Assistant Teacher I

JOB SUMMARY: Assists and supports Teacher and classroom functions by providing quality services to children and families assigned to site. Assignment is for the school year (10 months) with scheduled breaks identified at the beginning of each program year as dictated by program requirements and site calendar.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Supports the implementation of a designated bilingual, multicultural curriculum and supervises children in collaboration with Teacher.
• Assists Teacher in the completion of observations needed for Fall, Winter and Spring assessment periods and in the completion of the Education Plan three times per school year.
• Assists in the completion and implementation of weekly lesson plans.
• Assists Teacher in the completion of two (2) parent conferences and two (2) educational home visits during the program year.
• Assists Teacher in the documentation of health information and the completion of developmental and social/emotional screenings within 45 days of a child’s enrollment.
• Effectively serves children with disability and their families, making adaptations as necessary.
• Complies with all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines and assists with daily, weekly and end of the month food service paperwork.
• Mandatory reporter for any suspected abuse/neglect issues as required by law.
• Implements approved emergency plan; conducts and documents monthly fire drills as required.
• Maintains a clean classroom/working environment.
• As program needs dictate, may be called upon to fill in as a substitute in another classroom or at another site to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to children and families.
• Promote ongoing commitment to excellence and continual quality improvement to ensure the highest quality of services to our staff and clients.
• Other duties as assigned

OTHER RELATED DUTIES:

• This position may require flexibility in scheduling to attend and actively participate in evening and weekend events, including but not limited to parent meetings, family engagement activities, community outreach events, trainings, recruitment efforts, program celebrations, and other agency-sponsored functions as assigned.
• Prepares, and attends all meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.
• Maintains self and functional work environment.
• Performs other tasks as may be required for the efficient comprehensive, integrated program.

REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must demonstrate positive and caring attitude, initiative and good judgment, and be flexible with program changes.
• Familiarity with Head Start standards, requirements, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Must be able to read and write legibly in English and demonstrate comprehension of basic math.
• Second language (Spanish, Arabic or other program-identified language) proficiency preferred.
• Must be sensitive to cultural differences within the community, the program, and the agency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook) applications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Background:

• Must meet one the following educational requirements:
• High School Diploma or equivalent and must be actively enrolled in a pre-school Child Development Associate (CDA) program upon hire. Program must be completed within 2 years of hire.
• High School Diploma or equivalent plus active enrollment in a program leading to an AA or BA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or another directly related discipline that includes at least 12 credit hours of ECE coursework to be completed within 2 years of hire. Continuous enrollment required.
• Minimum of six (6) months experience preferred.
• Second language (Spanish or other program-approved language) proficiency preferred.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work with preschool age (one – five) children and their family members and/or caregivers in a fast paced environment with moderate interruptions.
• Must be able to visually and auditorily assess and interact with children and family members to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, squat, assist children to the bathroom, sit on floor and ambulate over uneven floor surfaces including stairs, steps and playgrounds.
• May be in contact with communicable diseases.
• May need to lift up to 40 pounds.

Credentials, Licenses, and Certifications

• Meets Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) requirements for licensure
• Possesses or acquires, and maintains, Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance
• Provides tuberculosis self-screening form annually. May also be required to follow recommendations for further tuberculosis testing, as applicable
• Meets federal Head Start employment requirements including physical examination at hire
• Possesses or completes verified training in First Aid and CPR (within ninety (90) days of hire) and remains current in the certification
• Possesses or acquires, and maintains, valid Maricopa County Environmental Services Food Service Worker Certificate or the Manager Certification
• Possesses and maintains valid Arizona driver license (An individual must be 21 years of age or older to drive on behalf of Catholic Charities Community Services Westside Head Start)
• Reliable personal transportation and ability to show proof of current/valid vehicle registration and insurance with state minimum liability coverage.

Great Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Basic Life, Short-Term Disability, Vacation, Sick Time, 13 Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 403(b) with a match, EAP and a Pension Plan!

We Value Diversity!

EEO

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

RESPECT

INTEGRITY

ACCOUNTABILITY

COMMITMENT

QUALITY