Instructional Assistant - Head Start

We are seeking Full Time and Part time Instructional Assistants to join our Head Start program! The Instructional Assistant works to support classrooms where there are children who need additional support and attention due to behavioral, health, or disability related challenges. The Instructional Assistant works in collaboration with the teaching team to support children utilizing the protocols created in response to their behavioral, health or disability needs. The role of the Instructional Assistant is to help the child throughout each part of the day, including transitions between, assisting them to be included in all activities and opportunities for learning and developing relationships with peers and staff.

There are multiple Full Time and Part Time positions available. This position is expected to last 3-6 months but may be extended depending on program needs.

Candidates must submit an application by 2/6/25 to be considered for first-round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED.
  • Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education or a related field is preferred.
• One year of experience working with young children.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Possess knowledge of child development.
• Understand inclusion practices in an early childhood education environment.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

Support to Children

• Provides individual support to assigned children that are reflective of the child's goals and needs based on supervisor direction and written plans. This includes assisting the child to achieve full participation in all classroom activities, support to make successful transitions, and modeling to assist the child in peer interactions.
• Assists assigned child or children throughout the day including inside, group time, free choice time, mealtimes, outside time and in the bathroom or on the bus if necessary. This may be in the form of one-on-one support, or in small groups to help the child with social interactions.
• Monitors children's interactions to prevent or promptly address any concerns that may arise, including behavioral incidents.
• May participate in home visits, conferences, or other conversations with parents to help articulate children's challenges and progress, and to seek parent input.

Team Work, Communication and Paperwork

• Maintains on-going documentation of communications with parents in ChildPlus.
• Documents the assigned child's progress each day, taking note of things that went well, things that didn't go well, and providing examples.
• Shares observations and insights with teaching team.
• Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by thi