Assistant Teacher - Early Head Start Program in Hillsboro, OR - Nurturing Young Minds with Community Action Organization

Join Our Team: Assistant Teacher - Early Head Start Program

Community Action Organization, a leading advocate for low-income families, is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Assistant Teacher to join our Early Head Start team in Hillsboro, OR. As an integral part of our program, you will play a vital role in shaping the educational and emotional development of young children aged 6 weeks to 3 years old. If you are passionate about early childhood education and have a strong commitment to fostering a nurturing environment, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

About Community Action Organization

Community Action Organization is a respected non-profit organization dedicated to empowering low-income families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. Our Early Head Start program is designed to provide comprehensive services, including education, health, and family support, to promote the healthy development of young children. By joining our team, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive work environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Teacher in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes social, emotional, and cognitive growth in young children.
• Build strong, nurturing relationships with children, treating them with dignity and respect.
• Encourage exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice-making as developmentally appropriate.
• Support the Teacher in preparing and implementing lesson plans, classroom materials, and activities that foster a love of learning.
• Serve and track meals and snacks according to program Food Service procedures.
• Implement and support Primary Care-giving routines and philosophies as developed by the Teacher.
• Collaborate with classroom staff to encourage team interactions that facilitate respectful relationships, diversity, and constructive problem-solving.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled planning and team meetings.
• Ensure that no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Collect, analyze, and record objective observations on children's progress.
• Support the successful inclusion of children with special needs.
• Maintain confidentiality when working with children and families.
• Develop and maintain respectful relationships with families, documenting regular contact.
• Conduct home visits as needed.
• Assist the Teacher in developing parent-focused activities to establish a positive link between home and school.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Child Development Associate Credential (Infant/Toddler) or equivalent.
• Sufficient education and experience to be placed at Step 7 or higher on the Oregon Registry.
• Transcripts, diplomas, and/or Oregon Registry Step Certificates are required to validate educational requirements.
• Minimum of one year of experience teaching in a Certified Child Care Center or comparable group care program in the care of children ages 0-3.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate computer literacy and familiarity with applications such as databases and spreadsheets, word processing, email, and internet.
• Must be able to successfully pass applicable background and Oregon Central Background Registry checks prior to new hire processing and beginning actual employment.
• Completion of appropriate Fit for Duty and TB Testing according to Head Start regulations prior to date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree or higher in the field of Early Childhood Education or an Associate's Degree out of the field that includes coursework sufficient to be placed at Step 7 or higher on the Oregon Registry.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish, written and verbal.
• Two or more years of experience teaching children ages 0-3.
• Prior Head Start program experience.
• Training and/or education in working with children with special needs.

Licensing and Certifications

• Current Oregon Registry Step Certificate (or acquired within 90 days from date of hire).
• Current First Aid/CPR certification (or acquired within 30 days from date of hire).
• Current Oregon Food Handler Card (or acquired within 30 days from date of hire).

Physical Demands

The work is conducted mostly in a classroom environment. The Assistant Teacher will be required to:

• Monitor and respond to events going on at all times in the classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Move quickly to redirect children for the purpose of ensuring a child's safety or the safety of others in the environment.
• Respond appropriately both physically and mentally to an emergency or crisis situation.
• Stand/walk for 4 hours/day; sit for 4 hours/day; drive for 1 hour/week; use hands for repetitive grasping, pushing, and pulling, typing, and fine manipulation for 2 hours/day; use hands at or above shoulder level for 1 hour/day.
• Bend, squat, and/or climb frequently; kneel, stoop, bend, and sit on the floor or in small chairs.
• Lift and/or carry children and/or objects up to 25 lbs., with occasional lifting of a child weighing up to 60 lbs.

What We Offer

As a valued member of our team, you will enjoy:

• A competitive salary range of $14.08 - $15.49 per hour.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Generous paid sick and vacation time.
• 12 observed holidays.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Free life and long-term disability insurance.
• Medex travel assistance.
• Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• A rich and diverse mission-based working environment.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about early childhood education and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families, please submit your application, including:

• A completed Community Action Employment Application form.
• A cover letter.
• A resume.
• Transcripts and/or Oregon Registry Step Certificates (if required).

Applications can be completed online or printed and submitted to:

Community Action Organization Human Resources 1001 SW Baseline St Hillsboro, OR 97123

or fax to: 503.357.6057

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates. Community Action Organization does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other protected status.

We look forward to hearing from you!