within CHSW and the Community
• Performs other duties as assigned by Educator, Educator Assistant and/or Supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively and follow both written and oral instructions
• Ability to use MS Office and other computer programs
• Ability to develop working relationships and partnerships and work collaboratively with teams
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in a professional and ethical manner
• Strong human relations skills and ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse community and work environment

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This job is performed in a professional office environment. The following list is representative of the work environment employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Moderate noise (i.e. classroom setting, outdoors, printers, phones)
• Typical classroom lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period
• Limited travel to other site locations within the state

WORKING REMOTELY:

Working remotely is a benefit of Children’s Home Society of Washington’s flexible workplace, but remote work cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Remote work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to:
• Constantly be mobile and twisting (knees/waist/neck)
• Frequently employee is required to walk, grasp, and push/pull up to 10lbs.
• Occasionally, sit, bend at knees, kneel/crawl, bend at waist, turn/pivot, balance, reach overhead, extend reach, pinch, lift up to 50lbs, and use hands, fingers for keyboarding.
• Specific vision and speaking abilities required by this job include constant speaking/hearing in person and occasionally on the phone. Vision is required for observation of children and families in various environments
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One-year work experience in a child care or child development classroom
• Proof of physical exam (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
• Completion of CHSW and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) in infant/toddler or preschool
• One-year experience working with children and families from a culturally diverse and low-income background
• Basic STARS training prior to employment
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification and Food Handler’s Permit

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $20.91- $27.18. The starting salary range for this position is $20.91- $22.48 DOE for external candidates.

Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. 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.