Head Start Teacher Aid

OVERVIEW: The Head Start Teacher Aide must be professionally prepared and qualified to work with very young children and their families in a culturally relevant manner. They must have knowledge of infant/toddler development, Head Start requirements, and take direction well. They must be able to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

• Assists in implementing the program curriculum and the Head Start Performance Standards for classrooms. Provides input into the preparation of developmentally appropriate weekly and daily lesson plans in advance, which include: multicultural educational materials and activities; both classroom and playground activities; family style dining at meals and snacks, per HSPS and program policy and procedure; and individualized activities that are recorded in the lesson plans.
• Assists in organizing the classroom in well-developed and defined learning centers, rotating materials routinely to create a stimulating learning environment for young children. Assists in maintaining a classroom that is clean, safe and free of clutter, with learning materials labeled and organized to make them easily accessible for use by the children. 
• Assists with preparing the room prior to the children’s arrival and with cleaning and preparing the classroom for the next day. 
• Facilitates infant/toddlers’ learning, using appropriate child development knowledge. Stays involved with the children at all times in the classroom and on the playground.
• Collaborates with Lead Teacher in observing infant/toddlers and recording observations and making appropriate referrals to the Lead Teacher. 
• Collaborates with Lead Teacher in maintaining documentation as required by program policies and procedures.
• Assists Lead Teacher with developmental screenings as assigned. 
• Work with the Lead Teacher to maintain ongoing professional and appropriate communication with parents.
• Assists Lead Teacher with home visits and parent conferences when assigned. 
• Participates in center staff meetings, case management meetings, and Head Start program meetings.
• Actively participate in recommended trainings/classes for ongoing professional development and be able to share new information with staff.
• Successfully complete the Child Care Basic online training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY POSITION:

• Ability to assist and supervise preschool aged children and ensure a safe learning environment including the ability to monitor and respond at all times in classroom and outdoor play areas. This includes the physical ability to move quickly, keeping in visual contact, and assessing situations with good judgment.
• Ability to assist Lead Teacher to help supervise, guide and facilitate learning for preschool aged children.
• Ability to respond appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or a crisis.
• Knowledge of preschool Early Childhood Education and Development 
• Ability to be sensitive and mature individual who is able to relate well to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and adults.
• Ability to provide leadership and stability for program continuity.
• Maintain program documentation in a timely manner as required by management and regulations.
• Collaborate with E/DM to handle any staff and/or family issues that develop in a professional manner.
• Follow chain of command for all conflict situations.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED; one year experience working with preschool aged children.
• Must be willing to acquire CDA credential within one year and/or attend classes in ECE.
• Excellent interpersonal, nurturing and problem-solving skills required
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) preferred credential.
• Valid Washington State Drivers License, must be insurable
• First Aid/Infant and Child CPR required. Must keep current.
• A physical exam with results in letter form that states person is free of communicable diseases (Negative TB test) by employment date
• Communication skills: both verbal and written is necessary
• No prior convictions of child-related offenses or any felonies. Background check to be conducted prior to employment date
• Must be able to comply with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Head Start Drug Free Workplace policies. Pre-Employment drug testing to be administered prior to employment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift and carry a child 20 pounds 
• Other Functional requirements:

(1) Moderate lifting, 15-40 pounds, moderate carrying over 10 pounds and light carrying under 10 pounds, and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds

(2) Daily kneeling, stooping, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs.

OTHER DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Availability to assume other duties within Head Start and Children’s House of Learning as needed.
• Provide for the physical needs of preschool aged children; which includes feeding and toileting
• Other duties as specified by managers/director
• Reports to work at scheduled times and maintains a good attendance record; performs duties in a timely and professional manner; participates in all program activities with a positive attitude and behavior.

As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe this position is Indian Preference in hiring, in Accordance with P.L. 93-638

Salary : $21 - $22