Head Start Assistant Teacher

Head Start Assistant Teacher

Head Start Assistant Teacher hours range from 34 - 40 per week. $17.49-$20.62/hr. DOE. Friends of Children and Families is a non-profit organization serving Ada and Elmore Counties specializing in services to pre-school children and their families. As a mission-based organization our employees positively impact children and families in our community by empowering them through early childhood education and family engagement. Benefits provided include:

• Low cost medical and vision insurance
• Free dental, short term disability, employee assistant program, and life insurance
• Matching 4% for a 401K after one year of employment
• Paid sick, personal, and bereavement leave
• Generous paid time off
• As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, Friends of Children and Families is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) program.

Job Summary: Assists and teams with the Friends of Children and Families (FOCAF) Head Start Teacher in providing an environment and activities necessary to meet the objectives of Head Start Children's Services component; integrates Health, Nutrition, Transportation, Disabilities, and Family Service/Parent Involvement components, as they relate directly to children and families. Acts as bus monitor when assigned. Essential Functions include:

• Co-creates and works with teachers and co-workers in developing weekly learning activities and curriculum development.
• Works with the team in the organization, inventory, cleaning, and prepping of outside(playground) and inside classrooms and obtains needed supplies to support the curriculum.
• Creates a positive and safe environment for children by using positive communication and supervising, monitoring, and counting children at all times.
• Supports an environment with clear and consistent behavior expectations through the implementation of Positive Behavior Supports and Interventions.
• Integrates health and nutritional activities into the daily curriculum through consistent implementation of FOCAF Dental, FOCAF Health, FOCAF Bus Curriculum Second Step Early Learners, and Child Protection Unit.
• Knowledge and understanding of Head Start performance standards and child outcome requirements.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of Education policies and procedures, Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and implements these in program activities.
• Ready, willing, and able to step into a lead role when needed.
• Monitors the safety of children during bus routes and while loading/unloading of the bus, as well as, releasing children to authorized individuals, when assigned.
• Provides health and nutrition education activities for children, including classroom food experience, tooth brushing, and hand washing.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, trainings, and reviews audio-visual materials, and publications to remain up to date with policies and practices.
• Must be able to effectively respond, communicate with, and present information to co-workers, children, parents, and the general public.
• Keeps immediate supervisor, and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress.
• Maintains frequent contact with families including home visits and conferences to promote partnership, ongoing communication, and support the family as the child's first and most important teacher.
• Meets weekly (or more) with the teaching team to collaborate.
• Demonstrates commitment to professional development and continuous growth by actively seeking out and participating in training opportunities.
• Engages with supervisor and co-workers on constructive and timely feedback, accepting feedback as a growth opportunity, and is open to continuous improvement for oneself and the organization.

Qualifications include:

• At a minimum have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; OR Are enrolled in a program leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate degree; OR Are willing to enroll in a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program upon hire (to be completed within two years of the time of hire). Bilingual preferred. Former EHS or HS parent preferred. Complete and maintain certificates for Infant/Child CPR and First Aid. Must pass a Health Physical Screen and TB test; Must pass a criminal background check that meets required state, federal, and FOCAF Head Start standards. Must pass drug test and submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Must have a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance if there is a need to travel locally during the course of the job duties.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer