Early Childhood Education Teacher Aide

Teacher Aide

IF YOU PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THIS POSITION, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Under general supervision from the ECE Leader and/or Assistant Program Manager, the Teacher Aide works as a team player in facilitating the learning process and supervision of children (two weeks – 5 years old) in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Early Childhood Program. Jointly supervises and participates in the training of children, parents, staff, and volunteers, as needed. Primary Job Functions: Primary functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities among other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Coordinates with the Teacher/Assistant Teacher in all phases of the ECE Center classrooms to ensure a well-managed purposeful program responsive to all participants' needs. Maintains scheduled center activities, follows lesson plans and documents accordingly. Completes and maintains all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with national Head Start performance standards.

Implements federal, state and local health and safety policies and procedures. Follows guidelines set in the SRPMIC and ECE Policies and Procedures Manual. Implements the performance standards as reflected in the ECE Plan.

Assumes the Assistant Teacher's responsibilities in his/her absence.

Supervises children along with the Teacher/Assistant Teacher. Attends parent meetings as needed or required. Observes strict confidentiality guidelines regarding children and families. Assists in educating parents and volunteers about the ECE Confidentiality Policy.

Maintains the cleanliness of the classroom by following the ECE Policy for Classrooms, which includes, but is not limited to, putting materials away each day and cleaning tables before and after meals and activities. Assists the Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher in making the center safe, healthy, interesting and developmentally appropriate; in maintenance and upkeep of classroom supplies and materials for the classroom.

Pursues basic Pima or Maricopa language skills diligently and continues to expand from words and numbers to practical phrases. Promotes cultural awareness through the Pima/Maricopa languages, songs and dances. Assists in providing culturally diverse activities for the children, such as, but not limited to, dancing, singing, rhythmic music and story-time.

Eats meals/snacks with the children in order to model proper manners and nutritional practices.

Assists in the tooth brushing or mouth care activities with children on a daily basis. Disinfects toothbrushes daily and replaces mangled toothbrushes as needed. Cleans/disinfects surfaces, toys and materials according to the required schedule.

Reports suspected abuse/neglect/maltreatment and other social service related incidents to the appropriate ECE staff. Reports any repairs and maintenance needs concerning the center or classroom facility and playground to the ECE Program Manager.

Attends and participates in all scheduled staff meetings and ongoing training designed for ECE Teaching Staff as well as supplemental education training. Serves on at least three (2) job related committees annually.

Works cooperatively with identified disabilities services staff in the development of goals for pre-school children with disabilities, the provision of direct services and any required documentation.

Implements in accordance with the Teacher/Assistant Teacher a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children based on the individual interests, needs and abilities of the children in the classroom and the group as a whole. Sets up the pre-school classroom for daily activities and teaches lessons and leads activities assigned. Assists in creating an environment and daily curriculum, which reflects a developmentally appropriate anti-bias, multicultural approach.

Supervises and participates in developmentally appropriate outdoor play activities daily.

Cares for pre-children and helps them with dressing and bathroom needs.

Follows the health check policy to exclude sick children from the SRPMIC Early Childhood Education Center. Administers first aid to the children, if necessary.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Other Characteristics A willingness to learn and understand: The History, culture, traditions, and customs of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Knowledge of: Child growth and development as well as positive discipline techniques Principles and practices of employee supervision, including training, counseling, and performance evaluations Skilled in: Interacting with small children in learning and play situations Understanding and interpreting the problems of small children Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with community agencies and departments, vendors, parents, volunteers, SRPMIC staff, and the general public in working effectively on a team Using a computer and MS Office Suite application software Ability to: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Follow oral and written instructions, policies and procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines Lift up to fifty (50) pounds such as, but not limited to: a child, materials and equipment, from one location to another Operate a variety of standard office equipment, including but not limited to: a photocopier, fax machine, calculator, and personal computer to fulfill job requirements Handle classroom materials, including but not limited to: paint, scissors and glue

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education: GED, HS Diploma (or higher). Certification: A Child Development Associate (CDA) certification in Infant-Toddler or Preschool is required within 24 months of date of hire and this credential is required to be maintained. Preference: Preference will be given for applicants with a CDA and/or experience working with children (two weeks to five years old) either as a volunteer or an employee.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements

Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of this position, successful completion of an extensive background investigation is required. Incumbent is required to pass a basic physical examination and provide proof of immunizations at time of hire. Follow-up physical examinations and current immunizations are required and must be completed to maintain good employment status. Maintaining booster shots on immunizations and taking a TB skin test or x-ray annually is also required. Documentation of the above medical actions is absolutely essential for the file and for the health of the children in the Early Childhood Education Program. Incumbent must also obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first three (3) months of employment from the date of hire and maintain certification subsequently.

• At the time of hire, the incumbent must pass a basic physical examination and produce proof of a negative TB clearance and current immunizations, as well as fingerprint clearance.

Driving Requirement: This job description does not require the incumbent to drive; however, any employee who chooses or is asked to drive an SRPMIC vehicle for work related community business must receive authorization to do so. For clarification, work related community business includes driving to and from SRPMIC government sites and buildings.

Terms of Employment: This position is treated as a full-time non-exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week.

Must be able to pass a Pre-Employment Drug Test and extensive Fingerprint and Background Check. Employee is Subject to Random Drug Testing and completion of a Background Check every five (5) years.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

To apply for a position at Salt River Schools, applicants must submit the Immunization Addendum, Criminal Report and Legal Information addendum, Teaching/Administration Information addendum, and proof of Arizona teaching certification with your online application. Forms can be found at "SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate. In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods: 1) attach to application