The Early Childhood Education Assistant is responsible for assisting the Early Childhood Education Specialist in implementing the curriculum and related program components including; classroom and home visit planning, prevention and intervention programs for at risk children 0- 5. Knowledge of child development and ability to work effectively with teams including disciplines in mental health and early intervention and connecting with diverse families is required. Responsible for planning and preparing meals for children and families enrolled in Children's Relief Nursery program. Responsible for providing transportation for clients to and from Children's Relief Nursery.

The Early Childhood Education Assistant works closely with the Program Director to ensure compliance with federal, state and local rules and regulations. Duties involve a moderate degree of complexity due to the responsibility of planning menus, preparing food, and ensuring compliance with various regulations. Reasonable judgment, good time management and a high level of professionalism are required to provide the smooth and efficient operation of the Children's Relief Nursery food program.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Gladstone site. 

Pay/Benefits: $20.71 starting hourly pay with full comprehensive benefits.

Essential Responsibilities

• This position requires provision of services in a toddler/preschool classroom & playground setting. Position involves supervision of children with emotional and physical responsiveness and awareness of them at all times
• Assist the Early Childhood Education Specialist in planning, developing and implementing curriculum and daily activities and routines for children
• Assist in setting up and cleaning classrooms and materials to implement the daily activity plan
• Work with Early Childhood Education Specialist to develop goals for individual child plans and family service plans based on assessments
• Evaluate child and family progress through written records and interactions with parents
• Arrange for transportation for families as appropriate and maintain bus schedule
• Ability to transport clients and families on a LifeWorks NW CRN bus.
• If driving a LifeWorks NW vehicle, must be able to meet LifeWorks NW driving requirements.
• Travels between sites or in the community as needed
• Secure children in car seats, assist children on and off the bus and assume responsibility for monitoring children during transit
• Responsible for planning, purchasing and preparing meals for children and families enrolled in CRN programs as needed.
• Manages bills and maintains records for food expenses and health and safety regulations.
• Works closely with Program Director to ensure compliance with federal, state and local rules and regulations.
• Duties involve a moderate degree of complexity due to the responsibility of planning menus, preparing food and ensuring compliance with various regulations.  Reasonable judgment, good time management and a high level of professionalism are required to provide the smooth and efficient operation of the Children's Relief Nursery meals.
• Provide implementation of therapeutic principles in classroom
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Adhere to guidelines for mandated reporter status
• Interact respectfully, confidently, sensitively and non-judgmentally with young children and their families
• Work independently and as a team member
• Display a positive attitude toward work; instill positive, optimistic attitude in co-workers
• Problem solve and develop creative approaches to provide program services
• Calm demeanor in crisis situations
• Assist in documenting classroom notes and progress and maintaining daily attendance, status reports, and all required tracking and reporting forms
• Observe, report and record significant child behavior or indicators
• Provide pertinent oral and written information for program management staff; including incident reports, child protection services reports, child illness and contagious health incidences.

Requirements

• Minimum two-year degree from an accredited college in Early Childhood Education, Education, Health, Social Services or related field
• Minimum one-year early childhood experience
• Valid first aid and CPR certifications
• Valid Food Handlers card
• Requires valid driver's license.
• Must be able to pass criminal background check
• Good computer skills including a functional knowledge of Outlook and Word
• Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system

Early Childhood Education Assistants are required to use their earned PTO for vacation time during the following calendar Therapeutic Classroom Breaks:

Summer 1 week July, 1 week August

Spring 1 week

Winter 2 weeks

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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