Instructional Assistant - Head Start 25/26 SY

Preschool-Head Start Services Assistant

Under direct supervision, incumbents provide assistance to teachers in a developmentally appropriate environment by providing supervision of children's activities, working with students individually or in groups. Incumbent(s) are given direction and work at various Preschool/Head Start classrooms in WESD to meet teacher/child ratios.

Essential Functions:

• Works with students individually or in groups in daily activities. Under the supervision of the Head Start Teacher or Support Instructor monitors student behavior and enforces school and classroom standards and policies to insure safety at all times.
• Maintains an environment which promotes cooperation, learning and enjoyment.
• Prepares classrooms for activities including setting up tables and chairs, and preparing materials for classroom use. Performs clean up after activities including picking up toys and trash and washing tables and chairs. Performs clerical duties as assigned by Head Start Teacher.
• Accompanies students from classrooms to other areas including the playground, library, cafeteria and rest rooms.
• Establishes and maintains standards of acceptable behavior using positive methods which support children's self esteem.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Possession of valid High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (G.E.D.) prior to hire;
• Six months experience working with children in a learning environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Possess a Child Development Associate or Certificate of Completion or obtain possession within two years of the date of hire.
• Possession of valid Health Examination clearance prior to hire;
• Possession of valid TB Testing clearance prior to hire;
• Possession of valid Arizona Department of Transportation Driver's License;
• Possession valid First Aid certificate within 30 days of hire;
• Possession of valid CPR certificate within 30 days of hire;
• Possession of valid Arizona Food Handler's License Certification within 30 days of hire date.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Understanding child development and curriculum related to early childhood;
• Working with children
• Knowing safety and health issues;
• Preparing classroom for various activities;
• Readying and following lesson plans;
• Applying school rules, policies and procedures;
• Typical activities within a developmentally appropriate classroom environment;
• Knowledge of school rules, policies and procedures regarding discipline;
• Interpersonal communication skills while interacting with supervisors, staff, students, etc. to exchange information.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements 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.

Stooping, kneeling crouching, crawling reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, sunning, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and /or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions:

The working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.