Govt. Early Head Start - Assistant Teacher

Location: Sault Ste. Marie

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting the Teacher for operating and maintaining a quality early childhood classroom, in accordance with Federal, State, and Tribal regulations that will provide children developmentally appropriate experiences in preparation for school readiness and future success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(includes, but is not limited to, the following)

* Supervise and monitor children for safety at all times

* Assist and participate in duties as it relates to daily care of children, classroom management, and sanitation of the classroom

* Prepare classroom activities for children.

* Assist in the implementation of quality early childhood education experiences; following written lesson plans that incorporate reading, writing, math, science, language, culture, computers (when available), and other curriculum related areas.

* Instruct and assists children either individually or in small or large groups to help them master skills and reinforce learning concepts.

* Conduct and record daily on-going observations and anecdotal notes used in the development of individualized teaching activities and maintaining Individual Child Portfolios.

* Assist Teacher with completing all program requirements in an accurate manner and time frame as established by the program.

* Monitor and carry out behavior plans and interventions as determined by classroom staff, on-site consultants, and child's parents.

* Assume responsibility of the classroom operations in the absence of the Teacher.

* Work with special needs children to ensure that IEP/IFSP needs are being met.

* Perform record keeping functions such as daily signing in and out of children and meal attendance.

* Communicates daily with families in a positive manner through notes, telephone, and personal contact about their child's daily activities, social emotional well-being, and health needs to foster a positive home/school connection.

* Supervise all meals, ensuring that children are developing good nutritional habits;
Mode appropriate table manners, consume the same foods, and hold conversations with the children.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

* Evacuate children in emergency or monthly drills.

* Maintain and sanitize work areas by performing light janitorial work which includes sweeping, mopping, dusting and cleaning of bathroom, cleaning of tables, toys, equipment, etc.

* Promote hygiene opportunities for children (tooth brushing, toileting, hand washing, etc) each day by modeling.

* Administer personal care to children including diaper changing and toilet training.

* Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings.

* Monitor children on the bus while on field trips or during emergency evacuations.

* Other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, immediate supervisor/manager, customers, outside vendors/suppliers and Tribal community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position heavy with lifting of 100 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Physical factors include constant walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, use of hearing, smell, near/mid/far vision, depth perceptions, color and field of vision and bending; frequent carrying/lifting and handling; and occasional sitting, pushing/ pulling, climbing, reaching, travel and typing. Working conditions include constant exposure to noise, frequent exposure to weather and occasional exposure to wet/humidity.

Potential hazards include constant client contact and occasional exposure to chemicals, infectious exposure, needles/syringes, computer, medical and other equipment use. Must obtain an annual TB Test. Must be in good physical health as determined by physician.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Minimum of Child Development Association Certification (CDA) credential or a State-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential required. Must be enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree.

Experience:

Minimum one (1) year experience working in an early childhood classroom setting required. Experience working with children with special needs preferred.

Certification/License:
Must have ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within one (1) year of hire. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain good moral standing. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge and understanding of the educational, social, nutrition, health, and overall basic needs of children 0- 5 years old required. Knowledge of the Anishinaabe Culture and language preferred. Must have excellent public relation/customer service skills and be able to exhibit friendly and positive attitude and establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, guests and volunteers. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory…