Teacher Associate

Head Start is a non-profit Preschool program serving children 3-5 years of age. The program promotes a welcoming, caring and respectful environment. If you feel like this would fit you, apply now for our Teacher Associate position.  20hr/per week position, runs with school district calendar.  AA degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA or related certification with the ability to obtain CDA. (tuition assistance available) One year experience teaching children ages birth to 5.  Must have excellent communication skills with parents, children and staff. Must have a passion for education and the ability to instill curiosity and love of learning while fostering friendships and fun.  Excellent benefits package including IPERS.  No night, no weekends! EOE AD#2620

EXPECTATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES:

Supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect, personalization, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Perform the duties as required to assist teaching staff in providing a safe, clean, healthy environment for the children in the classroom.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Participate in lunch time activities by assisting with preparing and serving food, eating with the children, and cleaning up after meals.
2. Encourage the children to develop a positive self-concept through supportive and cheerful interaction by assisting to create a developmentally appropriate environment where children are comfortable enough to verbalize feelings, question, explore, experiment and problem solve.
3. Assist with instruction by following lesson plan while adapting plans to meet individual learning styles. Promote successful classroom performance for each student.
4. Prepare and maintain all necessary paperwork and records according to CACFP guidelines.
5. Maintain an organized, clean classroom and present interesting ideas and activities to share with children.
6. Develop and maintain good communication while respecting confidentiality.  Establish rapport and trust with parents, staff, volunteers, and visitors in order to respond to children’s environmental needs.
7. Provide support in all areas of the classroom, including but not limited to, maintaining a clean, safe, positive environment, maintaining accurate confidential records within applicable regulations and performance standards, assisting in conducting developmental screenings and taking quality child observations.
8. Assist teachers in supervising students in non-classroom such as playground supervision and bus arrival, dismissal.
9. Provide assistance to children during daily napping (if applicable) and bathroom routine by offering direction and support when needed.
10. In the absence of Lead Teacher, step in and perform all responsibilities of substitute teacher using prepared lesson plans.
11. Perform other duties or complete other projects as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, and ABILITIES:

1. Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
2. Ability to obtain and maintain a driver’s license, automobile, and current valid insurance in order to travel to designation locations.
3. Knowledge of Agency’s policies, practices and procedures.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, and various other business and community contacts.
5. Ability to work with confidential information.
6. Ability to work in a team-based environment.
7. Ability to adapt to the organization’s changing needs.
8. Ability to pass a physical examination.

NOTE:  A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential functions.  All duties and responsibilities listed above are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform each duty or function proficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education requirements for this position include Associate degree in related field or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or working toward CDA credential. Prior experience working with preschool age children preferred. Computer experience a must.