Thrivalaska is looking for Head Start Teacher Assistants
to join our dynamic and family friendly team!
Thrivalaska is a community-based corporation founded in 1974 and is committed to the delivery of high-quality services to children and families.
Position details:
Early Head Start Teacher Assistant
Permanent /Full time position, 40 hours per week.
Eligible for all employer sponsored benefits.
Salary: DOEE: - Range $16.43 - $21.50
Position Summary:
To assist the teacher and cooperate in a supportive role carrying out developmentally appropriate activities, to promote the health, nutrition, and education of the children and to attend to their safety and welfare.
Minimum Requirements:
- Educational coursework in Early Childhood Education/Development typically achieved via progress towards an Associate Degree in ECE or CDA.
- Family centered and relationship based philosophy.
- Demonstrated classroom ability, typically 1 year, full-time pre-school classroom experience, or equivalent.
- If driving for work related activities and or mileage reimbursement must have valid Alaska Driver's License and proof of auto insurance.
Preferred Requirements:
- AA in Early Childhood or related field or CDA with Infant/Toddler focus
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Excellent communications skills, especially good listening & writing skills.
- Working knowledge of available community resources and Head Start program components.
- Knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of three and four-year-old children typically gained through a minimum of one year of relevant experience.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
CHILD, FAMILY, AND PROVIDERS SERVICES
- Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.
- Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas to grow.
- Participate in monthly staffing of children with all staff as appropriate.
- Work with and encourage parent and community volunteers.
- Integrate all Early Head Start components into classroom time.
- Utilize lesson plans which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and self-help development of Early Head Start children.
- Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.
- Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making, ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.
- Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom.
- Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.
- Assist with meal service as needed while following CACFP guidelines.
- Monitor and manage behavior of infants and toddlers.
- Secure infants and toddlers in age/weight appropriate restraints.
- Communication with families and building meaningful relationships.
- Assist in emergency evacuation.
- Assist Teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including: assessments, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.
- Other duties as assigned including childcare and social events that may require evening attendance.
- Advocate for successful child and family development experiences.
- Communicate with children and family members with respect and honor.
- Whenever possible, assist children and families.
- Support child and family development goals.
PROGRAM DESIGN & MANAGEMENT
- Practice family centered and relationship based philosophy.
- Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.
- Attend meetings, training's, and appropriate professional development activities.
- Participate during program self-assessment and evaluation processes.
- Participate during Thrivalaska community assessment activities.
- Support, implement and participate in program goal setting process to include strategic planning.
BUDGET & FISCAL
- Continually seek out and process in-kind opportunities to include services and supplies.
- Follow procurement and accounting procedures.
- Actively seek out ways to reduce program cost whenever possible.
- Report all suspected fraud activities.
SUPERVISION & TRAINING
- Participate in developing and accomplishing staff development goals.
- Meet and actively pursue the minimum yearly training required for your position.
- Support program Director in attainment of program goals and mission.
- Attend NIA AEYC yearly conference, when possible share knowledge through hosting a workshop.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
- Actively seek out partnerships with community members and agencies to enhance program services and resources.
- Enthusiastically promote Thrivalaska programs.
PROGRAM GOVERNANCE
- Support and provide assistance for the work of the Board of Directors, Policy Council, and advisory groups.
- Follow the chain of communication.
PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY & WORK HABITS
- Support the mission and goals of Thrivalaska “Helping Children Thrive.”
- Promote teamwork concept in relationship and strength-based organization.
- Promote a positive work environment.
- Project professionalism in conducting activities.
- Provides outstanding customer care to staff and community partners in a positive professional manner.
- Flexible, adaptable, and able to adjust to a variety of change and situations.
- Follows all guidelines and procedures on confidentiality.
- Has knowledge and training in developmentally appropriate practice, quality childcare and adult education.
- Exhibits qualities of a lifelong learner by attending conferences, trainings and reading current literature in early childhood education and adult training.
- Observes good housekeeping and safety practices, maintains cleanliness and orderliness.
- Can be relied on regarding task completion and follow up.
- Uses logical and sound judgment, applies common sense.
- Makes timely decisions and maintains composure under trying circumstances.
- Enhances job growth through continuing education, (24 hours annually) as required or necessary.
- Promotes quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed.
- Is punctual and reliable.
For more information or to fill out an application, contact Lisa Smart at lsmart@thrivalaska.com or visit the Thrivalaska website at thrivalaska.com
