Instructional Assistant

SUMMARY: Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy, our tribal school, imparts a strong foundation of Wintun culture by weaving together modern education techniques with our cultural traditions in art, music and our Patwin language. Since its opening in 1998, the Academy has helped students develop confidence and integrity while respecting each other, the environment and the world around them. Guided by the Tribe's Strategic Plan for Education, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy is creating and maintaining a rigorous and unique academic program that instills a lifetime of success within today's world, while still upholding our Tribe's core human values. Under the supervision of the Director of Education, the Instructional Assistant is part of a team responsible for creating an environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth of the students in the class. The Instructional Assistant will help to develop and implement programming that addresses all areas of childhood education and will effectively engage the parents in the education of their children and encourage regular participation and carry-over of daily activities. The Instructional Assistant will create opportunities for the parent and/or family members to enrich their knowledge of child development and the role it plays in their community. The Instructional Assistant must work in cooperation with the teachers, site staff, director of education and all other personnel of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Knowledge of age-appropriate activities and child development philosophies and practices. Knowledge of Infant and Toddler curricula and best practices, including knowledge of Preschool Learning and Development Program Guidelines, Learning and Development Foundations, and Preschool Curriculum Framework. Provide children with a variety of experiences and opportunities that will allow them to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently. Ensure an environment that is clean and organized and is physically and emotionally safe. Maintain an open, friendly, calm, and cooperative relationship with each child, family, and school staff. Demonstrate a willingness to grow professionally; attend training opportunities and staff meetings as scheduled. Maintain a high level of professionalism, which includes confidentiality and respect of all families and children. In collaboration with Director of Education and Teaching Staff, the Instructional Assistant will provide developmentally appropriate activities that promote understanding of Native American traditions and develop cultural awareness. Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Education and Experience High School Diploma (required) Associates or Bachelor's Degree (preferred) 6 ECE Units or willingness to complete in first year (required) Experience (paid or volunteer) working with Kindergarten-6th grade students (preferred) Communication and Comprehension Skills Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and confidentiality pertaining to students, parents, staff, programs and Tribal matters by using excellent interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy, and an understanding of the organizational culture, climate, and/or politics. Must have excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing; ability to adjust communication to be effective with a variety of audiences. Ability to effect and maintain good working relationships with professionals and families. Ability to develop positive relationships with children. Ability to collaborate effectively with colleague and parents. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Mathematical Skills Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning Ability Ability to work under pressure, to pay attention to detail, to concentrate and to follow directions. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Computer Skills Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications with the ability to use email, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Advanced principles and procedures of record keeping and filing to include both hard and electronic copies. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Individuals must be able to successful pass the Tribal Gaming Agency (TGA) Background Check and possess a valid driver's license. Must have a valid and up-to-date Infant/Child First Aid CPR Certificate. Current TB test is required. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, occasionally stand or walk and talk and hear. The employee will sometimes be asked to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Additional Conditions of Employment Must be able to work with diverse population and with cultural sensitivity. Experience working with Native American children and adults or study or background in the philosophy regarding the education of Native American children and adults is desired. Experience in individualizing instruction and teaching to different learning styles, using differentiated and multi-modality instruction. Ability to assess and/or evaluate teaching methods, materials, schemes or work, and make changes as appropriate. Skilled at acknowledging student's individual needs and determining next course of action to obtain additional instructional resources to meet set requirements. Demonstrated experience supervising, motivating and managing children in a classroom and outdoor classroom setting. Must be willing to sign the Tribe's _Non-Disclosure, Non-Disparagement and Confidentiality Agreement_. Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $21.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the U.S.? Do you agree that a successful clearance of a federal level background check will be required for all positions within the Tribal Government? Do you have 6 ECE Units or are you willing to complete this in first year of employment? Education: High school or equivalent (Required) License/Certification: Driver's License (Required) Ability to Commute: Brooks, CA 95606 (Required) Work Location: In person