Position Purpose
To assist classroom staff and cooperate in a supportive role carrying out developmentally appropriate activities. To promote the health, nutrition and education of the children and to attend to their safety and welfare.
Essential Job Responsibilities: Performance Indicators
Classroom Time (Approx 55%)
· Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.
· Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.
· Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas to grow.
· Utilize lesson plans at the direction of classroom staff, which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.
· Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, three meals, and effective transitions between activities.
· Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.
· Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom. .
· Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.
· Assist with meal service as needed.
Bus Monitor ( up to 40%)
· Monitor and manage behavior of children.
· Secure children in age/weight appropriate restraints.
· Communication with families, including mail, sign-off to authorized adults, cell phones etc.
· Assist in emergency evacuation.
Misc. (approx 5%)
· Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.
· Attend meetings, training's, and appropriate professional development activities when required.
· Other duties as assigned.
All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required
· GED/High School Diploma minimum with post high school educational coursework in Early Childhood Education/Development highly desirable.
· Demonstrated classroom ability, typically one year pre-school classroom experience or equivalent.
· Strong communications skills, especially good listening & writing skills.
· Knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of three and four year old children typically gained through a minimum of one year of relevant experience.
· Must have a current Food Handler's Card. Pediatric CPR and First Aide desirable.
· Current enrollment in the Child Care Division-Criminal History Registry.
Physical/Mental Abilities and Processes
· Ability to visually assess children's health and behaviors and make frequent significant decisions to assure their health and safety
· Ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices for young children in a classroom, playground and bus settings.
· Frequent kneeling, bending at waist and neck, and sitting on floor also frequent getting up and down from seat to assist children on bus and in classroom.
· Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs.) in classroom setting and assisting children into seats on the bus and the ability to carry or drag a child in an emergency situation out of a bus to a safe area.
· Occasional climbing to enter and exit a bus and sitting throughout bus routes.
Position Information
· Percentages of job responsibilities may vary depending upon site needs and locations.
· Substitutes will remain on sub lists for entire program year (Aug 1, thru July 31)
· Supervised by Regional Manager.
This job description was last updated on 08/30/04.
Head Start of Lane County is an EEO Employer.