Assistant Teacher 3-5: Independence

Classification: Full-time Status: Non- Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist and support the implementation of an early childhood education program that provides quality and developmentally appropriate services to children and families that meets program, state, and federal regulations per the Head Start Performance Standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Be an advocate for Head Start in the community.


• Team with center staff to provide an inviting and nurturing learning environment for children, families, volunteers, and staff.


• Provide full services to assigned families per the Head Start Performance Standards, under the direct supervision of the Lead Teacher.


• In absence of Site Manager and Lead Teacher, the Assistant Teacher supervises the paraprofessional/ driver.


• Individualize teaching to enable children to attain key curriculum and social/emotional goals with the assistance of parents or primary caregivers.


• Team with center staff to recruit, train and encourage parent and community volunteers’ participation at the center and document volunteer hours to fulfill federal match requirements.


• Ensure parents/primary caregivers are informed of all policies included in the Parent Handbook.


• Team with parents to schedule all health appointments; identify children and families with nutritional problems; post children’s allergies in the kitchen and inform staff of all children’s allergies.


• Carry out all classroom and playground duties as assigned.


• Perform bus monitor duties as needed.


• Be a role model for the children before, during meals and at clean up time.


• Promote and model excellence in daily program operations that support the provision of quality services for children and families, and a learning environment where all staff can thrive.


• Obtain and share knowledge of theories and techniques for adult education and Early Childhood development.


• Maintain dependable, punctual attendance.


• Assist in setting-up a developmentally appropriate classroom based on Head Start Performance Standards-using Frog Street, Second Step, PBS (Positive Behavior Support) and other curricula provided by program.


• Responsible to ensure completion of data entry in Agency approved Data System


• Travel within agency area with occasional out of area trips for training.


• Assist with developmental and social emotional screenings and observe the developmental level of each child making appropriate referrals if needed.


• Be knowledgeable of Performance Standards, Policies and Procedures, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), ASQ-3, ASQ:SE, Frog Street, Second Step.


• Participate in Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), and/or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) meetings as needed for children with special needs while taking the role of resource person and parent advocate.


• Assist with informing parents of child’s progress at parent conferences and/or home visits or upon request of parent.


• Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to prevent and defuse challenging behavior.


• Comply with Head Start Performance Standards.


• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.


• Demonstrate good work habits such as arriving on time and adhering to appropriate break times.


• Attend mandatory In-Service trainings and staff meetings.


• Responsibility to report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.


• Advocate for SEK-CAP, Inc. in the community.


• Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP, Inc. customers.


• Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP, Inc.


• Support management decisions both in actions and words.


• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Basic computer skills.


• Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.


• Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.


• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.


• Resourceful and well-organized self-starter, needing minimal supervision.


• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.


• Ability to learn and adapt.

Desired:

• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards/State Licensing requirements.


• Knowledge of area resources.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prefer bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field with 15 course hours in Early Childhood education or minimum Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or degree in related field with 15 hours in Early Childhood per the Head Start Act.


• 3-5-year experience working with young children in a classroom setting preferred.


• Be eligible to obtain KDHE program approval.


• Obtain First Aid card and CPR certification and keep current.


• Obtain a Child Development Credentialing (CDA) within 6 months of hire.


• Obtain bus monitor training at first available opportunity.


• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment and every three years thereafter.


• Possess current, valid driver’s license and meet agency insurance underwriting guidelines.


• Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.


• Submit to and pass standard drug screen test.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.


• Reach with hands and arms.


• Sit on small chairs or floor, and occasionally stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch.


• Regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.


• Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.


• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.


• Outside weather conditions.


• Extreme cold and extreme heat.


• Noise level is usually quiet to moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits:

• 401(k)


• 401(k) matching


• Dental insurance


• Disability insurance
  


• Health insurance


• Paid sick time


• Paid time off


• Paid training


• Paid Life Insurance


• Referral program


• Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person