Early Head Start Assistant Teacher

SUMMARY

Assist the Teacher and cooperate in a supportive role carrying out developmentally appropriate activities. Promote the health, nutrition and education of the children and attend to their safety and welfare. Promote the Early Head Start program in a manner that reflects Early Head Start goals and expectations as defined in the Benodjenh Early Head Start plan.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Child Development Associate (CDA) required.
• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• Experience working with infants/children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must maintain professional confidentiality.
• Must be able to work cooperatively with supervisors and co-workers in a positive team approach.
• Must be enthusiastic, enjoy working with children and supportive of overall goals of Benodjenh Early Head Start program.
• To be in compliance with GTB reporting procedures, any Federal/State procedures as required and funding agency policies and procedures.
• Be in compliance with the Benodjenh Center Curriculum. Assist in developing culturally appropriate lesson plans based on the approved curriculum and Performance Standards.
• Become familiar with program goals, objectives and program plan.
• Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.
• Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.
• Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the Teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas to grow.
• Participate in case management with staff as appropriate.
• Work with and encourage parent and community volunteers.
• Integrate all Early Head Start components into classroom time.
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making with children.
• Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom.
• Work with special needs staff in the classroom to develop a collaborative approach that benefit all children in the classroom and meets the needs as specified on the IFSP.
• Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.
• Assist Teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including assessments, IFSP documentation, and screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.
• Attend meetings, training's, and appropriate professional development activities.
• Serve as primary care giver for four children in class and be responsible for all related documentation and paperwork.
• Occasionally substitute as a bus aide if needed.
• Occasionally substitute for the teacher in his/her absence.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Effective communication with Early Head Start family members, community members and children.
• Willingness to learn and utilize Anishinaabe language where appropriate.
• Multilingual English/Spanish language helpful.
• Must have good mathematical skills, commensurate with educational skills.
• Be able to read, understand, and prepare monthly status and annual budget reports, including tracking of all job-related expenditures.
• Possess the ability to work openly and cooperatively in a team approach.
• Excellent communication skills, especially good listening skills.
• Working knowledge of available community resources and Early Head Start components.
• Ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices for young children in classroom setting.
• Must be able to make frequent and/or significant decisions to assure the health and safety of children.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Child Development Associate (CDA) required. Educational course work in ECE typically achieved via progress towards an Associate Degree in ECE.
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required. Candidates hired with an Associate Degree must sign an agreement** that they will obtain a Bachelor Degree in ECE/CD within 2-4 years of being hired.

**requirements are based on the Head Start Reauthorization Act of 2007 and the Head Start

Program Performance Standards of 2016.

• Knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of infants and toddlers typically gained through a minimum of one-year of relevant experience.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work within child size furnishings and equipment on a daily basis.
• Regular kneeling, bending and sitting on floor.
• Frequent lifting of children.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to effectively handle stressful and compromising situations, while remaining focused and professional.
• Must be able to deal with difficult children without losing perspective.
• Must be able to work productively under strict time constraints with variable deadlines.
• Must be able to make quick, informed decisions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to work in an outdoor environment as required for child development in all seasons. Able to tolerate noise levels from children's activities.
COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Current and former Early Head Start and Head Start parents must receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.