The primary purpose is to assist the Teacher in delivering high-quality infant, toddler, and preschool services according to Head Start standards, which includes assisting with daily classroom operations and maintaining safe, clean environments. Essential functions involve direct supervision of children, cleaning, assisting with developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and supporting social-emotional health through positive guidance.
Requirements summary
Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, with specific educational paths required depending on the focus area (Infant/Toddler vs. Preschool), often involving an Associate's Degree in ECE or related field, or enrollment in CDA/AA programs to achieve specific Oregon Registry Steps. Paid experience working with the target age group is preferred, and a valid Oregon Driver's License with required auto insurance is mandatory.
Please submit an employment application, cover letter and resume on our website, www.orcca.us or to hr[at]orcca.us.
Internal Applicants
Please submit a letter of interest and resume to hr[at]orcca.us [hr@orcca.us].
Job Description
Primary purpose
Assist Teacher in the delivery of high-quality infant, toddler, and preschool services as defined by the Head Start Performance Standards, State Licensing Rules, program work plans, and program goals. Assist with day-to-day operations of assigned classroom. Maintain quality environments with attention to safety and health prevention measures.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Reason position exists is to perform these functions)
Education
Ensure children are supervised at all times and maintain appropriate ratios and group sizes.
Ensure children are signed in and out of class and bus and released only to authorized adults.
Clean and sanitize classrooms, equipment and materials according to policies and procedures.
Complete daily classroom and playground safety checks, as assigned.
Assist teacher in providing responsive care, effective teaching practices, and an organized learning environment for all children.
Assist teacher to implement The Creative Curriculum to fidelity to provide quality, developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
Assist in integrating physical activity and utilize program resources to enhance daily lesson plans.
Provide input and support to ensure learning environments include age-appropriate, and culturally and linguistically responsive supplies, materials, equipment and space, including accommodations for children with disabilities, with periodic changes to support interests, development and learning.
Use positive guidance strategies to support social-emotional and behavioral health.
Provide family-style meal service with sufficient time for children to eat, following food safety guidelines for all food service.
Track daily attendance for each child and implement program attendance follow-up procedures, as assigned.
Assist Teacher in completing screenings and assessments, as assigned.
Perform Teacher job duties in the temporary absence of the Teacher.
Complete additional tasks and job duties as assigned by supervisor.
Assist teacher in delivery of appropriate services to children with IFSP/IEP’s.
Provide supportive environments individual supports.
Support team implementation of individual plans for special health needs, including asthma, diabetes, emotional or other conditions that require additional service provisions.
In coordination with Teacher, regularly share information with families regarding their child’s routines, activities, and behaviors (conversations, phone calls, notes home, etc.)
Encourage ongoing parent participation in classrooms, site family events, and other program activities.
Adhere to federal, state and program documentation requirements.
Participate in on-going team communication to support service delivery, promoting problem-solving and conflict resolution within assigned team.
Support outreach and recruitment efforts by communicating the program’s eligibility, selection, and enrollment policies and practices to families, other service providers, and the general public.
Provide supervision to parents, assigned volunteers and practicum students
Provide constructive ongoing feedback and support in professional growth
BUS MONITOR (if applicable) • Ride bus to and from class and on field trips
greet children and parents, share information, perform health check, and monitor children’s behavior for safety at all times.
Receive direction from the Bus Driver to ensure a safe transportation system.
Team expectations
Teamwork - We join our individual strengths together creating teams and circles of cooperation to promote innovative thinking and bring opportunity to our community.
Partnerships - We create collaborative community partnerships to best leverage all resources available for the benefit of the community.
Diversity - We welcome and accept differences and honor our co-workers and clients by treating each person with equality, dignity, and respect.
Confidentiality & Ethics - We maintain a high standard of ethics and integrity to respect the confidentiality of clients and staff.
Physical Safety - We respond promptly to address health and safety needs or concerns for clients and staff.
Communications - We encourage timely, open-minded, respectful, and direct communication to alleviate controversies and foster a safe, productive workplace.
Health & Sustainability - Recognizing the importance of physical, emotional, and environmental health, we seek to inspire and model healthy, sustainable living.
Public Relations - We recognize that each of us represents the entire agency in our public interactions and strive to act in a consistently professional and unbiased manner.
Professional Growth - We provide an environment supportive to personal and professional growth, cross training, and advancement.
Individual expectations
Attend staff meetings, center meetings, and/or other workshops/meetings as notified
Maintain a positive attitude regarding ORCCA and all its programs along with the Head Start program and philosophy
Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity
Maintain respect and positive communication regarding all children, families and staff.
Maintain confidentiality of client and staff information.
Maintain open, two-way communication with staff
Accept suggestions and guidance from supervisor and other management staff
Seek feedback on job performance and evaluate suggestions and guidance to incorporate in performance
Commit to further training. Develop an individual training plan using program tools, as appropriate.
Communicate with supervisor regarding any needed changes or concerns with work schedule.
Adhere to agency procedures as a mandated child abuse reporter
Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
Ability to perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations
Experience and education requirements
Infant/Toddler, including Baby Promise
AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or AA in related field or higher
Oregon Registry Step 9 or higher
Infant/Toddler Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential
Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher
Enrolled in Infant/Toddler Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential
Minimum Requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent
Additional competencies/preferences
• Paid experience working with infants/toddlers preferred
Preschool (in order of preference)
AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or AA in related field or higher
Oregon Registry Step 9 or higher
Preschool Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential
Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher
Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent (Upon hire, must be enrolled in CDA program to be completed within 2 years) or;
High school diploma or equivalent (Upon hire, must be enrolled in AA program with professional development plan to achieve Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher within 2 years)
Additional competencies/preferences
• Paid experience working with preschoolers preferred
Work environment
Geographic
Area: Coos, Curry, and Coastal Douglas Counties;
Primary worksite:
May lift items up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
Access to indoor office, in a climate-controlled environment; may not have access to sunlight. Regular activities outside in a non-climate controlled environment.
Regular kneeling, bending, stooping and sitting on the floor.
Regular walking and standing for prolonged periods of time.
Occasional events outside of the office at irregular hours will be required.
Attendance at off-site staff training events will be required.
OTHER
A current Oregon Driver’s License is required.
Proof of automobile liability insurance [at] $100,000/300,000 liability limits and maintain such limits.
Reliable transportation for getting to work.
Must be free from illegal drugs, may be subject to suspicion testing.
NOTE
The specific statements reflected in each section of this position description are not intended to be all-conclusive, but rather the basic elements and criteria considered being necessary in order to satisfactorily perform the duties associated with the position. Your employment with ORCCA is at will. This means your employment is for an indefinite period of time and it is subject to termination by you or Employer with or without cause, with or without notice, and at any time.
Oregon Coast Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ORCCA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operation.
Please inform Human Resources at 541-435-7090 or hr[at]orcca.us if you require a reasonable accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of this job.
Market context
Oregon teacher assistant roles remain steady
In Oregon, teacher assistant positions are commonly tied to early learning and classroom support needs, especially in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This role can be competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma plus additional early childhood education preparation, such as an Associate’s Degree, CDA, or related enrollment path. Review the focus area carefully and confirm your education plan matches the posting before applying; requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time.
