Instructional Assistant, Head Start

Primary Purpose:

To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.), Day Care Minimum Standards, and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services. To provide children with a learning environment and varied developmentally appropriate experiences which will help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development toward the overall goal of social competence.       

Qualifications:

             Education/Certification:

• High School diploma or GED required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) or willingness to obtain within one year required
• Current first aid/ CPR certification or willingness to obtain required

             Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Experience working with young children preferred
• Loving, nurturing disposition toward young children required
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
• Clear background history checks at the local, state, and federal levels required (Background checks are conducted by the ESC at no cost to the applicant.)
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and uphold the high standards of the Head Start quality of care according to the Head Start Performance Standards
• Moderate technology skills required
• Willing to uphold the Head Start Standards of Conduct required
• Must be service driven with the ability to assume personal responsibility and maintain a positive outlook
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work as a team player, enjoy a variety of activities, and possess organizational abilities

Working Conditions: 

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard classroom and nursery equipment such as toys, playgrounds, multiple-rider strollers, etc.; personal computer and printer
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Must be physically able to participate in moderate to high levels of physical activity, such as, but not limited to, standing for moderate to lengthy periods of time, frequent squatting and sitting on the floor, frequent walking, and overhead reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; frequent exposure to bodily fluids; tolerate occasional travel between work sites
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children
• Regular Attendance is an essential function 

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being.
2. Cooperates and assists teacher with schedules, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record-keeping.
3. Meets the standard set by the Appropriate Teaching Behaviors found in the Region 16 Head Start Policies and Procedures.
4. Adheres to the Head Start Standards of Conduct.
5. Plans and teaches at least one small group activity each day.
6. Completes documentation, records, and forms as required.
7. Models correct speech patterns, vocabulary, behavior, and skills for children.
8. Uses appropriate and positive methods of child guidance.
9. Extends learning to meet the individual needs of individual children.
10. Demonstrates respect and accepts differences for each child and their family.
11. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding children and their families.
12. Interacts with children during all indoor and outdoor activities.
13. Provides opportunities for each child to experience success and reinforces all efforts.
14. Eats one meal daily with children (sharing the same menu) and assists children with clean-up.
15. Supervises children at all times.
16. Attends parent meetings as required.
17. Provides emergency medical care for the children as needed.
18. Obtains and maintains first aid and CPR certifications.
19. Assists children, as needed, with diapering and toilet training using approved Head Start procedures.
20. Maintains daily, a safe playground environment for their classroom.
21. Makes home visits, with another staff member, as needed.
22. Assists Head Start families or refers them to social services personnel or agencies for services.
23. Monitors the approved persons to pick up children. 

Professional Responsibilities 

1. Cooperates with supervisor concerning working hours and center policies.
2. Cooperates with ESC staff concerning reports, policies, guidelines, etc. for Head Start.
3. Attends all required Head Start staff development and in-service meetings.
4. Completes appropriate Child Development Associate’s (CDA) credential within timeline designated by Head Start/Early Head Start CDA advisor; maintains current Child Development Associate’s (CDA) credential once obtained.
5. Obtains and maintains first aid/CPR certifications.
6. Supports program policies, accepting changes and new ideas.
7. Complies with ESC personnel policies regarding absences and tardiness.
8. Accepts responsibility for accurately completing and submitting all forms and reports by their due date.
9. Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services.
10. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
11. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
12. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
13. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
14. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
15. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
16. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
17. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
18. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.

Annual Number of Work Days: 190

Salary : $14 - $16