Instructional Assistant

Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness JOB PURPOSE: To assist the lead classroom educator in providing a high-quality instructional learning environment for young children aged two years through five years. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: Supervisory responsibilities of Howard university student volunteers, student observers and students conducting special projects or events in the program. NATURE AND SCOPE: University internal contacts include children, university students, and faculty/staff of the administrative offices in the School of Education. The external contacts include parents or guardians of the children, accrediting agencies, and regulatory and licensing bodies. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Assists in the development of the Early Learning Program and maintains a high-quality early learning environment for children ages two years, nine months to six years, including kindergarten. Assist with establishing, preparing and maintaining an attractive educational environment to motivate children and to foster self-control, growth and development. Active participation in a program of continuous planning with parents which involves conferences, workshops, field trips and curricular development. Assist teachers and other personnel with planning and providing appropriate experiences/activities in subject areas (learning domains) (i.e., arts, math, science, language, social studies, etc.) with special emphasis on the development of cognition, communication and social skills for the children. Observes, records, documents and reports significant individual child and group behavior. Active engagement and follow through of Conscious Discipline and Conflict Resolution strategies, guiding child behavior that builds cognition, critical thinking, problem solving and appropriate social interaction. Interacts with children to encourage their involvement in learning opportunities. Assists with assessment planning, implementation, documentation and sharing results with parents. Shares in documenting activities and sharing information for parents via school app. Maintain a warm and safe physical environment that is clean, orderly, appealing and conducive to the optimal growth and development of children. Prepares and serves snack and meals to children enrolled in the program in the absence of the cook. Attends scheduled and structured staff meetings/staff development activities of the Director. Attends in-service and District required trainings when offered to maintain current with industry standards. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. CORE COMPETENCIES: Knowledge of child development and the principles, practices and methods associated with caring for preschool and kindergarten-aged children. Basic knowledge of childhood behavior and development and of safety and health regulations as they relate to children and as outlined by the NAEYC Standards. Skill in interacting with children to gain/maintain their attention and encourage their participation in games and activities that foster social, emotional, physical and educational development. Knowledge of the appropriate use of instructional materials and knowledge of equipment and instructional devices and their functions in the learning process. Knowledge of family dynamics, its significance throughout the learning process and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with parents and families of diverse backgrounds. Competence in both oral and written English. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with children, parents, staff, faculty, University officials and the general public. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology or Human Development highly preferred . An Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a minimum of one year of experience working with children in early childhood classrooms. Physical Health Certification & TB test at time of hire as required by the District of Columbia (OSSE). Criminal Background Clearance at the time of hire as required by the District of Columbia (OSSE). Drug and Alcohol Screening as required by the District of Columbia (OSSE). Child Protective Registry Clearance at the time of hire as required by the District of Columbia (OSSE). Compliance Salary Range Disclosure $41,500-$51,500