On-Call Classroom Assistant

ABOUT AKIN:

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well-being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assists in providing comprehensive child development services to children. Participates in center family events & activities. Assists in documentation and record keeping per Head Start Performance Standards, ECEAP Performance Standards, CARF and Licensing Standards and Akin protocols. Assists and supports the Lead teacher and Assistant teacher in performing assigned duties and responsibilities. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Interacts positively with all children to support their individual learning and meets their emotional development
• Communicates regularly and respectfully with families; assists Lead teacher and Assistant teacher to involve parents in the education program
• Assists in learning activities to support individualized education plans to meet children's developmental goals
• Assists in the early learning center activities such as setting up the learning environment, cleaning and disinfecting toys and materials, health & nutrition activities, health and safety practices, lesson planning, and other duties as assigned Assists in meal/snack time in setting-up the room and preparing meals or snacks as appropriate and engaging in family style meals with the children. Following, CACFP,HS and ECEAP Performance Standards, Licensing and Akin Policies and Procedures.
• Changes diapers, assists with toilet learning, and assists older children with toileting
• Participates in in-service staff training, staff meetings, and other educational opportunities to gain knowledge and skills throughout the year including but not limited to annual required STARS training.
• Participates in center employee meetings, program and center professional development activities, and other professional development trainings. In collaboration with supervisor, develop and implement an annual professional development and training plan. Completes required training
• Assists with record keeping and documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively and follow both written and oral instructions
• Ability to establish positive goal-oriented relationships with children, staff and families
• Proficient in Office 365 and database usage
• Ability to develop working relationships and partnerships and work collaboratively with teams
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in a professional and ethical manner
• Familiarity with or interest in the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; and experience working successfully with colleagues, clients, or communities from a variety of backgrounds
• Demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an inclusive workplace environment

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• This job is performed in an early learning environment. The following list is representative of the work environment employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job:
• Moderate noise (i.e. classroom setting, outdoors, printers, phones)
• Typical classroom lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period
• Limited travel to other site locations within the state
• Ability to work rotating schedule for duration of center operating hours

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to lead classroom daily activities with children and families.
• Frequently, employee is required to walk, grasp, and push/pull up to 30lbs
• Occasionally, sit, bend at knees, kneel/crawl, bend at waist, turn/pivot, balance, reach overhead, extend reach, pinch, lift up to 50lbs, and use hands, fingers for keyboarding.
• Specific vision and speaking abilities required by this job include constant speaking/hearing in person and occasionally on the phone. Vision is required for observation of children and families in various environments
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Proof of physical exam within past 12 months (updated every three years)
• One-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment, unless has written proof of a negative test within past 12 months. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting.

REQUIRED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE:

• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training
• Food Handler's Permit
• Other assigned trainings

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One year of work experience in childcare or child development classroom
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) in infant/toddler or preschool, and/or ECE collage credits
• One-year experience working with children and families from a culturally diverse and low- income background
• Basic STARS training prior to employment
• Language skills: Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Somali
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification and Food Handler's Permit

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $20.91 - $24.04 per hour, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant's pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.

WHY JOIN AKIN?:

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
• Access ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
• Be part of a team committed to inclusion, belonging, and community

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION:

Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.