Education Intern - Advanced

Southern Oregon Head Start; Central Point (OR); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Southern Oregon Head Start seeks an Education Intern - Advanced to assist teaching staff in curriculum implementation and child engagement. You will support small and large groups, help with activities, and learn documentation under mentor teachers through RCC collaboration.

The program emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices, observation skills, and growth toward ECE Basic Certification while gaining hands-on classroom experience in a head start setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of 2 credits of ED170; completion of the ECE Basic Certificate.
• Must meet RCC eligibility for ECE261 practicum.
• Prior experience in an early childhood setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with children in small and large groups under teacher direction.
• Assist with classroom activities, preparation, and cleanup.
• Practice writing child observations (not entered into official systems).
• Support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Provide positive child guidance under staff supervision.
• Support daily routines including meals, sanitation, and transitions.
• Participate in classroom debriefings and trainings.
• Collaborate with mentor teachers to discuss progress and growth.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Observation & documentation

Classroom management

First Aid/CPR

Food handling

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ED170 2 credits

ECE Basic Certificate

RCC eligibility for ECE261 practicum

Tools

Basic computer knowledge

Job description

EDUCATION INTERN - ADVANCED

• Aligned with Rogue Community College (RCC) - ECE 261
• 6 hours per week, 11 weeks (RCC term based)
• Starting Wage: $18 per hour

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11/20/2026 @ 5:00PM

PURPOSE:

The Advanced Education Intern assists teaching staff in curriculum implementation, child engagement, and classroom support under the guidance of mentor teachers. In partnership with Rogue Community College, this practicum provides students with the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting curriculum delivery, strengthen skills in observation and documentation of child development, and develop confidence in facilitating small group activities under supervision. Interns will apply developmentally appropriate practices in classroom interactions while advancing toward completion of the ECE Basic Certification or related degree.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

I. CLASSROOM SUPPORT

1. Work with children in small and large groups under teacher direction.
2. Assist with classroom activities, preparation, and cleanup.
3. Practice writing child observations – not entered into official systems.
4. Support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum.
5. Provide positive child guidance under staff supervision.
6. Support daily routines including meals, sanitation, and transitions.
7. Participate in classroom debriefings and trainings.

II. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Participate in RCC coursework and SOHS training sessions related to curriculum and child development.
2. Receive coaching and feedback from mentor teachers.
3. Engage in every‑other‑week check‑ins with mentoring Teachers to discuss progress, skills learned, and areas for growth.
4. Reflect on observation practice and classroom experience through collaborative learning opportunities.

III. INTERACTION WITH CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND CO-WORKERS

1. Must relate in a positive, nurturing way, both verbally and physically, and be sensitive to the needs of children, parents and co‑workers.
2. Must use quick, safe reactions and responses in dealing with children or situations that involve children.

IV. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

1. Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment.
2. Follow safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
3. Actively contribute towards promoting a safe workplace & environment.

V. OTHER DUTIES

May be assigned other related duties as appropriate and within the scope of general responsibilities for this position.

REQUIRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of 2 credits of ED170; completion of the ECE Basic Certificate. Must meet RCC eligibility for ECE261 practicum.

Experience: Prior experience in an early childhood setting preferred; completion of an introductory internship or equivalent required.

Certification or Accreditation: CPR/First Aid Certification; Food Handler Certification required. (Certifications can be obtained at Head Start after hire.)

Essential Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and basic computer knowledge. Ability to perform general clerical tasks. Ability to apply the understanding of developmentally appropriate activities of children; meet and promote the social-emotional, physical and cognitive development needs of children. Ability to understand and follow recipes and directions for food preparation. Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand and follow procedures, ensure safety, and complete required documentation related to the position.

Essential Mental Abilities: Must be organized, flexible and resolution oriented. Ability to multi‑task, make sound judgments and demonstrate appropriate role modeling. Ability to maintain full and complete attention to children at all times. Ability to work as a team member and to be self‑directed.

Essential Physical Requirements: This position is classified as Center‑Facing. Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. a distance of 25 feet and to push and/or pull up to 40 lbs. a distance of 20 yards. Sufficient mobility, strength, and range of motion to perform standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting or kneeling, twisting, and ascending or descending steps. Ability to react quickly to the physical actions of children. Ability to sit for extended periods of time as required by the position. Sufficient stamina to perform job duties at the required frequency. Sufficient vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye‑hand coordination to perform job duties safely and effectively. These physical requirements reflect the maximum potential demands of working in a center‑based setting and are not indicative of continuous lifting or carrying.

Exposure to Hazards: Unpredictable child and family behavior, hazardous chemicals, contagious conditions, work with personal computer and other office equipment.

Working Conditions: Work performed primarily in a classroom environment.

EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON:

• Pre‑employment health screening as required by Agency and position (may include, but is not limited to: drug screening, occupational health screening and/or functional testing)
• Central Background Registry enrollment

Reports to: Site Manager & Education Staffing/Development Supervisor