Head Start Support Instructor

About the role

Under direct supervision, incumbent(s) assists with implementing, assessing, creating lessons, instructing, and maintaining positive behavior for students in the Head Start program. In addition, incumbent(s) will participate in home visits, parent and teacher conferences, and meetings required by the Head Start program.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Start Instructor with the implementation of the Head Start Performance Standards, District procedures, and other requirements for the Head Start Program.
• Maintains all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Affords assistance to the Head Start Instructor in reviewing the needs and progress of each family a minimum of once a month.
• Works in conjunction with the caseworker to meet health and social service needs of those families.
• Maintains a relationship with each family to encourage meaningful participation in the program.
• Assists the Head Start Instructor with assessing students, creating lesson plans, and instructing students.
• Observes students and participates in developmentally appropriate outdoor play activities.
• Works cooperatively with identified disabilities services support staff in the provision of direct services and the development of goals for children with disabilities.
• Maintains and upkeeps classroom supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Performs clean up services in the classroom when necessary.
• Assists in maintaining standards of acceptable behavior for children using positive methods, which support children’s self esteem.
• Assists in the developmental screening and referral processes with the Head Start instructor and Special Services staff regarding the special needs of students attending the Head Start program.
• Participates in ongoing training designed for Head Start teaching staff and supplemental education training.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings and assists the Head Start Instructor with the planning, organizing, and attending parental meetings.
• Affords assistance in conducting a minimum of two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences per family each school year.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Possession of valid High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) prior to hire.
• One year of experience in a similar field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Possession of a Child Development Associate or Certificate of Completion or obtain possession within two years of the date of hire.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).
• Possession of valid Health Examination clearance prior to hire;
• Possession of TB Testing clearance prior to being hire;
• Possession of valid Arizona Department of Transportation Driver’s License;
• Possession of valid First Aid Certification within 30 days of hire;
• Possession of valid CPR Certification within 30 days of hire;
• Possession of valid Arizona Food Handler’s License Certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education or closely related field and one year of experience in a similar field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Frequently reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.