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

Hawaii State Department of Education; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawaii State Department of Education seeks an Educational Assistant to provide learning experiences in early childhood classrooms serving prekindergarten children. The role works independently under the classroom teacher, creating engaging activities and supporting children’s development across all domains.

The position requires meeting CDA-related credentials or related training, completing approved coursework, and being enrolled in a program leading to CDA.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to communicate with children and support learning.
• Skill in observing and assessing child development and learning progress.
• Ability to organize learning activities and adapt materials under teacher guidance.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging learning environments across indoor/outdoor centers.
• Set up activities and supervise group and individual learning experiences.
• Observe children and document development progress as directed by the teacher.
• Ensure health and safety in learning environments and support routines and transitions.
• Prepare materials and learning centers and assist teachers as needed.
• Supervise before, during and after class activities.

Skills

Communication

Observation

Child engagement

Education

ParaPro exam

48 credits (math & English)

Associate degree or higher

Job description

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

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Observes children and documents/assesses their development and learning; collects other data as directed by the teacher.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Supervises before, during, and after class activities.

Special Requirement:

Applicants must meet one of the following options:

1. Possession of a current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
2. 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.).
3. 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:

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. An associate degree or higher from an accredited institution recognized by the Department.

*One (1) year of experience is defined as a school year, which is approximately 180 instructional days in Hawaii.

Experience Requirements:

Except for the substitutions provided for in this specification, applicants must have had the kind, quality, and amount of experience described below:

• Class Title
• General Experience (years*)
• Specialized Experience (years*)
• Educational Assistant I
• 0
• 0
• Educational Assistant II
• 1
• 0
• Educational Assistant III
• 1
• 1

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:

1. 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