Position Purpose To assist classroom staff and cooperate in a supportive role carrying out developmentally appropriate activities. To promote the health, nutrition and education of the children and to attend to their safety and welfare.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

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 to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas to grow. Utilize lesson plans at the direction of classroom staff, which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children. Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, three meals, and effective transitions between activities. Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom. . Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry. Assist with meal service as needed. Bus Monitor Monitor and manage behavior of children. Secure children in age/weight appropriate restraints. Communication with families, including mail, sign-off to authorized adults, cell phones etc. Assist in emergency evacuation. Misc. Attend meetings, training's, and appropriate professional development activities when required. Other duties as assigned. All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality. Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required GED/High School Diploma minimum with post high school educational coursework in Early Childhood Education/Development highly desirable. Demonstrated classroom ability, typically one year pre-school classroom experience or equivalent. Strong communications skills, especially good listening & writing skills. Knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of three and four year old children typically gained through a minimum of one year of relevant experience. Current enrollment in the Child Care Division-Central Background Registry. Physical/Mental Abilities and Processes Ability to visually assess children's health and behaviors and make frequent significant decisions to assure their health and safety Ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices for young children in a classroom, playground and bus settings. Frequent kneeling, bending at waist and neck, and sitting on floor also frequent getting up and down from seat to assist children on bus and in classroom. Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs.) in classroom setting and assisting children into seats on the bus and the ability to carry or drag a child in an emergency situation out of a bus to a safe area. Occasional climbing to enter and exit a bus and sitting throughout bus routes. Position Information Percentages of job responsibilities may vary depending upon site needs and locations. Substitutes will remain on sub lists for entire program year (Aug 1, thru July 31)