Head Start Aide

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Head Start Education Supervisor and general (day-to-day) supervision of the Head Start Teacher this position is responsible for assisting in the comprehensive classroom management of the before and after Head Start program and works as needed in the Head Start classrooms in the Reno/Hungry Valley centers to substitute for staff absences. The Aide assists in the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of children in their care in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Policies and Procedures, Indian Health Services Tribal Health and Safety Code and Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines. This position is full time and full year.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist in the general supervision and educational enrichment of children in the Head Start classroom and Full Day program during Head Start hours.
• Assist in providing a safe and comfortable environment to ensure the facility, the safety, well-being, care, and education of the children are priority and meet the social and emotional developmental needs of the children on a consistent basis as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards;
• Daily cleaning and sanitation of the facility to ensure all Indian Health Service standards are maintained.
• Assist in the daily nutrition program provided to the children, including assisting in the kitchen as needed; following all Child and Adult Food Program and Head Start Performance guidelines.
• Assist in planning, coordinating and implementing the daily activities for the classroom and program environment as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Work in conjunction with the classroom teachers and other staff to provide high quality services to the children and families and to develop and implement the individualized education plans and goals for each child including; development reports, lesson plans and activities for children in coordination with parental input through daily communication, parent conferences and home visits;
• Assist in accurately tracking “in kind” donations, inventory and classroom/safety checklists and; monitors timely receipts and daily record keeping, assisting with monthly monitoring reports of classroom progress in meeting program goals and the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assist in planning and attend monthly program activities and parent meetings, and encourage parent involvement based on a flexible schedule for home visits, activities and conference to accommodate working parents and based on family interest; also assisting the Family Services Advocate in Family Engagement activities throughout the program year.
• Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers listening attentively to others; asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and underlying assumptions, following rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes
• Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person
• Employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations work under intensive deadlines and interact with management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.
• Participate in meetings and training as required by the Supervisor; to improve skills and abilities and to meet Head Start requirements.
• Participate in weekly/monthly meetings in conjunction with Education Supervisor, Teacher Mentor and Family, Health and Disabilities Advocates and other staff to communicate and track progress of children and families to ensure participant growth in meeting goals established in Progress and Planning Reports, health statuses are updated, and progress is being made in meeting IEP goals, and meet individual needs.
• Promote and establish a positive relationship and communicate effectively with other staff and parents using daily communication and implementing positive working relationships with children, families and co-workers
• Communicate on a regular basis verbally, electronically and in writing to the Head Start management staff regarding program issues including concerns and recommendations, related to but not limited to children, families, staff and program.
• Any deviation from regular scheduled work hours and/or activities employee is responsible for finding other staff to fill in for them and getting pre-approved by supervisor.
• Substitute in all areas of the Head Start program as needed.
• Participate in all phases of Head Start and RSIC training program.
• Perform other duties as required to be in compliance with RSIC Personnel Policies and Procedures and the Head start Performance Standards to help meet the needs of the Head Start program.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must obtain a Child Development Associate certificate or an Associate degree in Early Childhood within two years of hire
• Must be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of age at time of hire and be eligible for participation in the RSIC Vehicle Insurance Program;
• Have a valid Driver’s License and current DMV record submitted prior to date of hire;
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone; also, regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of personal information about children, families, and staff.
• Able to work with people from diverse cultures, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds with knowledge of Tribal community and sensitivity to Native American Indian needs.
• Must satisfactorily pass an annual physical examination and TB screening
• Must possess and maintain infant and adult CPR certification, First Aid certification, and a Food Handler’s Certification within three (3) months from date of hire and each year thereafter.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment screening and background checks