Salt Lake CAP Job Description
Job Title: Assistant Teacher Department: Head Start Reports to: Education Specialist FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Classification: A or C Pay Grade: B Approved by: Board of Trustees and Head Start Policy Council Original Approved Date: April 2004
Summary: Assists and supports a classroom team in providing a comprehensive Head Start program. Under the supervision of the Lead Teacher, the Classroom Assistant is responsible for the safety, supervision, and activities of the pre-school age children assigned under his/her care in the program. Must maintain full compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing Policies, and Health Department Codes and Regulations.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.
Skills Ability to use good judgment and discretion. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Ability to work with a diverse population, including low income families. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills. Ability to relate with children in a positive way. Ability to accept responsibility for children under his/her care. Detail-oriented. Knowledge of educational needs of preschool age children. Knowledge of Head Start educational requirements. Knowledge of various word processing and spread sheet software. Knowledge of internet and e-mail. Correct use of English, both verbal and in writing. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Education/Training/Experience: Minimum Child Development Associate credential; enrolled in a child development associate credential program to be completed within 2 years; or enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education/ Family and Consumer Studies or a related field.
1 year of related experience preferred. Previous Head Start experience preferred. Core Elements/Responsibilities: Goal 1: Prepare children for kindergarten using developmentally appropriate teaching strategies and curriculum. Supports children and families in the School Readiness Goals established by Salt Lake CAP Head Start and Early Head Start. Assists the teacher in all aspects of the overall management of the assigned classroom, including direct supervision of children at all times to ensure their safety, and being actively engaged with children in learning activities indoors as well as outdoors. Assists in providing guidance to the volunteers and substitutes assigned to the classroom. Assists in preparing weekly planning forms, and setting up daily classroom and playground activities. Implements and uses the Creative Curriculum 5th Edition; Teaching Strategies GOLD Online Assessment System; Pre-K Essential Skills; and the SLCAP HS/EHS School Readiness Goals, aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, the Utah State Early Childhood Core Standards, and the requirements and expectations of the schools. Understands, supports, and promotes the children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through the Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, Creative Curriculum 5th Edition, Studies, CLASS, Pre-K Essential Skills and other materials provided by the Education Team. Assists in administering the Teaching Strategies GOLD Online Assessment System, and in tracking the children’s growth through observation, portfolio documentation, developmental checklist, and assessment data. Continues ongoing growth in all areas of the CLASS Observation Tool. Interacts with children frequently and the interaction is supportive and appropriate, taking into consideration the cultural norms. Supports and respects individual children and families’ cultural beliefs, including home language. If teaching in a NAEYC Accredited classroom will assist in maintaining a classroom portfolio.
Goal 2: Engage parents to live self-determined lives. Assists in conducting quarterly updates on each child’s developmental progress and uses that information to write and conduct two Home Visits and two Parent Teacher Conferences during the school year, as prescribed by the Head Start Performance Standards. Builds strong relationships with parents and is able to communicate concerns or needs effectually and professionally. Assists in involving parents in their children’s education through encouraging volunteering in the classroom, parent engagement activities, and helping them understand the importance of working on skills with their child at home. Uses discretion and complete confidentiality with information regarding children and families. Assists with Family Advocate duties as needed.
Goal 3: Be financially sound and fiscally responsible for the future. Assists in maintaining sufficient quantities of all necessary supplies, resources, and equipment in the classroom.
Goal 4: Develop, motivate, and engage staff to deliver on our purpose. Assists in collaborating with staff to ensure that all service areas are integrated into a comprehensive program. Continues ongoing professional development through training, meetings, and education courses. Ensures that pertinent knowledge about families is appropriately shared with colleagues and professionals in a way that assures confidentiality and increases service coordination.
Team Building Abides by the expectations for team’s performance and expected outcomes. Understands and follows boundaries for the team. Works well in a team environment.
Goal 5: Promote preventative health, early intervention and secure medical homes. Assists in providing a safe and healthy learning environment. Ensures two staff members are present at all times while class is in session. Ensures cleanliness of the classroom and playground appearance.
Goal 6: Make a connection between the brand and community. Represents the agency in a professional manner while collaborating with school districts, and public agencies.
Other duties as assigned.
Employment Standards and Requirements: Good attendance is a requirement of the job. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Professional behavior is a requirement of the job. Cooperation and participation when working with others is a requirement of the job. Accountability and responsibility for work is a requirement of the job. Meeting timelines and deadlines are a requirement of the job. Must be flexible to meet changing demands and expectations. Must pass background check and drug/alcohol screening. Must follow Salt Lake CAP personnel policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook. Must follow Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC Standards, Education, Medical Alert and Family Advocate Manuals. Responsible to contribute to the in-kind federal requirement.
This position is required to drive as part of the job duties?
___ Yes, this position is required to drive Agency owned vehicle only as part of the job duties, therefore a valid Utah drivers license must be maintained at all times while employed in this position. The Agency liability insurance carrier will, at new hire and annually, review the driving record of individual to determine acceptability of driver liability coverage.
_X_ Yes, this position is required to drive personal vehicle as part of the job duties, therefore a valid Utah drivers license and current personal automobile insurance must be maintained at all times while employed in this position. The Agency liability insurance carrier will, at new hire and annually, review the driving record of individual to determine acceptability of driver liability coverage.
___ No, this position is not required to drive as part of the job duties.
Physical Demands: A. Amount of on-the-job work time spend in the following activities? Check appropriate boxes for each activity.
Rarely or Up to 1/3 to 2/3 or Never 1/3 1/2 more Stand X Walk X Sit in chair X Sit on floor X Mobility (movement from place to place) X Agility (ability to move body while in place) X Reach above shoulders X Climb X Stoop, bend or crouch X Kneel or crawl X See X Hear X Taste X Smell X Use hands to finger, handle or touch X Use foot/feet to operate machinery X
B. Amount of force to be exerted or weight lifted? Check appropriate boxes for each level of force.
Rarely or Up to 1/3 to 2/3 or Never 1/3 1/2 more Up to 10 pounds X Up to 20 pounds X Up to 40 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 75 pounds X Up to 100 pounds X More than 100 pounds X
Tools/Equipment Used: Rarely or Up to 1/3 to 2/3 or Never 1/3 1/2 more Routine Office Equipment X Computer, keyboard, monitor, printer X Motor Vehicle X Hand and Power Tools X Ladder X Hand Truck/Cart X Kitchen Utensils and Knives X Kitchen Appliances including Microwave Oven X
Work Environment:
A. How much exposure to the following environmental conditions does this job require? Show the amount of time by checking the appropriate boxes below:
Rarely or Up to 1/3 to 2/3 or Never 1/3 1/2 more
Indoor classroom/office conditions including temperature controlled by heating/air conditioning and fluorescent lighting X Work related travel X Wet/humid conditions (non weather) X Dry/arid conditions (non weather) X Work near moving mechanical parts X Fumes or airborne particles X Toxic or caustic chemicals X Outdoor weather conditions including weather and temperature extremes X Risk of electrical shock X Vibration X Explosive gases X Height X Dirty/dusty conditions X Cramped spaces X Potentially unsafe work location X
B. How much noise is typical for the work environment of this job? Check the appropriate level below:
Quiet conditions (examples: library, private office) Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers, printers and light traffic) X Loud noise (examples: children playing, manufacturing plant)
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship.
I have read, understand, and am able to perform the job duties and requirements as described above.
______Employee Signature Date
______Printed Name