Classroom Assistant

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR BIRTH TO FIVE CLASSROOM ASSISTANT

Status:  Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act                                           

Pay Rate:   Pay levels are as follows:

Level 1:  $13.00 hourly – Entry level                                    

Level 2:  $13.50 hourly – Has CDA or Child Development Assistant certificate

Level 3:  $15.00 hourly – Has Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Supervisory Relationships:  Directly supervised by the Operations Manager. Receives on-site instructions from the School Supervisor and/or staff member such as the Teacher.  Position does not have supervisory duties.

Purpose:  The purpose of the Classroom Assistant is to provide assistance in the classrooms at Birth to Five schools in Altus, Hollis, Mangum, and Elk City as assigned. Assignments may be short-term lasting one to two days at a location but may be long-term lasting up to three or four months at a time. Assists other staff in implementing lesson plans, providing meal service, completing required paperwork, cleaning duties, bus monitor duties, one-on-one assistance with children who have disabilities, or in any manner that will help accomplish the mission.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

1.            Assists the Teacher in the implementation of daily lesson plans and other center activities. Activities will be focused on preparing children to transition to Kindergarten by encouraging the development of social, emotional, and academic skills. Eats meals of same food and drink with the children to aid in the development of social skills.

2.            Has direct interaction with the children and participates in their daily activities.

3.            Uses ROMA principles to establish performance management goals and to improve the focus on program and family outcomes.

4.            Promotes parent interest and assists in recruiting volunteers to participate in center activities. Ensures that all volunteer time and donations of items are documented on proper forms.

5.            Assist in medical/dental screenings, mental health screenings (including observation notes), and IEP development of center enrollees.

6.            Serves as a bus monitor on transportation routes as assigned by the School Supervisor.

7.            Sweeps and mops the classrooms, cleans the children’s bathroom, sanitizes children’s bedding and toys as required by Head Start and DHS Licensing guidelines.

8.            Documents concerns observed in the centers and sends to supervisor and the Head Start Director.

9.            Assists with paperwork and/or computer data entry as assigned.

10.          Other related duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

1.            Confidentiality of client information is essential and stays at the center.

2.            Ensure children’s safety by enforcing safety rules and procedures. Follows other safety rules such as wearing closed-toe shoes (no sandals), bus safety rules and various other program procedures.

3.            Comply with program and licensing guidelines. Abides by SOCAG Personnel Policies and adheres to Performance Standards.

4.            Attend training as required. Must maintain any training or certification requirements. Training may require some evenings, weekends, and/or overnight travel.

5.            Must be able to travel within the 60-mile radius to work at any of the six centers operated by SOCAG, Inc. in Altus, Hollis, Mangum, and Elk City. Assignments may be short-term lasting one to two days at a location but may be long-term lasting up to three or four months at a time.

6.            Must be able to work in a positive manner with children ages 1- 5 from a variety of backgrounds, including children who have disabilities. Able to relate to problems of low-income and minority families.

7.            Must be able to complete written documentation and computer data entry as assigned.

Qualifications:

1.            High School Diploma or GED with experience in Early Childhood or day care as paid or volunteer service. The National Child Development Associate credential (CDA) or higher education is a plus.  Must be on the OK Registry within 6 months. Current First Aid/AED/Pediatric CPR is required and may be obtained on the job. Must be able to obtain the CDA or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood.

2.            Travel to centers is required regularly. Assignments may be short-term lasting one to two days at a location but may be long-term lasting up to three or four months at a time. Oklahoma driver’s license required with acceptable motor vehicle record. Vehicle must have state minimum insurance.

3.            Annual Tuberculin screen is required or as directed by a medical professional. Initial physical is required and obtained after hire.

4.            Negative pre-employment drug screen prior to employment with a current photo identification. During employment, employees are subject to drug testing according to SOCAG Personnel Policies.

5.            Criminal background checks are required and performed according to Oklahoma statutes and any program regulations.

Working Conditions:

1.            Must be able to bend, kneel, stand, and sit on the level of the children being served. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Cleaning includes the use of a bleach solution.

2.            Must be able to interact and relate to children in a positive manner.

3.            Must have flexible availability to meet scheduling needs.

4.            Must be able to respond and assist during emergency medical care, safety, fire prevention, and sanitation of children and the center environment.

Salary : $13 - $15