Teacher's Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.GENERAL SUMMARY

This position is responsible for collaborating with the classroom's Lead Teacher and with the Education Coordinator and other Head Start staff members in providing and maintaining supervision, guidance, care, and role modeling to enrolled children and their families.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Work as a team member to create and maintain a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment.
• Assist Lead Teacher and staff in implementation of classroom plan and programs.
• Review daily plans and clarify roles and expectations with teachers and staff.
• In cooperation with the classroom teacher and staff, establish a daily routine, which includes room and materials preparation, review of plans, positive interactions with children, and coordination of communication with other staff.
• Provide assistance for specialized services to eligible children with special needs.
• Interact with the children to support their individualized learning, emotional and development needs.
• Maintain communication between school and families.
• Assist in keeping the classroom area clean and sanitized.
• Assist Lead Teacher with required home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Maintain accurate records for program documentation, e.g., attendance, meal counts, volunteer hours, classroom observation notes.
• Maintain confidentiality in all record keeping and reporting.
• Model and assist children in health and safety routines, (teeth brushing, hand washing, fire/earthquake drill practices).
• Practice positive behavior management techniques
• Work in a friendly and respectful manner with all staff and families to build and support a confident team environment.
• Attend and actively participate in a variety of meetings, trainings, and workshops to ensure knowledge of early childhood development and program standards.
• Participate in all mealtime activities and model family style dining for children.
• Attend all monthly staff meetings and monthly teaching staff meetings.
• Responsible for keeping current on all Head Start Performance Standards. Head Start Policies & Procedures and Tribal Personnel Policies.
• Assist in recruiting classroom/program volunteers to support meeting program monthly goals for non-federal in-kind, as well as training and supervising classroom volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Current Child Development Associates' (CDA); or an equivalent early childhood certificate.
• Must possess a CDA, or equivalent (12 stackable units), or work towards and obtain a CDA or equivalent within 12 months after hire.
• Two years' experience working with children in an early childhood education setting.
• Must provide an initial medical physical exam, and PPD test (TB test) prior to employment, and provide PPD test results annually thereafter.
• Must obtain/maintain a Food Handler's permit within 30 days of employment.
• Must obtain/maintain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of employment.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION This position does not supervise.COMPETENCIES Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position. · Knowledge of infant to age 5 child growth development and principles and practices. · Knowledge of and ability to provide effective child guidance practices and principles. · Knowledge of and ability to comply with federal mandated training requirements. · Knowledge of effective and appropriate care giving, and practices utilized in infant to 5 years of age care. · Knowledge of community resources. · Knowledge of Early Head Start philosophy and performance standards. · Ability to effectively interact and communicate with EHS children, and their families and other tribal staff/community members in a respectful, responsive, positive, and sensitive manner. · Ability to effectively understand and follow written and oral instructions/directives. · Ability to maintain positive effectiveness in a stressful situation. · Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assignment duties safely, and effectively. · Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, mutually supportive, and effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties. · Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. · Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse community.· Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

• Background Check :
  I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

• Drug Screening :
  I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.

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