Head Start Teacher’s Assistant

Under the supervision of the Head Start Teacher, the Teacher’s Assistant serves as part of the Karuk Head Start Team and supports the implementation of daily classroom activities and program operations. The Teacher Assistant works directly with children, families, and staff toensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.Responsibilities include assisting with lesson implementation, childobservations and assessments, classroom organization, record keeping, meal service, supervision of children, and maintaining compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and program requirements. The Teacher Assistantsupports family engagement efforts, assists with data collection anddocumentation, and helps ensure all classroom activities, records, andprocedures are completed accurately and within established timelines. TheTeacher Assistant is expected to  followand support the implementation of all program policies, procedures, andregulations. The Teacher’sAssistant is expected to serve as a Mandated Reporter as required by Head Start Performance Standards and recertify training as required.

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1.      Assists Teacher in the completion of all thirty (30), forty-five (45) and ninety-day(90) requirements as mandated by the Office of Head Start and in compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and assists in entering data into the Child Plus and Teaching Strategies GOLD® data entry system.

2.      Assists in maintaining a safe, positive, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that promotes active learning, self-expression, school readiness, and family engagement.

3.      Assists the Teacher in implementing daily lesson plans, classroom activities, and curriculum approved by the Tribe's Policy Council and Tribal Council.

4.      Prepares and maintains classroom materials, learning centers, supplies, and equipmentnecessary for the implementation of educational activities and daily classroom operations.

5.      Provides active supervision of children at all times and ensures that no child is left unattended. Maintains visual and auditory awareness of all children to ensuretheir safety and well-being.

6.      Assists with meal service, nutrition education activities, and classroom routines that promote healthy habits and overall child wellness.

7.      Supports positive relationships and communication with children, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners while maintaining a welcoming and respectfulclassroom environment.

8.      Assists with family engagement activities and encourages parent and guardian participation in classroom events, activities, and program opportunities.

9.      Assists in collecting, documenting, and maintaining in-kind contributions and provides required documentation to designated staff within established timelines.

10.  Maintains accurate classroom records including, but not limited to, attendance, daily health checks, tooth brushing records, playground safety inspections, firedrill documentation, meal counts, child observations, and other requiredprogram documentation. Provides completed records and reports to the Teacherwithin established timelines.

11.  Conducts and documents ongoing child observations as assigned by the Teacher and assistswith developmental screenings, assessments, individualization activities, and school readiness goals.

12.  Assists with the implementation and documentation of emergency drills and safety procedures in accordance with the program's Emergency Preparedness Plan, including fire drills, earthquake drills, evacuation drills, bus evacuations, and other required emergency procedures.

13.  Reports suspected child abuse, neglect, health concerns, safety concerns, or otherincidents in accordance with mandated reporter requirements, Tribal policies,and established program procedures. Must be willing to recertify each year.

14.  Must serve as, complete, and maintain mandated reporter training to Head Start standards.

15.  Maintains confidentiality of child, family, and program information in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, Tribal policies, and applicable federal,state, and local laws.

16.  Assists the Teacher and other program staff in maintaining compliance with all HeadStart Program Performance Standards, licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and program policies and procedures.

17.  Participates in home visits, parent conferences, family meetings, and other family engagement activities as directed by the Teacher.

18.  Demonstrates professionalism, cooperation, flexibility, and a positive attitude in supporting classroom operations and program goals.

19.  Adheres to Tribe's and Program's confidentiality and personnel policies.

20.  Be available for local and out of the area travel as required for job related training and various activities.

21.  Attends all required meetings, trainings and functions.

22.  Be polite and maintain a priority system in accepting other job-related duties, asassigned.

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1.       Cultural Competency: Displays some knowledge of the Karuk culture.

2.       Professionalism: Is aware of the potential impact of own attitudes and behaviors and makes appropriate adjustments to assure that communication with children, parents, and otherstaff is purposeful, respectful, and appropriate. Demonstrates respect,honesty, integrity, and fairness to all. Follows policies and procedures and isknowledgeable of the Head Start Program Performance Standards.

3.       Teamwork: Strives to be “solution-focused” and presents challenges with recommendations for solutions that best meet the needs of Karuk Head Start children, parents, and staff.Maintains constructive team relationships, coordinates effective goals andidentifies/plans ways to successfully work together. Demonstrates flexibilityand adaptability to change.

4.       Program Support: Supports, cooperates, and assists to meet the goals of all components of the Karuk Tribal Head Start Program in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with parents and co- workers.

5.       Professional Development: Participates in ongoing professional development including training and meetings as determined by the Education Director.

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1.  Must possess a minimum of twelve(12) units in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or be willing and able to obtain the required twelve (12) units within one (1) year of hire.

2.  Must have two (2) years’ experience working with children ages 3 to 5.

3.  Must follow all Head Start Policies and Procedures and follow all Head Start Program Performance Standards.

4.  Must be certified or able to be certified in First Aid and Child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) within one-month of hire. Must be willing to be recertified as required.

5.  Must be certified or able to be certified in Mandated Reporting and follow allreporting requirements within one-month of hire. Must be willing to be recertified as required.

6.  Must complete annual Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training.

7.  Must be able to bend over, squat,lift, and carry up to 50lbs.

8.  Must protect tribal resources, equipment, records and property and immediately report suspected misuse, loss,damage or unauthorized removal of property to the Education Director, ordesignee.

9.  Must be able to demonstrate sound and mature judgment.

10. Must submit to an initial medical examination and Tuberculosis (TB) test. Must be willing to submit to a periodic rescreen for medical examination and TB tested every two years.

11.  Must be willing to submit to periodic fingerprinting rescreen.

12. Must be a self-starter, well organized, and willing to learn new skills.

13.  Must possess valid driver's license, good driving record, and be insurable by the Tribe's insurance carrier.

14.  Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening test.

15.  Must adhere to required pre-employment background check, Crimcheck and FBI fingerprints. Additionally, (IF applicable): Investigation of character as required by the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Act(ICPFVP). The minimum standards require an investigation that shall include: a check of fingerprint files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and toappropriate local law enforcement agencies. The applicant must not have beenfound guilty of, or entered a plea of no contender or guilty plea to anyfelonious offenses or two or more misdemeanor offense under Federal, State, orTribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation,exploitation, contact or prostitution; crimes against persons; an offense committed against children.

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