POSITION DESCRIPTION

Teacher Aide/Cook

INFORMATION

Job Class: Teacher Aide

Department: Head Start

Type of Position: Non-Exempt

Location of Work: Varies

Covered Position: Yes

Salary Grade(s): 5

Hours of Work: 37.5 hrs/wk, 36-42 wks/yr

Employment Category: Regular Part-Time, or Regular Full-Time

PURPOSE

Assist the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing lesson plans, incorporating all component Plans, and managing large and small groups of children; as well as assist in coordinating and conducting developmental screenings, health services, and family services including family visits, and participate in planning, training, and parent meetings; responsible for serving a six-week cycle menu, and meeting the State and Head Start safety and sanitation requirements.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: Lead Teacher.

Leads: May lead volunteers when present in the classroom.

Liaison To: None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Be familiar with the component work plans, the Head Start Performance Standards, Tlingit and Haida Personnel Rules, and the Head Start Policy and Procedures Manual.

• Provide support in all areas of the classroom maintaining a clean, safe, and cheerful environment; as well as assist conducting developmental screenings, observations of children's behavior, and in developing Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) for each child, including evaluations.

• Assist the Lead Teacher in conducting a minimum of 3 family visits per year per child in each child's home (an enrollment visit, an ILP visit, and a Transition visit).

• Prepare materials as needed to carry out the weekly lesson plans.

• Develop and maintain a positive relationship with the children, their families, and volunteers; ensure that all feel welcome, and receive on-the-job training and communicate with parents on a regular basis.

• Attend staff meetings, assist in developing the weekly lesson plans, and overall program activities (e.g., arts and crafts, dramatic play, story time, cooking, music, fine and gross motor, etc.).

• Manage small groups of children, and evaluate activities regarding appropriateness and effectiveness and interest of the children.

• Eat and interact with children at meal times, serving as an appropriate model to the children.

• Provide support in implementing the component work plans including education, health, handicap services, and family and community partnership.

• Help the Lead Teacher plan and facilitate the first Center Parent Committee meeting of the school year; will attend other parent committee meetings as requested (may include evening and weekend meetings).

• Be prepared to assume the duties of the Lead Teacher in her/his absence.

• Familiarity with and meets the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations, as well as State and Head Start safety and sanitation requirements.

• Responsible for serving a six-week cycle menu (i.e., breakfast and lunch) for up to 20 children plus adult volunteers, including preparing the nutritionally balanced menus (including recipes), offering an eye appealing variety, with a cultural emphasis, providing exposure to new foods, while maintaining CACFP and Head Start meal requirements – menus are developed with input from a Nutrition Consultant, the Nutrition Coordinator, Lead Teacher, and Parents.

• Organize and maintain a recordkeeping system including: cycle menus and recipes; daily production records (for each meal) submitted in a timely manner; classify receipts according to procedures (e.g., food, food-related, and kitchen/janitorial supply items purchased must be classified on receipts); current inventory of pantry foods and kitchen supplies and equipment; list of children’s food allergies and special dietary needs; and records of food and related donations.

• Shop for food supplies as predetermined by production records on a weekly basis; and work within a limited food and food-related budget.

• Assist Lead Teacher in completing all required reports and distributing them to the appropriate people at the appropriate time; and assist in maintaining up-to-date files for all children, safeguarding privacy of records and confidential information.

• Provide support in keeping a current inventory, including all supplies and equipment, and ordering supplies in advance to avoid unnecessary shortages, as well as assist in making a smooth transition of children into public and private school systems.

• Be familiar with and train all volunteers on the building safety and emergency evacuation plan, and observe all fire and sanitation code requirements; make sure all adults are familiar with the use and maintenance of fire extinguishers; conduct evacuation drills once every month; and assist in keeping the building and playground in clean and safe condition and good repair at all times.

• Assist in recruiting and enrolling eligible children and collecting all needed records with help from the Parent Committee, family, and Central Office staff.

• May participate in on-site and out-of-town training sessions (may include evenings and weekends).

• Responsible for obtaining a substitute aide whenever possible when unable to report to work, first checking for parents as volunteers; and may assist in completing janitorial duties.

• Must be able to attain and renew a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential during employment.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY

Spending Authority: None.

Other Authority: None.

NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to work with families from all socio-economic levels.

• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and requirements.

• Ability to work effectively with executives, managers, supervisors, employees, and employee representatives.

• Knowledge of program rules and requirements.

• Knowledge of proper food safety, sanitation, and handling techniques/standards.

• Ability to maintain accurate, complete, and confidential records.

• Good organization, time management, and recordkeeping skills.

• Proficiency in computerized record keeping and reporting is a plus.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Familiarity with Alaska Native cultures, particularly Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)

• HS diploma or equivalent,

• One year of experience working with young children in a group setting,

• One year of experience in meal planning and preparation.

• A valid driver’s license with no violations in the last 3 years and reliable personal transportation.

• At least 18 years of age.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, skills)

• AAS degree in Early Childhood Education,

• One year of experience working with young children in a group setting,

• One year of experience in meal planning and preparation.

• Possess a current 1st Aid/CPR certificate.

UNUSUAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS

The work is generally active, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items and/or children weighing up to 60 lbs. The majority of work is performed in a pre-school setting with a wide variety of children & people with differing functions, personalities, and abilities. Also, work is performed around a cooking stove requiring the use of chemicals, food items, and a hot stove and cooking utensils. The office is a non-smoking facility with outside smoking areas.

CONDITIONS OF HIRE:

• All employment at Tlingit & Haida is “at will”. This means that the employee or Tlingit & Haida may terminate employment at any time and for any reason. Unless specified in writing, no term of employment is expressed or implied for this position.
• Tlingit & Haida is a no tolerance workplace. All regular employees may be required to pass a pre-employment and subsequent random drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• Tlingit & Haida requires a criminal background check be conducted on all employees. All employment offers are conditional until federal criminal background check results verify your eligibility to work for Tlingit & Haida.