Teacher Aide (VC)

The position is located in Vaya Chin, AZ.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, assists teachers in providing early childhood classroom experiences to enhance and promote the educational, intellectual, and social growth and development of children.

The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares classroom, materials and supplies needed for daily activities and lessons.
• Supervises children, organizes and participates in indoor and outdoor activities for children, and promotes a safe and healthy learning environment; Ensures children to not physically or verbally harm each other.
• Assists teachers in preparing lessons and daily schedules; maintains activity calendars.
• Assists and promotes teaching the children O'odham himdag through songs, dance, stories, and pictures.
• Checks classroom for safety concerns; ensures cleanliness of classroom.
• Attends parent/teacher meetings and assists teachers in informing parents of children's progress; responds to questions from parents.
• Maintains appropriate documentation and generates reports or memos as required.
• Conducts health checks on children; accompanies children to appointments as needed.
• Escorts children on field trips.
• Takes charge of classroom in the absence of the teacher.
• Participates in continuing education in order to develop skills.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Tohono O'odham culture, customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of childhood development.
• Knowledge of diet and nutrition guidelines.
• Knowledge of CPR and emergency medical procedures.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in administering disciplinary rules to children and resolving situational conflicts among children.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to have patience and work interactively with children.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow routine verbal and written instructions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or General Education Diploma and six months work experience in a classroom teaching environment.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must obtain certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid within the first six months of hire.
• Food Handler's card must be obtained within six months after hire.
• Must satisfy health requirements as defined by the federal program standards and be willing to enroll in Child Development Associate (CDA) courses to seek CDA credential.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and National FBI check is required to determine suitability for hire, including a 39-month Motor Vehicle Record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license, (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.