Govt. Early Childhood Education - Teacher Aide I or II

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Teacher Aide, under the direction of the Early Childhood Program Manager or the Education and Disability Supervisor, assists the instructors in all aspects of the classroom operations including performing a variety of support and child supervision services to assist in the instruction and development of young children.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Assists in all phases of classroom operations including but not limited to: setting up and preparing classroom activities and working with groups of children.
• Assists in the implementation of quality early childhood education experiences; following written lesson plans that incorporate reading, writing, math, science, language, culture, computers (when available), and other curriculum related areas.
• Instructs and assists children either individually or in small or large groups to help them master skills and reinforce learning concepts.
• Conducts and records daily on-going observations and anecdotal notes used in the development of individualized teaching activities and maintaining Individual Child Portfolios.
• Monitors and carries out behavior plans and interventions as determined by classroom staff, on-site consultants, and child's parents.
• Assumes responsibility of the classroom operations in the absence of the instructors.
• Works with special needs children in order to ensure that IEP/IFSP needs are being met.
• Performs record keeping functions such as daily signing in and out of children and meal attendance.
• Communicates daily with families in a positive manner through notes, telephone, and personal contact about their child's daily activities, social emotional well-being, and health needs in order to foster a positive home school connection.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following):

• Evacuates children during emergency and monthly drills.
• Maintains and sanitizes work areas by performing light janitorial work which includes sweeping, mopping, dusting and cleaning of bathroom, cleaning of tables, toys, equipment, etc.
• Promotes everyday hygiene opportunities for children (tooth brushing, toileting, hand washing, etc.) each day by modeling.
• Administers personal care to children including diaper changing and toilet training.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and trainings.
• Assists with bus duties when needed.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, immediate supervisor/manager, customers, outside vendors/suppliers and Tribal community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position lifts 100 pounds with frequent lifting/carrying of 50 pounds. Physical factors include being able to constantly remain in stationary positions, being able to frequently lift and carry children 15 to 100 pounds, occasionally pushing and pulling of items heavy items such as strollers with children and dollies with large boxes containing various items, being able to position oneself to work with and interact with children at their level, being able to distinguish verbal and non-verbal communication, being able to distinguish, perceive, judge, and inspect, or observe details at close and far range, judge distance, detect what is occurring in immediate surroundings and being able to distinguish odors. Physical factors include occasional typing. Working conditions include constant noise from high traffic areas and active children and exposure to weather during outdoor activities. Working conditions include contact with the general public and as such could be exposed to infectious agents, etc. Working conditions include constant contact with children, infectious exposure from diapering, toileting or sick children and occasional exposure to needles/syringes, computer use, medical equipment for special needs and equipment, insecticides/pesticides from outdoor areas and chemicals used for general purpose cleaning. Must obtain an annual TB Test. Must be in good physical health as determined by physician.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. required.

Experience: Experience working with children and children with special needs preferred.

Certification/License: Must be able to obtain Child Development Association Certification (CDA) within two years of hire. Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within one year of hire. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain good moral standing. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests .

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge and understanding of the educational, social, nutrition, health, and overall basic needs of children 0-5 years old preferred. Knowledge of the Anishinabe Culture and language preferred. Must have excellent public relations/customer service skills and be able to exhibit friendly and positive attitude and establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, guests and volunteers. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers and the general public. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to work flexible schedule. Must have the ability to be flexible and adaptable in order to meet children’s needs on a daily basis. Must have strong interpersonal skills. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.