Early Learning Educational Assistant I, II, III - Princess Nahienaena Elementary

Hawaiʻi State Department of Education; Lahaina (HI); On-site; USD 33,700 - 39,361; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid holidays and leave

Retirement Plan

Job summary

A state educational agency in Lahaina, Hawaii, is seeking Educational Assistants to support various educational needs for children. The role includes cultivating positive learning environments, implementing learning plans, and documenting children’s development. Candidates must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and have at least a high school diploma. This position offers a salary range starting from $3,019.78 per month and various benefits, including health insurance and paid leave.

Qualifications

• Must possess a current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
• Must complete training for CDA Credential preparation.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate healthy learning environments and interact positively with children.
• Implement and assess learning experiences based on established goals.
• Observe and document children's development and learning.

Skills

Effective communication

Child development knowledge

Supervisory skills

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

Job description

This posting is being used to fill various Educational Assistant positions at the specified location. The authorized level of the position is Educational Assistant III. Applications are being accepted down to Educational Assistant I in the event of recruiting difficulties.

Salary Range

• Educational Assistant I, SR-10: $3,019.78 per month
• Educational Assistant II, SR-12: $3,260.76 per month
• Educational Assistant III, SR-14: $3,526.98 per month

Responsibilities

• Cultivate healthy, challenging learning environments and experiences; converse with children in a positive manner during child‑initiated activities and routines and transitions; greet children upon arrival and ensure safe departure; instruct and model appropriate behavior; encourage positive social rapport; assist in guiding children during transitions and regular routines; address conflicts between children; engage with children during play to promote development and learning in all domains of development.
• Implement and assess learning experiences for children based on plans and goals established with or by the teacher; set up activities/areas for children to participate in indoor learning centers, small or large group activities, and outdoor activities; supervise and conduct group and individual learning activities; build positive relationships and guide children through supportive interactions.
• Observe children and document/assess their development and learning; collect other data as directed by the teacher.
• Ensure overall health and safety for children; assist children in areas related to health and safety, including toileting, handwashing, eating, resting, and playing; report and follow‑up on unsafe play/work areas and materials; sanitize materials and surfaces when needed; assist children in dealing with stressful situations.
• Prepare and maintain materials and environment for learning experiences; organize and prepare learning centers as guided by the teacher; observe children’s use of materials and environment in order to provide modifications and adaptations; consult with teacher as needed.
• Supervise before, during, and after class activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
• Successful completion of training for a certificate that meets the requirements for CDA Credential preparation, including but not limited to:
  • University coursework at an acceptable institution of higher learning (e.g., Chaminade, UH System, etc.).
  • 120 hours of formal training in early childhood education (covering the growth and development of children ages 3 to 5 years) available through community organizations (e.g., PATCH, HIAEYC, etc.).
  • Be enrolled in a program, coursework, or training that prepares the individual to obtain a CDA Credential. Evidence of active pursuit toward completing the program must be provided annually to the EOEL.

Education Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent and one of the following, as described by the Federal Government's No Child Left Behind Act of 2001:
  • Successful completion of an examination approved by the Hawaii State Department of Education (Department), such as the ParaPro or ParaPathways Assessment provided by the Education Testing Service (ETS).
  • At least 48 baccalaureate‑level semester credits from an accredited institution recognized by the Department, which included 3 credits in mathematics and 3 credits in English.
  • An associate degree or higher from an accredited institution recognized by the Department.

Experience Requirements

• Educational Assistant I: 0 years general and 0 years specialized experience.
• Educational Assistant II: 1 year general and 0 years specialized experience.
• Educational Assistant III: 1 year general and 1 year specialized experience.
• One (1) year of experience is defined as a school year, which is approximately 180 instructional days in Hawaii.
• General Experience: Paid or volunteer experience which involved direct interaction with people and demonstrated the ability to provide and elicit information, observe, evaluate and take action or report accurately on different situations. Examples include serving on school or community committees, advising youth groups, or participating in parent/teacher/student meetings and activities.
• Specialized Experience: Work experience providing direct academic, personal, social, vocational development, or behavioral services to children, students, and/or individuals with disabilities, preferably in an educational setting supporting professional staff.

Driver’s License Requirement

Some positions require possession of a current, valid driver's license.

Lift and Carry Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 65 pounds unassisted and/or 100 pounds with assistance.

Substitutions

• Possession of a Child Development Associate credential, or completion of a related program from an accredited institution recognized by the Department or an approved community organization may substitute for one‑half (½) year of Specialized Experience.
• Successful completion of 15 baccalaureate‑level semester credits from an accredited institution recognized by the Department may substitute for one‑half (½) year of General Experience up to a maximum of one (1) year.
• Successful completion of 15 baccalaureate‑level semester credits in Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution recognized by the Department may substitute for one‑half (½) year of Specialized Experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
• Possession of an associate degree from an accredited institution recognized by the Department may substitute for one (1) year of General Experience.
• Possession of an associate degree in Education or a closely related field from an accredited institution recognized by the Department may substitute for all General and Specialized Experience.
• Possession of a bachelor degree or higher from an accredited institution recognized by the Department may substitute for all General and Specialized Experience.
• For high school graduates from a Department school, each of the following may substitute for one (1) year of Specialized Experience up to a maximum of two (2) years:
  • Completion of the Level 4 course in either the Teaching As a Profession (TAP) or Learning Support Professionals (LSP) program.
  • Possession of one (1) credit for relevant work‑based learning (internship, fieldwork, etc.) through the TAP or LSP programs.
• Excess Specialized Experience may be substituted for the General Experience.

Quality of Experience

Possession of the required number of years of experience will not in itself be accepted as proof of qualification for a position. The applicant's overall experience must have been of such scope and level of responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Benefits

• Holidays, Personal Leave, and Sick Leave: Paid holidays and leave during the school year, subject to collective bargaining agreement conditions.
• Health Insurance: State contribution toward qualification benefits.
• Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Tax‑sheltered benefits such as Premium Conversion Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Tax Shelter Annuity.
• Retirement Plan: State contribution to retirement plan for eligible employees.
• Temporary Disability Insurance, Social Security, and Workers' Compensation as applicable.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Option to join union with automatic service fee unless excluded from collective bargaining.

Equal Opportunity

The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, arrest and court record, or National Guard participation. Affiliated with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other federal and state laws protecting equal employment opportunity.