Head Start Teacher Aide

Summary:
Job Description The Head Start Teacher Aide (TA) is a program-specific position. This is a full-time direct service position within the Chugachmiut Division of Administration. Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor/Center Supervisor, the Teacher Aide assists the Teacher in providing quality education in the classroom following Chugachmiut Birth to Five Head Start Program guidelines and other applicable federal and state regulations.


Major Responsibilities:
Job Description

1. Assists the classroom teacher in planning, developing, and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans/activities based on Head Start curricula that promote school readiness and respect the needs of individual children. The materials will:

• Consider the children's interests, disabilities, special talents, and individual style of learning.
• Consider the individual in relation to their cultural and socioeconomic background.
• Help children to become aware of their roles as integral members of the group.
• Assure children are treated with dignity and respect.

1. Prepares classroom and materials as requested/directed by the teacher to be used in daily/weekly schedules, assisting to maintain a clean and safe classroom environment.
2. Supports a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for children, including using the principles of Active Supervision at all times.
3. Promotes learning by modeling and demonstrating appropriate behaviors including but not limited to: social interaction, table manners, classroom conduct, etc.
4. Assists children with personal needs, including, but not limited to: assistance in eating, using the restroom, personal hygiene, instructional support, and first aid.
5. Assist the teacher in completing center-based home visits and Parent-Teacher Conferences.
6. Assist in conducting screenings, ongoing assessment and evaluation for each child
7. Assist the lead teacher in promoting and encouraging parental involvement in children's development
8. Completes daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of the children
9. Supports partnerships with parents that are respectful, culturally sensitive, and non-judgmental.
10. Assists with ensuring appropriate documentation of program operations for class assigned including conducting and entering ongoing observations of children, assessing children's developmental levels, and utilizing the results in the planning process through the designated assessment system.
11. Participates in weekly staff meetings, regular supervisory meetings and all required training.
12. Maintain confidentiality of all information and records for children and families enrolled in the Head Start Program.
13. Follows all Chugachmiut Policies and Procedures.

• Eighteen years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• As prescribed in section 648A(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act, a program must ensure Head Start Preschool assistant teachers, at a minimum, have a CDA credential or a State-awarded certificate (Alaska SEED Level 6) that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program or progressing towards obtaining a SEED Level 6, to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
• Previous experience working with preschool children is preferred.
• Must obtain State of Alaska Food Safety Card before serving meals, and update as required.