Preschool Assistant Teacher

Description Job Title Preschool Assistant Teacher Location Nenana, AK, US Organization Name Head Start Job Summary Job Summary:

Job incumbent provides support and assistance through family centered services, in a developmentally appropriate way, to families with children between the ages of three and five, dependent upon the local program option (Center Base, Combination Base, or Home Base). This position supports family and child wellness through assisting with family goals and promoting health and nutrition activities and experiences. Incumbent also provides programming in a professional manner in accordance with the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the Federal Head Start Performance Standards and Regulations. Adhere to the TCC Ch'eghwtsen' model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.

Essential Functions Essential Functions:

This list is

ILLUSTRATIVE

ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Representative Duties:

Under the direct supervision of the Preschool Lead Teacher, job incumbent: Works with the family as follows: 1. Prepares and provides snacks that meet the minimum daily requirements according to the

USDA/CACFP

requirements, dependent on program option. Snacks are served family style, encouraging social interactions, learning self-help skills and good nutritional habits. 2. Develops and nurtures relationships with families. Supports families and assists them in meeting their goals through coordination of available resources. 3. Maintains respectful, professional relationships with parents at all times and encourages parent involvement in the classroom, home visits, group socials, activities, parent committee meetings and policy council meetings. 4. Helps with recruitment and enrollment of all eligible children and families in the community. 5. Encourages attendance and participation in all Head Start class sessions, home visits and group socializations and parent activities. 6. If center-based option, position assists Preschool Lead Teacher with at least two home visits annually for each child enrolled in a center-based program, lasting for a minimum of one and a half hours. 7. If combination-based option, positions assists the Preschool Lead Teacher with at least eight to twenty-four home visits per year, depending on number of classes per week, lasting for a minimum of one and a half hours. 8. If home-based option, position provides one home visit per week per family assigned (a minimum of 32 home visits per year) lasting for a minimum of one and half hours each. 9. Includes parents in the planning of daily activities and special occasions. 10. In conjunction with Preschool Lead Teacher, shares information with parents about the child's success and progress, special program activities, travel schedule for itinerant providers and related information. 11. Provides support and information to families in the area of health and nutrition. 12. Shows respect for the parents by listening and learning from what they have to teach. 13. Keeps all information confidential. Works with the Child as follows: 1. Provides a safe, healthy learning environment for children that promote developmentally appropriate social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth and development. 2. Ensures a learning environment where the child feels safe, has a sense of belonging and trust, as well as challenged, successful and self-confident. 3. Assists Preschool Lead Teacher in completing observations and screenings to identify each child's strengths and interests within the first 45 days of enrollment. Continues this process by following the child's development and growth throughout the year and using this information to develop materials and activities for the child. 4. Provides health and hygiene activities and experiences, such as hand washing and brushing teeth, also organizing dental screenings for children to support wellness. 5. Practices approved methods for child guidance and discipline. 6. Respects the child by observing, listening and learning for what the child has to teach. Advocates for the program as follows: 1. Acts as a role model for parents, staff and volunteers. 2. Supports a strong team to implement a quality program 3. Works closely with the Head Start Assistant Manager, Education Coordinator, Preschool Lead Teacher and Parent Committee in working towards a high quality program. 4. Advocates for Head Start program and collaborates with other local and regional child/family resource providers. 5. Assists in maintaining organized, accurate and up to date child file information and documentation. 6. Ensures that health information and documentation, specifically, is up to date and submitted monthly. 7. Plans menus, purchases food supplies (within budgeted amounts) and requests donations of nutritional food. Snacks are served according to the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements. Menus and food receipts are submitted weekly. Maintains accurate documentation of nutrition program. 8. Attends scheduled parent meetings and reports on Head Start activities, provides parent educational opportunities and related matters. 9. Is involved in a program development plan to improve skills and knowledge.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED. 2. Must be nineteen years of age, or older. 3. Current Preschool Child Development Associate Credential. A.A.S or B.A. in Early Childhood Education preferred. If minimum requirements aren't met, upon hire will be enrolled in A.A. or B.A. program. 4. At least 6 months experience working with children between the ages of three and five. 5. Demonstrates ability to establish a developmentally appropriate program for multi-cultural groups of young children in a rural community. 6. Physical exam and negative TB clearance upon hire and every three years thereafter. 7. Willingness to travel outside of the communities to attend training and conferences. 8. Adult, Child and Infant CPR and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire and bi-annually thereafter. 9. Must obtain a Food Worker's card within 30 days of hire and bi-annually thereafter. 10. Must pass background check pursuant to Alaska DHSS and federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Strong interpersonal skills. 2. Demonstrated respect for the family as the child's first teacher and demonstrated ability to represent Head Start well in the community. 3. Must be dependable, responsible, self-motivated and independent. 4. Demonstrated respect, sensitivity, empathy, trustworthiness and the ability to be non-judgmental. 5. Must maintain strict confidentiality.

Supervision:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Supervision Physical Demands:

Some travel. Lifting up to 25 pounds, in support of supplies. Periodically lifts and carry children, when necessary. Some periods of standing for long periods of time. Walking when bringing children on walks outside of building.

Summation Summation:

Job incumbent will benefit from time management skills, good organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple demands and juggle complex tasks.