Teacher Assistant

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa•Cloquet, MN

13d•$19 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant implements a child development program for children and supports families and program objectives in an Early Head Start setting. Early Head Start serves children from birth to age three and operates year-round. The position works with the Program Manager and support staff, follows Head Start Performance Standards and Fond du Lac Reservation policies, and promotes a cooperative, high-quality early childhood philosophy among staff, families, partners, and the community. The role includes observing and assessing children's progress and needs; adapting classroom environments and curriculum to support children with varied needs and backgrounds; maintaining health, nutrition, and safety practices; and using positive behavior management. The Teacher Assistant shares child development information with families, engages families in program activities, supports classroom volunteers, attends trainings and staff meetings, and maintains professional and confidential relationships. The position is onsite at Head Start. Some travel and occasional evening work for trainings, family nights, home visits, conferences, and child care duties are required. Physical activities may include lifting, carrying, or restraining a child; walking, standing, bending, stooping, and sitting on the floor with children. The role requires appropriate work attire, reliable attendance, a clean and organized work area, current vaccinations, and the ability to pass an annual physical examination. Employees may be assigned other responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

Meet the needs of children who are at risk, have special needs, are gifted, or are culturally diverse.
Knowledge of computer applications including word processing, databases and/or data entry, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Outlook.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and establish priorities.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to establish professional and harmonious working relationships with all parties involved.
Subject to drug and alcohol testing under Fond du Lac Reservation personnel policies.
Subject to pre-employment and annual background checks.
Subject to immunization review and submission of proof of required vaccinations; vaccinations must remain current.
Ability to lift, carry, or restrain a child and perform walking, standing, bending, stooping, and floor-sitting activities with children.
Ability to pass an annual physical examination.
No driver's license is required for the Early Head Start role.
Eligibility is determined by the Fond du Lac insurance company.
Required credentials are the same as those for Early Head Start Teachers; the specific credentials are not stated in the posting.

Responsibilities

Implement a child development program and demonstrate appropriate adult-child interactions.
Assess children's progress and needs through classroom and home-visit observations.
Adapt the environment and curriculum using developmentally appropriate practices and culturally responsive caregiving.
Follow health, nutrition, and safety guidelines, including carrying out toileting, diapering, classroom safety, dental hygiene, and nutrition activities.
Use positive behavior management techniques.
Maintain confidential and professional relationships with program participants and staff.
Share information with families through home visits, parent-teacher conferences, parent committee meetings, and other communication as needed.
Welcome families and explain how they can volunteer effectively in the program.
Support families by sharing information about child development.
Follow the Program Manager's program plan and support staff.
Implement activities specified in Head Start Performance Standards.
Participate in classroom observations and receive feedback on classroom improvement from the Program Manager.
Participate in staff meetings and required trainings and education opportunities.
Engage Foster Grandparents and volunteers in the classroom.
Promote a cooperative, high-quality early childhood philosophy among staff, families, collaborative partners, and the community.
Maintain confidentiality of financial records and employee and client records.
Respond promptly and professionally to requests, complaints, and problems; represent the Fond du Lac Band and department positively in the community.
Maintain proper attendance, report to work on time, and keep the work area clean and organized.
Work occasional evenings for trainings, family nights, home visits, conferences, and child care duties.
Travel as required and assume other responsibilities assigned by management as needed.