Teacher Aide/Sells, AZ

Position Summary

The position is located in Sells, AZ. Under general supervision, assists teachers in providing early childhood classroom experiences to enhance and promote the educational, intellectual, and social growth and development of children.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepares classroom, materials and supplies needed for daily activities and lessons.
• Supervises children, organizes and participates in indoor and outdoor activities for children, and promotes a safe and healthy learning environment; Ensures children to not physically or verbally harm each other.
• Aids teachers in preparing lessons and daily schedules; maintains activity calendars.
• Aids and promotes teaching the children O'odham himdag through songs, dance, stories, and pictures.
• Checks classroom for safety concerns; ensures cleanliness of classroom.
• Attends parent/teacher meetings and assists teachers in informing parents of children's progress; responds to questions from parents.
• Maintains appropriate documentation and generates reports or memos as required.
• Covers health checks on children; accompanies children to appointments as needed.
• Escorts children on field trips.
• Takes charge of classroom in the absence of the teacher.
• Participates in continuing education in order to develop skills.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of Tohono O'odham culture, customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge of childhood development.
• Knowledge of diet and nutrition guidelines.
• Knowledge of CPR and emergency medical procedures.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in administering disciplinary rules to children and resolving situational conflicts among children.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Skill in having patience and working interactively with children.
• Skill in reacting calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Skill in maintaining privileged confidential information.
• Skill in working independently and meeting strict time lines.
• Skill in communicating efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in following routine verbal and written instructions and exercising independent judgment.
• Skill in working extended hours and various work schedules.

Minimum Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or General Education Diploma and six months work experience in a classroom teaching environment.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements

• Must obtain certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid within the first six months of hire.
• Food Handler's card must be obtained within six months after hire.
• Must satisfy health requirements as defined by the federal program standards and be willing to enroll in Child Development Associate (CDA) courses to seek CDA credential.

Background Check

• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.