Head Start Assistant Teacher

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS

• Adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Acts as a role model within and outside the Agency.
• Provide friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations and to those we serve.
• With a respectful and positive attitude, work with low-income individuals and families with diverse backgrounds.
• Support, develop and maintain productive relationships required to carry out job activities.
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all records and interpersonal interactions.
• Serve as an advocate.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with community partners and co-workers.
• Participate in Agency-wide and program events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

• Must be 18 years of age with high school diploma or equivalency with the expectation to obtain a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) within 2 years of hire.
• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or AA in Early Childhood Education
• Interest and experience in working with young children
• Ability to exercise patience and understanding when working with children
• Meet minimum standards per Head Start Performance Standards and Minnesota Rule 3 Licensing
• Ability to follow instructions, good oral communication skills
• Meet physical abilities: must be able to lift 50 lbs; and daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs

Preferred

• General knowledge of the Head Start program
•    Demonstrated understanding of diverse backgrounds and cultures

REPORTING TO THIS POSITION ARE:

None 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Will act as Lead Teacher in absence of or in partnership with the Family Education Specialist
2. Work directly with children in context of the program plan and curriculum
   1. Engage children during mealtime
   2. Participate in play activities and bus riding experience
3. As member of center team, participate in center lesson planning, operations and evaluation 
4. Observe and record children’s behavior and development to make recommendations on meeting children’s individual needs.
5. Ensure safety of Head Start Children.  Report accidents, illnesses, or child abuse and neglect.
6. Assist with the preparation of indoor and outdoor space for planned activities including supplies and materials ensuring the maintenance of a safe and healthy environment.
   1. Inspect, clean and monitor indoor and outdoor space
   2. Monitor food safety
   3. Assist with fire and tornado drills
   4. Clean tables and sanitize toys
   5. Complete safety checks twice a year
   6. Assist with First Aid checks
7. Act as an advocate and community resource for Head Start families                                                                               
8. Welcome and support families in the participation of Head Start
9. Participate in all required training including First Aid and CPR, which are necessary for certification/licensure.
10. Keep immediate supervisor informed of all problems, unusual or extraordinary matters of significance coming to his/her attention, so that prompt corrective action can be taken as needed.
11. All other duties as assigned, including participation in Agency and program committees. 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS 

Physical demands:  The 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 with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; each with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment:  Work environment characteristics 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 with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate-to-high.