Early Childhood Education Assistant

At LifeWorks NW, our work strengthens the health and wellbeing of individuals and families at every stage of life. Our mission is to promote a healthy community through high-quality, culturally responsive mental health, addiction, and prevention services that create real, lasting change. Guided by our values of recovery and resilience, relationships, and results, we partner closely with clients and communities to reduce stigma and build pathways to stability and hope. If you want your work to make a meaningful difference beyond the walls of an office, we invite you to join us.

The Early Childhood Education Assistant is responsible for assisting the Early Childhood Education Specialist in implementing the curriculum and related program components including; following classroom planning, prevention and intervention programs for at risk children 0- 5. Knowledge of child development and ability to work effectively with teams including disciplines in mental health and early intervention and connecting with diverse families is required. Responsible for planning and preparing meals for children and families enrolled in the Children's Relief Nursery program. Responsible for providing transportation for clients to and from Children's Relief Nursery. Responsible for participating in the implementation of Parenting Education classes with the CRN team.

Early Childhood Education Assistant works closely with the Program Director to ensure compliance with federal, state and local rules and regulations. Duties involve a moderate degree of complexity due to the responsibility of planning menus, preparing food, and ensuring compliance with various regulations. Reasonable judgment, good time management and a high level of professionalism are required to provide the smooth and efficient operation of the Children's Relief Nursery food program.

Salary Placement Notice:
The posted salary range reflects the compensation potential for this role. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range, depending on their experience and qualifications. However, more seasoned professionals with extensive exact or similar experience may be considered for placement toward the higher end of the range. Final salary offers are made in alignment with internal compensation processes in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity laws.

Essential Responsibilities

• This position requires provision of services in a toddler/preschool classroom & playground setting. Position involves supervision of children with emotional and physical responsiveness and awareness of them at all times
• Assist the Early Childhood Education Specialist in implementing curriculum and daily activities and routines for children
• Assist in setting up and cleaning classrooms and materials to implement the daily activity plan
• Drive the bus providing transportation for children to and from program.
• I implement of therapeutic principles in classroom
• Participate in staff, client and volunteer meetings and other special events as determined by staff or program
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Adhere to guidelines for mandated reporter status
• Interact respectfully, confidently, sensitively and non-judgmentally with young children and their families
• Work independently and as a team member
• Display a positive attitude toward work; instill positive, optimistic attitude in co-workers
• Problem solve and develop creative approaches to provide program services
• Calm demeanor in crisis situations
• Observe, and report significant child behavior or indicators
• Provide pertinent oral and written information for program management staff; including incident reports, child protection services reports, child illness and contagious health incidences.Program Food Services
• Plan menu cycles according to budget guidelines, foods in season, state & federal nutritional requirements for children, and in keeping with the regulations and guidelines provided by the Clackamas County Health department.
• Select, purchase, and prepare foods that provide nutritionally balanced meals for children with consideration to their nutritional and developmental needs that reflect the diversity and cultural needs of enrolled families while keeping with the regulations and guidelines provided by the Clackamas County Health department.
• Maintain accurate records and food/equipment receipts including turning in purchase receipts to supervisor and Accounts Payable. Ensures agency grocery card maintains a positive balance for ongoing food purchases.
• Be prepared for potential regulatory audits (announced and unannounced) and implement procedures as recommended, if necessary.
• Maintain an accurate recorded inventory of kitchen supplies and equipment.
• Responsible for oversight of sanitation requirements; establish and maintain sanitation and safety practices in compliance with County, State and Federal regulations.
• Keep the kitchen and related areas clean, including dishwashing and general maintenance.
• Check e-mail/voice mail daily when working, on-line training as necessary and accurately complete on-line timesheets.
• Travels between sites or in the community

Transportation

• Requires valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, verification of safe driving record from DMV, and ability to meet LWNW driving requirements.
• Maintain sanitization of the interior of the vehicle on transportation days
• Maintain cleanliness of vehicle's exterior (taking it to the car wash as needed)
• Weekly vehicle checks and documentation.
• Vehicle oil changes are up to date.
• Documentation of mileage any time vehicle is used.
• Submission of gasoline expenses and reimbursements
• Ensuring vehicle is in good working order to operate safely.
• Reporting any concern or issue with the vehicle to supervisor and maintenance team

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum two-year degree from an accredited college in Early Childhood Education, Education, Health, Social Services, or related field
• Minimum one-year early childhood classroom experience
• Valid first aid and CPR certifications
• Valid Food Handlers card
• Must be able to pass criminal background check.
• Proficient computer skills including a functional knowledge of Outlook and Word
• Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills and maintains a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Safely lift and carry children ages 6 weeks to 5 years
• Quickly and effectively respond to a wide variety of circumstances in both emergency and non-emergency situations, in both indoor and outdoor settings, and in public and private or residential locations
• Secure children in car seats, assist children on and off the bus and assume responsibility for monitoring children during transit
• Maintain a safe environment for children at all times.

Early Childhood Education Assistants are required to use their earned PTO for vacation time during the following calendar Therapeutic Classroom Breaks:

Summer 1 week July, 1 week August

Spring 1 week

Winter 2 weeks

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

Drug Free/Tobacco Free Site 01/09

Pay: $21.12 - $24.29 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years have you worked in an Early Childhood Education classroom?
• Do you have a current Central Background Registry (CBR) through the Oregon Registry Online (ORO)?

If so, what step?

• Do you have experience driving young children in a small school bus or van?
• Do you have experience managing a company credit card and receipts?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Early childhood : 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Required)
• Food Handler Certification (Required)
• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

Salary : $21 - $24