Sheridan Preschool Teacher Aide

GENERAL SUMMARY:                

Assist the Teacher in providing varied experiences and appropriate learning environment for children. Assist in implementing goals, policies, and activities designed to achieve educational objectives and performance standards. Also works with families to promote Parent Engagement in the program.

QUALIFICATIONS:                        

Must meet one of the qualifications below:

1. Child development associate (CDA) credential
2. Enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within two years of date of hire.
3. Associate or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education or enrolled in a program leading to such a degree.

Must also obtain a Family Services Credential within 18 months of obtaining their CDA.

Bilingual: fluency in both English and Spanish preferred.

Must also obtain a Family Services Credential after completion of CDA.

REQUIREMENTS:

Individuals must be able to successfully perform all essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform job functions.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• Current certification in Pediatric and Adult First Aid and CPR within 180 days of employment.
• Must have dependable, insured transportation, a valid Wyoming Driver’s License, and acceptable driving record.
• Must pass an initial and periodic health screening, and TB clearance.

• Obtain current certifications in all Wyoming Department of Family Services’ childcare-required trainings.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Absaroka, Inc. Policies and Procedures and Outcomes.
• Wyoming Department of Family Services’ child day care licensing requirements.
• Developmentally appropriate practices for young children, as defined by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
• Head Start Early Learning Framework, Head Start Family Framework, and Creative Curriculum.

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Follow directions and take initiative.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Work effectively with adults and children from diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, ethnicities, experiences, abilities, and temperaments.

• Use a computer to collect, record, retrieve data, and prepare reports.

• Model appropriate dress, appearance, personal hygiene, and professionalism.
• Maintain confidentiality of staff, parent, child, client, community, and agency information included in files, conversations, meetings, correspondence, or any other source.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Dedicated to the goals and philosophy of Absaroka Inc.

• Required to occasionally travel out-of-county and out-of-state.
• Attend pre- and in-service trainings, and other trainings as required.

• Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties, and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices.  Must act in such a manner as to assure, at all times, maximum safety to oneself, fellow employees, clients, and children.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:

1. Assist teacher in all classroom activities, field trips, and outdoor activities.
2. Participate in the screening, observation, and documentation of children.
3. Help supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.
4. Assist in keeping the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
5. Use initiative and imagination to assist children and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each individual child.
6. Assist the teacher in any aspect of the program, as needed.
7. Perform teacher duties and responsibilities in the teacher's absence.
8. Participate in Parent Conferences and Education home visits with the teacher.

1. Participate in daily and long-range lessons and classroom activity planning.
2. Conduct learning activities with small groups of children.
3. Assist in maintaining individual records for each child.
4. Assist teacher with inputting data into the online child assessment tool.

FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

1. Encourage parents to volunteer, supporting parents’ role as the first and lifelong educators of their children.
2. Work with Center staff and parent volunteers to set up social networks and group activities supporting families’ strengths, interests, and needs.

1. Support families in utilizing community resources that enhance family well-being and children’s learning and development.
2. Participate in parent committee meetings, socials, and community events, as requested, and serve as a positive resource.
3. Positively promote Head Start in the community.

GENERAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, handle, feel, talk, hear, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, taste, smell, use hands and fingers, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Worker is subject to environmental conditions, as activities occur both inside and outside. Worker is also exposed to cold, heat, noise, chemicals, and typical playground activities.
• This position works in a kitchen and office environment, and will be exposed to cooking fumes, dust, and other airborne particles.  Worker will be expected to handle allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, corn, wheat, soybeans, fruits, and other foods in a varied diet.  Worker will need to use a variety of cleaning products for dishwashing, mopping, sanitation, and appliance cleaning. 
• Worker may be exposed to bodily fluids and infectious diseases.