Head Start- Teacher Aide/Bus Monitor

SUMMARY: The Teacher Aide/Bus Monitor is responsible for assisting with the supervision, development and implementation of program activities and functions, supporting staff and parent volunteers, rules, and regulations to insure the health and safety of the children in the program. The Teacher Assistant/Bus Monitor will accompany children on the bus and ensure that safety measures are taken and assist children on and off the bus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• The Teacher Aide will report to work Monday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Work hours may be adjusted, per authorization of supervisor and/or executive director.
• Limit discussion of children and families, discuss factual information.
• Avoid gossip and inappropriate labels; avoids gossip of staff's personal/professional status.
• Does not talk about children disparagingly in front of other children.
• Be willing to establish nurturing bonds with children and foster a positive relationship with parents/guardians, and support parents in their role as primary educator of their child.
• Accepts supervision and accepts constructive criticism/direction; provides feedback to supervisor.
• Interact with Children:
  • Create a warm and accepting environment, which encourages independence and self-esteem for each child and parent.
  • Implement guidance techniques that are appropriate to the situation and developmental level of the child.
  • Implement and model family style dining during mealtimes.
  • Utilize appropriate language, interactions, and positive discipline.
  • Model positive behavior.
• Curriculum Preparation/Classroom Maintenance:
  • Assist teacher in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities.
  • Assist teacher in evaluating daily program and individual children's progress. Help maintain appropriate anecdotal records, observations, and child development assessments.
  • Maintain health and safety standards by assisting in daily and weekly cleaning of classroom. Sanitize all surfaces, equipment, and classroom toys.
  • Design and complete classroom bulletin boards, hallway displays and other venues that support sharing classroom activities, information, etc. in a timely manner.
  • Assist in completing all necessary paperwork for classroom activities including meal count sheets, attendance, screenings, parent/teacher conferences, and home visits in a timely manner.
  • Assist in maintaining up to date and accurate education child files, to include complete incident reports, permission slips, and child portfolios.
  • Maintain classroom supply lists and inventory
• Child Safety:
  • Accompany children on scheduled bus routes daily to ensure the safety of children.
  • Gain a working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and state bus laws, rules, and regulation, and to be able to explain them to others.
  • Assist the bus driver in implementing bus rules and regulations during regular bus routes and special field trips.
  • Communicate to the teacher and bus driver any concerns about the children.
  • Understand and implement safety rules and emergency plans and procedures both in classroom and on the bus.
  • Observes children for any suspected or disclosed signs of child abuse or child neglect and immediately report observations to the center director or person in charge, in accordance with the Omaha Tribe Head Start Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Policy and Procedures.
• Communicate with Parents/Families:
  • Approach each child, parent, and other staff member with respect, being sensitive to everyone's rights, strengths, needs and cultural/socio economic background.
  • Accompanies teacher on visits to each child's home twice per year as indicated on the planning calendar, to meet parents or guardians and become familiar with the child's family and home environment.
• Professional Development/Administrative:
  • Uphold confidentiality of child and family information in accordance with the confidentiality policy.
  • Actively participate in meetings, which may include education staff, center, committee, and parent policy meetings; staff in-services and other training opportunities provided by OTHS/EHS.
  • Engage in continuing education and professional development opportunities to meet required qualifications.
• Other duties as assigned to meet program needs.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Can enroll in a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) program and complete the CDA program within 1 year and enroll in an associate degree program in Early Childhood Education or related field, AND one year experience working with pre-school age children in a classroom setting; OR
• Must have a current Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and the ability to complete an Associate degree in Early childhood Education AND one year experience working with pre-school age children in a classroom setting; OR
• Associate degree or Baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education or related field AND one year experience working with pre-school age children in a classroom setting.

CERTIFICATES and/or LICENSE:

• Pass a physical exam, background check and Central Registry check, and drug test.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must become First Aid/CPR certified.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Be able to verbally communicate and have the necessary personal qualifications to deal with staff and individuals/groups with varying abilities.
• Possess the ability to accept directions and learn under supervision.
• Flexible, with the ability to work in a highly demanding environment.
• Ability to cooperate successfully as a member of a team.

Must pass background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Salary : $15 - $17