Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a caring, engaging, and reliable part-time Early Childhood Teaching Assistant to join the Early Childhood Team. This position will be responsible for assisting in the daily operations and care of children in the classroom year-round at the Carlin Hall Creative Preschoolers Program and Little Explorers Camp. This program serves a diverse audience of up to 20 preschool children daily, from three to five years of age, including children who may have disabilities.

The Creative Preschooler’s program consists of two class sessions: Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some children may be enrolled in both sessions, depending on availability and interest. This is a year-round program, featuring a structured preschool curriculum during the academic year (September through May) and a Summer Camp program during the summer months. The Summer Camp runs for 8 weeks from June through August, and families have the flexibility to enroll their children in some or all weeks of the camp.

Specific duties include:

• Assisting the preschool supervisor/lead teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports;
• Participating in the planning and preparing of the learning environment to include preparing materials and supplies for daily activities;
• Operating and caring for instructional equipment used in the classroom;
• Ensuring that materials are prepared in advance of implementing activities and assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment;
• Attending all staff meetings, recommended training programs and occasional outside of program hours special events; and
• Upholding and enforcing federal, state and local policies, procedures, rules, and administrative regulations.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to communicate with parents, children, staff and volunteers.
• Strong communication skills to foster an open, collaborative, and effective team environment.
• Knowledge of Arlington County and Virginia Department of Social Services State licensing regulations.

Minimum:

• High School Diploma/Equivalent; plus
• Some experience in early childhood education or recreational programs.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates in one or more of the following:

• Assessing needs of preschool age children;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with parent groups or community organizations;
• Working with a culturally diverse population;
• CPR/First Aid/MAT Certifications; and
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

Special Requirements

A complete application will include an attached resume which highlights how your background and experience align with the qualifications for this position.

A pre-hire background check will be conducted on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Training/Certifications:

• CPR, First Aid, Daily Health Training must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• MAT training is expected to be obtained within first six (6) months of employment.
• TB Screening: Must provide negative TB results or submit to a TB screening at time of hire.
• Attend bi-monthly preschool teacher meetings and 16 hours of training a year.

Travel: This position requires travel throughout the County. Applicants must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid Driver License, or the applicant must have the ability to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties at other Arlington locations. Any offer of employment may be contingent on a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Work involves stooping and bending while working with groups of young children indoors and outdoors.

Additional Information

Work Hours: This is a year-round, permanent part-time position, with a schedule of 25 hours per week. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with 2 to 3 afternoon meetings per month and occasional evening or weekend hours as needed.

The official title of this position is Early Childhood Assistant.

Benefits Available: Pension (based on hours worked) and paid time off to include sick leave, vacation leave, floating holidays, and County holidays.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Click here to learn more about our commitment.

Each section of the application must be completed including the supplemental questions. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

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