Govt. Education - Assistant Teacher (Year-Round STECP)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting the Teacher with operating and maintaining a quality early childhood classroom that will provide children developmentally appropriate experiences in preparation for school readiness and future success. This will be done in accordance with Federal, State, and Tribal regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following):

• Supervise and monitor children for safety at all times
• Assist and participate in duties as it relates to daily care of children, classroom management, and sanitation of the classroom
• Prepare classroom activities for children.
• Assist in the implementation of quality early childhood education experiences; following written lesson plans that incorporate reading, writing, math, science, language, culture, computers (when available), and other curriculum related areas.
• Instruct and assists children either individually or in small or large groups to help them master skills and reinforce learning concepts.
• Conduct and record daily ongoing observations and anecdotal notes used in the development of individualized teaching activities and maintaining Individual Child Portfolios.
• Assist Teacher with completing all program requirements in an accurate manner and time frame as established by the program.
• Monitor and carry out behavior plans, and interventions as determined by classroom staff, on-site consultants, and child's parents.
• Assume responsibility of the classroom operations in the absence of the Teacher.
• Work with special needs children to ensure that IEP/IFSP needs are being met.
• Perform record keeping functions such as daily signing in and out of children and meal attendance.
• Communicates daily with families in a positive manner through notes, telephone, and personal contact about their child's daily activities, social emotional well-being, and health needs to foster a positive home/school connection.
• Supervise all meals, ensuring that children are developing good nutritional habits; Mode appropriate table manners, consume the same foods, and hold conversations with the children.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Evacuate children in emergency or monthly drills.
• Maintain and sanitize work areas by performing light janitorial work which includes sweeping, mopping, dusting and cleaning of bathroom, cleaning of tables, toys, equipment, etc.
• Promote hygiene opportunities for children (tooth brushing, toileting, hand washing, etc.) each day by modeling.
• Administer personal care to children including diaper changing and toilet training.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Monitor children on the bus while on field trips or during emergency evacuations.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, immediate supervisor/manager, customers, outside vendors/suppliers and Tribal community .

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position heavy with lifting of 100 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Physical factors include constant walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, use of hearing, smell, near/mid/far vision, depth perceptions, color and field of vision and bending; frequent carrying/lifting and handling; and occasional sitting, pushing/ pulling, climbing, reaching, travel and typing. Working conditions include constant exposure to noise, frequent exposure to weather and occasional exposure to wet/humidity. Potential hazards include constant client contact and occasional exposure to chemicals, infectious exposure, needles/syringes, computer, medical and other equipment use. Must obtain an annual TB Test. Must be in good physical health as determined by physician.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Minimum of Child Development Association Certification (CDA) credential or a State-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential required. Must be enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree.

Experience: Minimum one (1) year experience working in an early childhood classroom setting required. Experience working with children with special needs preferred.

Certification/License: Must have ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within one (1) year of hire. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain good moral standing. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge and understanding of the educational, social, nutrition, health, and overall basic needs of children 0- 5 years old required. Knowledge of the Anishinaabe Culture and language preferred. Must have excellent public relations/customer service skills and be able to exhibit friendly and positive attitude and establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, guests and volunteers. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers and the general public. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to work flexible schedule. Must have the ability to be flexible and adaptable in order to meet children’s needs on a daily basis. Must have strong interpersonal skills. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.