Early Learning Educational Assistant I, II, III - Puohala Elementary

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Holidays & Leave

Retirement Plan

Job summary

The Hawaii State Department of Education is seeking Educational Assistant positions at Kaneohe. The authorized level is Educational Assistant III, with openings down to Educational Assistant I if needed.

This posting covers EOEL Prekindergarten classrooms serving children before kindergarten. Responsibilities include assisting teachers, supporting learning activities, maintaining safe environments, and preparing materials as directed.

Qualifications

• Possession of a CDA Credential or completion of a related program accepted by EOEL.
• High school diploma or equivalent with relevant coursework in early childhood education.
• Formal training in early childhood education (ECE) may substitute for experience.
• Evidence of active pursuit toward CDA is acceptable annually.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering learning experiences across developmental domains.
• Set up and supervise indoor/outdoor learning centers and activities.
• Observe and document child development and learning progress.
• Support health, safety, and well-being of children and aid in transitions.
• Prepare learning materials and coordinate with the classroom teacher.

Skills

Communication

Patience

Teamwork

Observation

Education

CDA Credential

Education coursework

120 hours ECE training

Pursuing CDA evidence

Job description

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

Examples of Duties

Early Learning Educational Assistant positions are located on school campuses that have Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) Public Prekindergarten Program classrooms and serve children in the year before kindergarten entry. This position works independently to provide learning experiences in all areas of development and academic disciplines, in accordance with established guidelines, available resources, and the Early Learning classroom teacher. Some of the essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cultivates healthy, challenging learning environments and experiences; converses with children in a positive manner during child‑initiated activities and during routines and transitions; greets children upon arrival and ensures safe departure; instructs and models appropriate behavior; encourages positive social rapport; assists in guiding children during transitions and routines; addresses conflicts between children; engages with children during play to promote development and learning in all domains of development.
• Implements and assesses learning experiences for children based on plans and goals established with or by the teacher; sets up activities/areas for children to participate in indoor learning centers, small or large group activities, and outdoor activities; supervises and conducts group and individual learning activities; builds positive relationships and guides children through supportive interactions.
• Observes children and documents/assesses their development and learning; collects other data as directed by the teacher.
• Ensures overall health and safety for children; assists children in areas related to health and safety, including toileting, handwashing, eating, resting, and playing; ensures healthy and safe environment; reports and follows‑up on unsafe play/work areas and materials; sanitizes materials and surfaces when needed; assists children in dealing with stressful situations.
• Prepares and maintains materials and environment for learning experiences; organizes and prepares learning centers as guided by the teacher; observes children's use of materials and environment in order to provide modifications, adaptations; consults with teacher as needed.
• Supervises before, during, and after class activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Special Requirement: Applicants must meet one of the following options:

• 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

General Experience (years*) and Specialized Experience (years*) are required for each level. One (1) year of experience is defined as a school year, which is approximately 180 instructional days in Hawaii.

• Educational Assistant I – 0 years general, 0 years specialized.
• Educational Assistant II – 1 year general, 0 years specialized.
• Educational Assistant III – 1 year general, 1 year specialized.

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.

Substitutions Allowed

• 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 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 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: Many employees enjoy paid holidays, personal leave, and sick leave during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take‑home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax‑savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out‑of‑pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE‑TAX basis.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits.
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre‑tax dollars to an employee‑selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax‑deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non‑work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
• Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employee's job is excluded from collective bargaining.

Equal Opportunity

The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Payday

New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month.