Early Head Start Teacher Assistant

Position Summary:

To assist the teacher 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.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Educational coursework in Early Childhood Education/Development typically achieved via progress towards an Associate Degree in ECE or CDA.

2. Family centered and relationship based philosophy.

3. Demonstrated classroom ability, typically 1 year, full-time pre-school classroom experience, or equivalent.

4. If driving for work related activities and or mileage reimbursement must have valid Alaska Driver's License and proof of auto insurance.

Preferred Requirements:

1. AA in Early Childhood or related field or CDA with Infant/Toddler focus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Excellent communications skills, especially good listening & writing skills.

2. Working knowledge of available community resources and Head Start program components.

3. Knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of three and four-year-old children typically gained through a minimum of one year of relevant experience.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

CHILD, FAMILY, AND PROVIDERS SERVICES

1. Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.

2. Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.

3. Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas to grow.

4. Participate in monthly staffing of children with all staff as appropriate.

5. Work with and encourage parent and community volunteers.

6. Integrate all Early Head Start components into classroom time.

7. Utilize lesson plans which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and self-help development of Early Head Start children.

8. Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.

9. Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making, ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.

10. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom.

11. Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.

12. Assist with meal service as needed while following CACFP guidelines.

13. Monitor and manage behavior of infants and toddlers.

14. Secure infants and toddlers in age/weight appropriate restraints.

15. Communication with families and building meaningful relationships.

16. Assist in emergency evacuation.

17. Assist Teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including: assessments, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.

18. Other duties as assigned including childcare and social events that may require evening attendance.

19. Advocate for successful child and family development experiences.

20. Communicate with children and family members with respect and honor.

21. Whenever possible, assist children and families.

22. Support child and family development goals.

PROGRAM DESIGN & MANAGEMENT

1. Practice family centered and relationship based philosophy.

2. Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.

3. Attend meetings, training's, and appropriate professional development activities.

4. Participate during program self-assessment and evaluation processes.

5. Participate during Thrivalaska community assessment activities.

6. Support, implement and participate in program goal setting process to include strategic planning.

BUDGET & FISCAL

1. Continually seek out and process in-kind opportunities to include services and supplies.

2. Follow procurement and accounting procedures.

3. Actively seek out ways to reduce program cost whenever possible.

4. Report all suspected fraud activities.

SUPERVISION & Training

1. Participate in developing and accomplishing staff development goals.

2. Meet and actively pursue the minimum yearly training required for your position.

3. Support program Director in attainment of program goals and mission.

4. Attend NIA AEYC yearly conference, when possible share knowledge through hosting a workshop.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

1. Actively seek out partnerships with community members and agencies to enhance program services and resources.

2. Enthusiastically promote Thrivalaska programs.

PROGRAM GOVERNANCE

1. Support and provide assistance for the work of the Board of Directors, Policy Council, and advisory groups.

2. Follow the chain of communication.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY & WORK HABITS

1. Support the mission and goals of Thrivalaska “Helping Children Thrive.”

2. Promote teamwork concept in relationship and strength-based organization.

3. Promote a positive work environment.

4. Project professionalism in conducting activities.

5. Provides outstanding customer care to staff and community partners in a positive professional manner.

6. Flexible, adaptable, and able to adjust to a variety of change and situations.

7. Follows all guidelines and procedures on confidentiality.

8. Has knowledge and training in developmentally appropriate practice, quality childcare and adult education.

9. Exhibits qualities of a lifelong learner by attending conferences, trainings and reading current literature in early childhood education and adult training.

10. Observes good housekeeping and safety practices, maintains cleanliness and orderliness.

11. Can be relied on regarding task completion and follow up.

12. Uses logical and sound judgment, applies common sense.

13. Makes timely decisions and maintains composure under trying circumstances.

14. Enhances job growth through continuing education, (24 hours annually) as required or necessary.

15. Promotes quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed.

16. Is punctual and reliable.

WORK LOCATION

1. 1949 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Thrivalaska is a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free workplace.

2. Some exposure to communicable diseases.

3. Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.

4. Must be available for variety of evenings, weekend meetings, and social events.

5. Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required as associated with attendance at conferences, meetings, trainings or providing training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (examples)

1. Review and sign the Thrivalaska Physical Job Description upon hire and annually.

EQUIPMENT USED

1. Computer and laptop

2. Computer tablet

3. Copy machine

4. Calculator

5. Telephone

6. Fax machine

7. Power point

8. Credit card machine

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.35 - $23.70 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $24