TEACHER ASISSTANT I - Spokane

Spokane Tribe•Spokane, WA

6d•$18 - $21

About The Position

The Spokane Tribe of Indians Tribal 477/TANF Program promotes and supports Tribal children and their families reaching their full potential of becoming healthy, productive, and self-sufficient. This is done in a way that protects and benefits the Tribal children, respects, and preserves their culture, values traditions, gives families access as well as input into the full range of programs and services to promote their self-esteem, independence, self-sufficiency, and their educational experiences. The TANF Children’s Center provides a safe and developmentally appropriate environment that is culturally relevant to children and families which reside, work, or attend school on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The primary emphasis of the program is to provide Early Childhood learning in an educational setting. The Early Learning Center promotes competence in our children, parent alliances, community collaboration and proficiency in our staff. All active investigations resulting in removal of any minor child under custody/guardianship of an employee will result in immediate suspension. Following completion of active investigation, any findings of child abuse or neglect will result in immediate termination of employment. Employees are required to disclose any active investigations of crimes listed on the Secretary’s List of Crimes and Negative Actions (WAC 110-06-0120) during the interview/hiring process and throughout term of employment.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma or GED.
Previous experience working with Native American clientele and understanding of their cultural needs.
Successful clearance of Criminal History and Background inquiry—Tribal, State and Federal.
Successful clearance of National Child Abuse Registry and Neglect Data System.
Successful clearance of National and State Sex Offender Registry; AND maintain clearance at all times.
Successful clearance of National Child Abuse Registry and Neglect Data System. Additional checks will be utilized to determine retention.
Current and up-to-date immunizations including a current negative TB skin test, annual influenza vaccine, TDap in lieu of Tetanus vaccine, Hepatitis B Vaccination—preferred and required within one month of hire date.
Ability to lift and maneuver small children on an ongoing basis and the necessary physical dexterity to work with small children 30-50 lbs. on average (bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, lifting, etc.).
Ability to pass a bi-annual health examination to ensure the ability to safely perform job duties
Washington State Food Handlers Certification required prior to start date.
Washington State Short State ECED Certificate of Specialization or equivalent OR willingness to obtain within two years of hire date is required. A signed educational agreement will be required.
Initial Basic STARS 30-Hour Training preferred OR ability to complete within six months of hire date and ability to complete 10 hours as required on an annual basis.
Ability to obtain the following certificates and licenses within the specified time frame: Blood Borne Pathogens (1 Month) First Aid and CPR Certification Infant and Child (2 months)
Employee will be required to maintain all certifications and keep them current.

Nice To Haves

Two years (2) experience working with children 6 weeks – 6 years in a group setting (or a combination of work and education pertaining to Early Childhood Education).

Responsibilities

Assist classroom staff in planning, prepping, and implementing activities in accordance with developmentally appropriate practice and program philosophy.
Work with classroom staff to ensure a variety of materials, resources, and activities for children to explore, manipulate and use; both in learning activities and imaginative play which develop questioning, probing, and problem solving appropriate to developmental levels and learning styles of the children are utilized.
Assist in language development by communicating thoughtfully throughout the day and in a variety of activities with children.
Assist classroom staff in meeting the unique individualized needs of each child.
Assist in all classrooms, including infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age.
Assist in maintaining all learning space to ensure it is an enjoyable environment that encourages exploration and learning.
Assist in providing a safe environment to prevent and reduce injuries of the children; observe and monitor children’s play activities.
Promote an environment that contributes to good health and prevention of illness; instruct children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.
Attend to children’s basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
Support children’s emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
Support lead staff in utilizing positive discipline tactics with all children and recommend or initiate other measures to control behavior in accordance with program policy and individualized care plans as determined by classroom teaching teams.
Actively participate in ALL quality improvement endeavors, including but not limited to meeting Washington State Early Achievers Minimum Operating Guidelines.
Observe and monitor children’s play activities.
Read to children and teach them simple painting, drawing, handicrafts, and songs.
Provide the children with opportunities to understand and acquire communication skills through their thoughts and feelings.
Positively interact with the children assisting them in selecting or participating in developmentally appropriate activities.
Maintain an open, friendly, and informative relationship with children and families; and encourage their participation in the program.
Engage the children in appropriate language development through conversation and vocalization.
Assist in supporting the children’s positive self-image through appropriate conversations and positive guidance techniques including negotiating skills; utilizing positive guidance techniques and recommending or initiating other measures to control behavior in accordance with program policies.
Optimize all children’s learning opportunities through play.
Perform as a team member to ensure that productivity outcome measures are achieved.
Maintain a friendly and constructive atmosphere regarding relationships with all co-workers and clientele.
Attend monthly staff meetings and designated training programs.
Assist in preparing food for children and serving meals and refreshments to children as required by the Minimum Licensing Requirements and/or the Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.
Assist in organizing, cleaning, and storing toys and materials to ensure order in activity areas.
Assist in maintaining classroom upkeep and sanitization on a regular basis.
Collaborate with lead staff members in providing education to the children including working with parents.
Support children’s learning by assisting lead teachers in planning and implementing learning opportunities based on child interest.
Assist in meeting all Federal, State, and Tribal regulations and policies with regards to the TANF and Childcare Programs.