Classroom Assistant (Migrant Head Start)

EPIC Early Learning is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Classroom Assistant to join our team. EPIC is a private, nonprofit organization that has been serving migrant and seasonal farmworker families in Central Washington for over 35 years. Our Migrant Head Start program provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services to children and their families.

As a Classroom Assistant you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families by supporting the delivery of high-quality early childhood education services. Your role will include assisting teachers in implementing curriculum, providing supervision and care for children, creating a safe and stimulating classroom environment, and supporting family engagement activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities
• Provide supervision, care, and support for children in the classroom
• Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times
• Create a nurturing and stimulating classroom environment
• Support family engagement activities and maintain positive relationships with families
• Assist with meal and snack preparation and supervision
• Maintain accurate records and documentation as required
• Collaborate with teachers and other staff members to create a positive learning environment
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities
• Follow program policies and procedures
• Perform additional duties as assigned
• Be committed to characterizing a culture of safety within our centers, playgrounds, buses and anywhere that children may be present. Be familiar with and encourage EPICs culture of "See Something, Say Something".

Requirements

• Washington State ECE Initial Certificate or Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) *
• Bilingual (English/ Spanish) preferred.
• Experience working with young children and families
• Knowledge of early childhood development and education principles
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Passion for working with migrant and seasonal farmworker families
• Ability to adapt to a multicultural and diverse environment

* Candidates who do not meet the minimum education requirement would need to enroll in a higher education institution towards a State Initial Certificate in ECE and be on a Professional Development Plan with a confirmed deadline. 

Pay Level:

$19.46 to $22.96 Hourly (6.5 month position)

Benefits

·         Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans

·         Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)

·         Paid Holidays (4)

·         Seedling Scholarship Available

·         Employee Assistance Program

·         Basic Life Insurance

·         403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)

Conditions of Employment:

1. Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee.
2. Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee).
3. Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).
4. Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
5. Current Food Handlers card (obtain the training within 30 days of employment).
6. Current First Aid/CPR card (obtain within thirty 30 days of employment).
7. Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training.
8. CEO Approval.