Head Start Teacher Assistant/Aide

Job Code:  25-9042 Salary: $15.63 - $19.26  

Status: Full-time, Non-exempt, Permanent Reports To: Head Start Classroom Teacher 

Location: ELC Department: Education  

Telecommute: No Fleet: No 

SUMMARY:  Under the general direction of the Head Start Classroom Teacher, the Head Start Teacher Assistant/Aide is responsible for providing children with a safe, comfortable environment enriched with a variety of hands-on, age-appropriate activities that meet best practice standards and enhancing each child’s level of development. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Adhere to all policies, standards, and procedures as dictated by Tribal Personnel Policies, NYS OCFS Child Care Licensing Regulations, the ELC Behavior Management Plan, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, Head Start Program Performance Standards and all other applicable regulations pertaining to health, safety, and sanitation. 
• Assist Lead Teacher in implementing curriculum, ensuring developmentally appropriate practices at all times.  
• Effectively communicate information regarding development and learning, scheduling, duties, and all other relevant information. 
• Create and maintain an accurate and updated profile on the Aspire Registry. Participate in all professional development requirements, including coaching/mentoring, and work with Education Coordinator/Coach to set professional goals and maintain an Individual Professional Development Portfolio.  
• Assist in maintaining accurate documentation in the classroom monthly binder. 
• Promote continuous quality improvement by working with program staff, service providers, consultants, and other relevant community agencies to achieve stated program goals. 
• Monitor bus runs when needed. 
• Complete other duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisor requirements for this position. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of the information obtained, we must always maintain strict confidentiality—knowledge of the Mohawk language and traditions. 

Prefer candidate willing to pursue Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent 
• 1 year experience working in Early Childhood PREFERRED.   

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:  

• Exhibit a friendly and courteous manner while maintaining high professionalism in relationships with children, families, visitors, colleagues, other staff members, management, and community members. 
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. 
• Positively deal with crises. Deal with hostile, aggressive persons or situations. 
• Be aware and sensitive to the needs that may arise when handling stressful and demanding circumstances.  Immediate debriefing will be made available. 
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment in the ELC.   
• Promote a positive image of the ELC and foster a climate of respect and integrity. 

REASONING ABILITY: 

• Ability to implement regulations that govern programs for young children, acknowledging that all staff will cooperate in implementing a program that far exceeds minimum regulations. 
• Ability to ensure that the rights and needs of children are the highest priority, while also recognizing the needs of other family members. 
• To contribute to the ongoing review, evaluation, and modification of services as needed by the community, families, and children. 
• To provide information about the program's services to the community and engage staff in cooperative problem-solving, planning, and continuing evaluation of themselves and the program. 

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe strives to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the policy of nondiscrimination based on race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, physical disability, veteran status or any other non-job-related factor. The SRMT will give preference to the qualified native applicant. The SRMT will give preference to the qualified native applicant. 

The successful candidate must pass a test for illegal substances prior to employment being confirmed.  

The successful candidate must pass a criminal background check prior to employment.