EC Classroom Assistant OC

Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe•Kingston, WA

7d•$18 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The on call infant/toddler teacher assistant provides educational and social opportunities for children ages 6 weeks through three years old in a loving and nurturing environment under the guidance of the EC Infant/Toddler Teacher and Education Support Specialist and in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards. Promotes active family and community partnering; in the early childhood program. Work Habits and Practices Report to work on a regular basis, as scheduled. Must be willing to work flexible hours and days, including evenings and weekends. To act as a team member with all center staff and management staff to meet the educational and developmental needs of enrolled children. Consults with appropriate staff regarding childrens special needs (dietary, equipment, etc). Demonstrate commitment to the PGST ECE mission, values, and policies in performance of daily duties. Continue to increase professional knowledge, skills, and competencies in job related areas; incorporate and demonstrate new knowledge and skills on the job. Mains strict confidentiality of program staff and family/child information. Accept responsibility for seeking assistance and guidance when needed; integrate constructive direction from supervisor to improve job performance. Accept responsibility for quality of job performance and make changes as needed. To participate in relevant training and on-going career development goals and opportunities. Teacher Services Participate in providing a curriculum and classroom environment that builds and strengthens the security, trust, positive self-concepts, and individual strengths of each child. Provide warm, caring, nurturing, positive, supportive responses to all children. Assist in providing developmentally appropriate best practices, principles, and performance standards in a comprehensive early head start classroom environment. Integrate SKlallam cultural practices in all areas of the environment. Participate in the identification and referral process of special needs children. Establish and maintain a safe and healthy infant/toddler classroom; practice established health and safety procedures daily. Assist in the development and implementation of routines and curriculum that promote good health habits and integrate the health and nutrition components in the classroom. To maintain safe, sanitary and clean classroom areas this includes indoor and outdoor environments and equipment. To perform at a minimum two home visits and two parent conferences per program year with enrolled families. To assist the bus driver as a bus monitor in transporting children To coordinate family /community activities and educational activities. Communications Conduct all communication with staff, supervisor, program participants, and community in an effective, respectful, timely, and supportive manner. Assist in preparing accurate written reports as required. Mains strict confidentiality of program staff and family/child information. To attend relevant staff meetings. Contributes to program effectiveness and positive relations by working well with tribal/outside family resources, other Tribal staff and the community

Requirements

High School diploma or Graduate Equivalency Degree (G. E. D.)
Current Food Handlers Permit (within two weeks of hire date)
CPR/First Aid Training
Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) Infant/Toddler Endorsement (or enrolled in the course within the first year of hire)
Valid Washington State Driver's License
Defensive Driving Certificate (when it is offered by the Tribe)
Willing to attend program-specific workshops and trainings
Basic clerical skills, strong record keeping and filing
Basic personal computer skills are required, as well as the ability to learn word processing, spread sheet and other software programs
Must pass a criminal background check
Regularly required to finger, handle, reach with hands and arms
Frequently required to walk, sit, stand
Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Normal audio and visual acuity

Nice To Haves

CDA Infant/Toddler Endorsement
With an Associated degree, one year consistent paid experience with groups of children 0-36 months in a childcare setting.
With CDA for Infant/Toddler Credential, two additional years of consistent paid experience with groups of children 0-36 months in a child care setting.
With a high school diploma, one year consistent paid experience working with groups of children 0-36 months in a child care center AND/OR experience working with children 0 -36 months in the local community.

Responsibilities

Provide educational and social opportunities for children ages 6 weeks through three years old
Promote active family and community partnering in the early childhood program
Act as a team member with all center staff and management staff to meet the educational and developmental needs of enrolled children
Consult with appropriate staff regarding children’s special needs (dietary, equipment, etc)
Demonstrate commitment to the PGST ECE mission, values, and policies in performance of daily duties
Increase professional knowledge, skills, and competencies in job related areas
Maintain strict confidentiality of program staff and family/child information
Participate in providing a curriculum and classroom environment that builds and strengthens the security, trust, positive self-concepts, and individual strengths of each child
Provide warm, caring, nurturing, positive, supportive responses to all children
Assist in providing developmentally appropriate best practices, principles, and performance standards in a comprehensive early head start classroom environment
Integrate SKlallam cultural practices in all areas of the environment
Participate in the identification and referral process of special needs children
Establish and maintain a safe and healthy infant/toddler classroom
Assist in the development and implementation of routines and curriculum that promote good health habits and integrate the health and nutrition components in the classroom
Maintain safe, sanitary and clean classroom areas this includes indoor and outdoor environments and equipment
Perform at a minimum two home visits and two parent conferences per program year with enrolled families
Assist the bus driver as a bus monitor in transporting children
Coordinate family /community activities and educational activities
Conduct all communication with staff, supervisor, program participants, and community in an effective, respectful, timely, and supportive manner
Assist in preparing accurate written reports as required
Attend relevant staff meetings
Contribute to program effectiveness and positive relations by working well with tribal/outside family resources, other Tribal staff and the community