Instructional Assistant--CCP in Washington, District of Columbia at EducareDC

CCP INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Supervisor: CCP Instructional Coach
Supervisory Position: No
Salary: $44,000 - $51,000
______________________________________________________________________________

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Educare DC is growing to serve over 325 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal child care funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Instructional Assistant is responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program. The Instructional Assistant supports the CCP Instructional Coach in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Early Head Start, state and local standards and the Educare model. This role will also collaborate with partnership sites in coaching cycles with the classroom teachers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Curriculum
• Provide an enhanced curriculum focused on social emotional development, early language and literacy, physical development, and integration of the arts.
• Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in Educare DC’s child guidance discipline policy.
• Assist in the implementation of learning experiences that promote all developmental domains (social, emotional, physical, and intellectual) including contributing to the
readiness of children to enter school by developing their early language acquisition and vocabulary.
• Assist in managing an attractive and engaging environment that encourages exploration and fosters independence.
• Ensure strategic placement in classroom environments to engage children, provide optimal supervision, and facilitate play while in the classroom.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure that the playground is safe.
• Assist in daily routines such as bottle feedings, meal preparations, diapering, toileting, hand washing, monitoring sleep times, cleanup, and supervision of children at all times, including outdoor play.
Assessment
• Collaborate with the teaching team to observe and model documentation for all children
• Identify any developmental concerns for children in their care and share the information with the Lead Teacher of the classroom.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to implement activities and use instructional materials suitable for infants and toddlers with a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional maturities.
• Assist in the completion of band-aid incident reports and documentation of incidents in the medical log.
Other
• Assume classroom teacher responsibilities as needed when teachers are required to meet with Child Care Partnership Coach or as directed by the Director of EHS Partnerships.
• Under the direction of the CCP Coach, assist in data entry and updating student records.
• Participate in reflective supervision with the Director of EHS Partnerships.
• Provide clerical and administrative support to the department
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES
• 1 year of relevant experience
• Knowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (6 weeks through three years)
• Knowledge of Early Head Start Performance Standard
• Knowledge of DC licensing requirements
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with various professionals and community groups
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with parents
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community
• Provide clerical and administrative support to the department
• Maintain confidential records and documents associated with the department and communication amongst several departments

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field with a minimum of 18 credits in Early Childhood or Child Development

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
• Clearance of background checks as required by local, state and federal regulations.
• Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state and federal regulations.
• A bi-annual physical exam, drug screen, Covid vaccination and TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Must have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written
• Must remain abreast of developments in the child development field to enhance professional growth and development