Early Head Start Instructional Assistant

Fowler Elementary District•Phoenix, AZ

18h

About The Position

The Early Head Start Instructional Assistant assists the teacher in implementing the educational program, philosophy and goals of the Early Head Start Program. He/she performs a variety of instructional and non-instructional tasks both in and out of the classroom to support infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start program. Some duties may include the playground setting where there may be exposure to dirt, dust, and extreme seasonal temperatures.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent is required – Range I
Associate Arts Degree – Range II
Infant Toddler Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA)
Must be 18 years of age (licensing requirement)
Food Handler’s Card
Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card
Valid Arizona Driver’s License
MMR and TB Vaccinations
CPR and First Aid Certificate
One (1) year experience working with children in an educational setting
Ability to use of office equipment including computers (Word, Excel) copiers, fax machines and other applicable office equipment
Knowledge of the English language including reading, writing and oral communication
Knowledge of arithmetic and basic mathematic procedures
Ability to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment
Ability to comprehend and perform functions from written and oral instructions
Ability to exhibit mature judgment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with staff, parents, children and others both in and out of the district
Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors
Must be able to reach, stoop, kneel, etc.
Ability to lift/carry up to 35 lbs
Must be an energetic, highly ethical and possess good emotional and physical health
Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Spanish including reading, writing and oral communication is preferred
Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards is desired

Responsibilities

Assume the leadership role in the Head Start Center as needed in the teacher’s absence
Assist the teacher in developing and implementing an appropriate academic and nonacademic Head Start program for infants and toddlers based on individual interests, needs, abilities, student achievement and group dynamics
Participate in daily team planning of instructional curriculum and activities to enhance the Early Head Start Program
Participate in team assessments of each child and assist in developing individual goals
Assist with teaching programs and activities to children in the Early Head Start program
Provide extra assistance to students with special needs; such as, those students with physical and mental limitations
Assist with monitoring and observing each student’s progress and record relevant data to aid in the writing/updating of individual goals
Assist the teacher in maintaining individual student records and keeping all necessary documentation and statistical data current
Assist with supervision and enforcement of rules and procedures for student discipline and classroom management
Assist the staff to continually maintain good student behavior and safety in the classroom, halls, cafeteria, gymnasium, playground and on field trips
Assist with the implementation of federal, state and local health and safely policies and procedures
Assist with the completion and maintenance of all documentation for compliance with federal, state, and local health and safety procedures, Head Start performance standards and licensing regulations
Provide assistance with inventory and the acquisition and preparation of materials and equipment needed for the daily operation of the Head Start Center
Assist the teacher in the maintenance and upkeep of equipment used in the Head Start Center
Assist the teacher in maintaining an attractive and clean Head Start Center
Perform clerical and clean-up duties as assigned
Assist with maintaining a positive environment that develops social, emotional and cognitive skills as well as promotes and supports cooperation and learning
Assist with communicating to parent’s program policies, changes and events
Attend parent meetings as directed
Assist the teacher in conducting home visits and Parent/Teacher conferences as needed
Participate in the training of parents/guardians, staff and volunteers as required
Participate and assist with outdoor activities
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials
Sanitize toys and play equipment
Assist with meal/snack service and clean-up throughout the day
Provide assistance with personal care needs of students
Assist with toileting and diapering when needed
Meet children at buses or transportation areas as directed
Walk children to buses or transportation areas as directed
Attend staff meetings as directed
Establish and maintain effective relationships with children, parents and staff members, etc.
Participate in district sponsored professional development workshops/inservices, attend on-going training classes as directed, and read professional publications for continued professional development
Maintain strict confidentiality and use appropriate discretion when working with all district personnel and student and family records and/or information
Support and follow the rules, regulations and policies set by the School Board, the Head Start Program and the District
Perform all other duties as assigned by the Governing School Board, the Head Start Director or his/her designee