Head Start Assistant Teacher – Alexandria, MN ATCC
Introduction
This exciting opportunity is for a part-time Head Start Assistant Teacher (28hrs./wk.) at our Alexandria Head Start location, conveniently found within the Alexandria Community and Technical College campus. At the heart of this role is the chance to make a lasting impact on the development of young minds. Our two full-day preschool classrooms, serving children 3 to 5 years of age, are in search of a dedicated Assistant Teacher who will collaborate closely with our Family Education Specialists (Teachers) and teaching teams. Together, you will shape the day-to-day educational experiences and support Head Start’s Whole-Child-Whole Family approach to school-readiness.
WCMCA Head Start is a program of West Central Minnesota Communities Action, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, supporting individuals and families across West Central MN for over 50 years.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist and support the Family Education Specialist in lesson planning and implementation and assist the family in its own efforts to improve the condition and quality of family life.
- Will act as Family Education Specialist in absence/partnership with the Family Education Specialist.
Agency Expectations
- Adhere to Agency and Department policies and procedures.
- Act as a role model within and outside the Agency.
- Provide friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations, and to those we serve.
- With a respectful and positive attitude, work with low-income individuals and families with diverse backgrounds.
- Support, develop, and maintain productive relationships required to carry out job activities.
- Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management.
- Maintain the security and confidentiality of all records and interpersonal interactions.
- Serve as an advocate.
- Work effectively and cooperatively with community partners, co-workers, and volunteers.
- Participate in Agency-wide and program events.
- Communicate with Human Resources (HR) on topics/policies that you may need training on/have questions about.
- Keep KPay updated with any personal information changes such as name, address, phone number, etc.
- Check email daily and promptly respond to messages.
- Enter hours and work codes on your time sheet at the end of each day worked.
Qualifications
- Minimum
- Must be 18 years of age with high school diploma or equivalency with the expectation to obtain a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) within 2 years of hire.
- Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or AA in Early Childhood Education.
- Meet minimum standards per Head Start Program Performance Standards and Minnesota Certified Exempt Licensing.
- Interest and experience in working with young children.
- Ability to exercise patience and understanding when working with children.
- Ability to follow instructions, demonstrate good oral communication skills.
- Meet physical abilities: must be able to lift 50 lbs.; and daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs.
- Proof of valid driver’s license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage.
Preferred
- General knowledge of the Head Start program.
- Demonstrate an understanding of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and working with children with disabilities.
- Experience of working on a team and taking direction from a supervisor.
Manages the following positions:
None
Essential Functions
- Welcome and support families in their participation of Head Start.
- Act as Family Education Specialist in absence of or in partnership with the Family Education Specialist.
- Work directly with children in context of the program plan and curriculum.
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- Assist with daily arrival and departure of children.
- Engage children in conversation and family style meals during mealtimes.
- Participate in play activities.
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- As a member of a center team, participate in center lesson planning and carry out plans and center operations as instructed by your supervisor.
- Observe and record children’s behavior and development to make recommendations on meeting children’s individual needs at Team meetings. Enter weekly observations into Teaching Strategies Gold for assessment purposes.
- Ensure safety of Head Start children by implementing Active Supervision, reporting injuries/illnesses/incidents (by completing a report in ChildPlus if instructed), and reporting child abuse and neglect.
- Assist with the preparation of indoor and outdoor space for planned activities including supplies and materials ensuring the maintenance of a safe and healthy environment.
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- Inspect, clean, and monitor indoor and outdoor space.
- Provide accurate meal counts and monitor food safety.
- Assist with Head Start fire and tornado drills and other emergency drills per Head Start sites.
- Clean tables and sanitize toys.
- Complete Daily Health and Safety checks and environmental safety checklists.
- Assist with First Aid kit inventory.
- Assist with onsite routine screenings of children’s hearing/vision and heights/weights.
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- Participate in all required training including First Aid and Pediatric CPR which are necessary for certification/licensure and Professional Development facilitated by WCMCA. Maintain a current status of all required certifications.
- Keep direct Supervisor informed of all problems, unusual or extraordinary matters of significance coming to his/her attention, so that prompt corrective action can be taken as needed.
- Keep direct Supervisor informed of CDA progress and renewal.
- Demonstrate the ability to work within a team of people to promote a positive workplace culture.
- All other duties as assigned, including participation in Agency and program committees.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; each with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50
- Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment: Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate-to-high.
Other Information
WCMCA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
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For questions regarding job openings and/or the online job application processes, please contact:
Danie St. John
Director of Administration
218-685-7057
danies@wcmca.org
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