Head Start Teacher Assistant

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible to assist the Lead Teacher in the daily operations of the  center and classroom, including planning, record- keeping, carrying out activities, engaging family, maintaining the classroom facilities, supervising children, parent/teacher conferences, classroom volunteers, as well as mentoring other staff at site.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES including but not limited to:

• •  Assist Lead Teacher  establish mutually respectful partnerships with families to enhance the quality of their children's education in Head Start.'
  • Assist Lead Teacher  to Plan, Train , and Support families in their engagement to reach children's school readiness goals.
  • Assist Lead Teacher to provide  opportunities for parents to get engaged in group activities as learners, educators, advocates, and community leaders.
  •  Assist Lead Teacher develop and implement developmentally appropriate experiences for pre-school children to meet school readiness goals in the mandated five essential domains of Physical Health, Social/Emotional, Approaches to Learning, Language & Literacy and Cognition & General Knowledge.
  • Assist Lead Teacher  with  the management of fiscal planning, budgeting, inventory and purchasing of center supplies and equipment necessary to maintain and support program goals.
  • Assist Lead Teacher  to provide a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment for the children enrolled in the program.
  • Assist Lead Teacher   and serve as role model, a team leader, mentor, and trainer as a learner for self-development and the development to acquire necessary skills to perform the job duties.
  • Assist the Lead Teacher Become an integral part of community by developing and maintaining positive community partnerships with local resources.
  • Assist the Lead Teacher respect and respond competently to the culture, traditions, lifestyle, language and values of each family and community.
  • Assist the Lead Teacher contribute to effective program practices and maintain a commitment to professionalism
  • • QUALIFICATIONS:

must have  or commit to earning the minimum of a CDA with some  teaching experience in a preschool setting, preferably Head Start. Must pass a State and Federal Criminal History background check (PL 101.630 and PL 101-637); Possess a valid Driver's License with the required state auto insurance. Have reliable transportation to attend training/technical assistance and conduct home visits. Willingness to work primarily with families residing in high-risk communities.

DESIRED  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Child Development principles.

Goal Setting, Planning and Reporting strategies.

Basic computer proficiency skills.

Operate office machines - i.e., Xerox, Fax, Calculator, Laminator, etc.

Knowledge of and sensitivity to the diverse population, with emphasis on American Indian/Alaskan Native Cultures and able to serve and effectively communicate with the children and families, enrolled in the ITCN Program.

State and Tribal Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Laws; Strong oral and written communication skills.

Physical Demands:

• The work outlined in this job description involves considerable sitting, standing, walking, bending, and lifting (maximum of 45 lbs.)
• Employees must be able to respond when needed by prompt appearance at a required
• Employees must be able to work under physically and emotionally stressed conditions and may occasionally be subject to verbal abuse, threats, and physical violence from angry, hostile, or disgruntled community and/or family
• The employee may be exposed to communicable
• This employee must have specific vision abilities, to include close vision, distant visions, peripheral vision, and depth

An employee, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, must meet the physical demands described here. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.