Teacher's Assistant

About the Role

This position collaborates with the classroom's Lead Teacher, the Education Coordinator, and other Head Start staff members to provide supervision, guidance, care, and role modeling to enrolled children and their families. The role ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records while promoting positive relationships with employees, customers, and the community. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, along with outstanding customer service. Regular attendance is essential, and occasional later hours or weekend work may be needed to meet project deadlines. A neat, well-groomed, professional appearance is required at all times.

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, applicants with any felonious offense or two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children will not be considered.

Responsibilities

• Work as a team member to create and maintain a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment.
• Assist the Lead Teacher and staff in implementing classroom plans and programs.
• Review daily plans and clarify roles and expectations with teachers and staff.
• In cooperation with the classroom teacher and staff, establish a daily routine, including room and materials preparation, review of plans, positive interactions with children, and coordination of communication with other staff.
• Provide assistance for specialized services to eligible children with special needs.
• Interact with children to support their individualized learning, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Maintain communication between school and families.
• Assist in keeping the classroom area clean and sanitized.
• Assist the Lead Teacher with required home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Maintain accurate records for program documentation, such as attendance, meal counts, volunteer hours, and classroom observation notes.
• Maintain confidentiality in all record keeping and reporting.
• Model and assist children in health and safety routines (e.g., teeth brushing, hand washing, fire/earthquake drill practices).
• Practice positive behavior management techniques.
• Work in a friendly and respectful manner with all staff and families to build and support a confident team environment.
• Attend and actively participate in meetings, trainings, and workshops to ensure knowledge of early childhood development and program standards.
• Participate in all mealtime activities and model family-style dining for children.
• Attend all monthly staff meetings and monthly teaching staff meetings.
• Stay current on all Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Policies & Procedures, and Tribal Personnel Policies.
• Assist in recruiting classroom/program volunteers to support meeting program monthly goals for non-federal in-kind, as well as training and supervising classroom volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Current Child Development Associates' (CDA) certification or an equivalent early childhood certificate.
• Must possess a CDA, or equivalent (12 stackable units), or work towards and obtain a CDA or equivalent within 12 months after hire.
• Two years' experience working with children in an early childhood education setting.
• Must provide an initial medical physical exam and PPD test (TB test) prior to employment, and provide PPD test results annually thereafter.
• Must obtain/maintain a Food Handler's permit within 30 days of employment.
• Must obtain/maintain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of employment.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• Ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of infant to age 5 child growth development and principles and practices.
• Knowledge of and ability to provide effective child guidance practices and principles.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with federal mandated training requirements.
• Knowledge of effective and appropriate caregiving practices for infants to 5 years of age.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of Early Head Start philosophy and performance standards.
• Ability to effectively interact and communicate with Early Head Start children, their families, and other tribal staff/community members in a respectful, responsive, positive, and sensitive manner.
• Ability to effectively understand and follow written and oral instructions/directives.
• Ability to maintain positive effectiveness in stressful situations.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assignment duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, mutually supportive, and effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse community.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Frequently stretch and/or reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently stoop, crouch, or work in cramped or awkward positions.
• Perform repetitive motions.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.