Instructional Assistant - Head Start - Part-time

mwvcaa; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

MWVCAA is seeking a Substitute Instructional Assistant to support children throughout the day, foster inclusion, and build positive relationships in a Head Start setting in Salem, Oregon. This part-time role offers hands-on early childhood experience and professional development opportunities.

The successful candidate will have a High School Diploma or GED and pursue Level 1/Level 2 Early Childhood Education certificates, with driver qualifications and background checks required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED, and ongoing ECE certification steps.
• Early Childhood Education certificates required/collegiate path.
• Experience with Head Start or preschool settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide focused support to children in high-need situations as directed.
• Offer one-on-one or small-group support aligned with written plans.
• Assist with indoor/outdoor activities, meals, routines, and transitions.
• Monitor interactions and address concerns to maintain a safe environment.
• Support all Head Start locations as needed: Salem, Woodburn, Dallas, Independence, Jefferson, Stayton.

Skills

child development

inclusion

de-escalation

behavior support

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Level 1: Early Childhood Education Certificate (within 2 years)

Level 2: Early Childhood Education Certificate

Head Start/Preschool experience

Job description

OUR MISSION:

MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty

OUR VISION:

All people are respected for their infinite worth, and supported to envision and reach a positive future

Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission-driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. We offer competitive pay, a rich company culture that values diversity, and an array of benefits - but we consider the best benefit here to be the reward of helping those in our community live better lives. Come find meaningful work and bring your skills as a Substitute Instructional Assistant. Your main responsibilities will support the child throughout the day by fostering inclusion in all activities, encouraging meaningful learning experiences and building positive relationships with peers and staff.

This team offers a lot of growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience and education.

This is a Part-time position up to 19 hours, not guaranteed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED; and
• Level 1: Must obtain Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college within two years from date of hire to maintain employment in the Program.
• Level 2: Certificate of Completion in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college.
• Six months of experience working in a Head Start classroom or one year of experience working with preschool children in a classroom/childcare setting.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Possess knowledge of child development.
• Understand inclusion practices in an early childhood education environment.
• Ability to assess challenging situations in order to provide support during unexpected situations.
• Possess knowledge of de-escalation strategies to use during high needs situations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. A full job description is attached.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Responds to school requests for focused support in high need situations.
• Provides individual support to assigned children that are reflective of the child's goals and needs based on supervisor direction and written plans.
• Provides support to assigned child/children, throughout the day, including indoor/outdoor activities, group time, free choice time, meals, bathroom routines, and bus transitions, as needed. Support can be delivered one-on-one, or small groups.
• Monitors children's interactions to prevent or promptly address any concerns that may arise, including behavioral incidents.
• Willingness to support all Head Start locations: Salem, Woodburn, Dallas, Independence, Jefferson, Stayton.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.
• Able to remain calm during situations where staff or clients may be escalated.
• Able to mitigate stress associated with a busy office and regular deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Mostly an indoor classroom environment

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at [phone].

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.**

Note that compensation for each role at MWVCAA is based off a number of factors such as experience and education.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.

Child Care Division Central Background Registration and pre-employment drug screening is required.