Early Childhood Assistant

Job Specifications

Factor Level

EDUCATION AAS Child & Adult Care and Education or C.D.A.

Must be willing to obtain one of these credentials during the first year of hire

JOB RELATED EXPERIENCE 1 year preferred

SUPERVISION GIVEN None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Teacher

WAGE RANGE $17.71 - $24.58

BENEFITS “All” with a regular schedule of 30 hours/week

Job Summary: The Early Childhood Assistant is responsible for assisting Center Staff in providing a safe, nurturing, enriched, developmentally appropriate environment for Head Start children and their families.

Essential Functions and Duties:

1. Relates to children in a positive, sensitive and responsive manner.

2. Assists Center Based staff with a child or children with behavioral concerns by implementing consistent, positive discipline procedures.

3. Works individually with children who have special needs. This includes children with disabilities and

mental health concerns.

4. Leads planned small group and large group activities.

5. Attends Child and Family Services meetings, team meetings and required training and workshops.

6. Works with parents and families to encourage their involvement in Early Head Start and Head Start programs.

7. Shares responsibility with teachers for curriculum planning on the designated planning day.

8. Substitutes at another site when necessary to fulfill licensing requirements and as assigned by the Early

Childhood Education Coordinators.

9. Maintains a positive work environment by performing and communicating in a professional manner with

children, families, co-workers and supervisors.

10. Demonstrates confidentiality in all matters.

11. Maintains a safe workplace and fosters a culture of attention to health and safety.

Understanding of Minnesota Maltreatment Law to keep all children safe from any type of harm.

12. Recruits families for Reach-Up Inc. programs throughout the year.

Reach-Up reserves the right to assign other duties as necessary.

Essential Interpersonal Skills:

1. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and communication with staff, employees of other agencies, and families.

2. Demonstrates ability to work effectively with diverse populations of staff, students, and parents.

3. Demonstrates respect for the basic dignity of students, teachers, support staff, colleagues and parents.

4. Supports and adapts to change and demonstrate commitment to continuous performance improvement.

Non-Essential Functions and Duties:

1. Performs general clerical functions.

2. Prepares food in the center.

3. Moves classroom equipment.

Skills and Education:

1. Meets Minnesota DHS licensing requirements.

2. First Aid/CPR certification.

3. Ability to work with and communicate effectively with young children and Reach-Up Inc. staff.

4. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood education principles and the ability to apply them as needed.

5. Ability to work with children who have special needs and mental health concerns.

Tools and Materials Used:

The manual dexterity to operate typical office equipment and a vehicle.

Physical Demands:

Physical ability and psychological competence to meet the needs of the children. The physical dexterity necessary to use a computer. The ability to work accurately with numbers, communicate verbally, attend a workshop and drive a vehicle.