Head Start Assistant Teacher – Alexandria, MN

WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIp; Alexandria (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a full-time Head Start Assistant Teacher to work at their Alexandria location. This vital role involves collaborating with educators to enhance the learning experiences of children aged 3 to 5. Ideal candidates will have a passion for early childhood education and the ability to connect with diverse families.

Qualifications

• Must obtain a CDA within 2 years of hire.
• Experience working with young children.
• Meet standards per Head Start Performance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in lesson planning and implementation.
• Work with children during daily activities.
• Ensure safety of Head Start children.

Skills

Patience

Oral Communication

Understanding of Diverse Backgrounds

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

AA in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Introduction

This exciting opportunity is for a full-time Head Start Assistant Teacher (38hrs./wk.) at our Alexandria Head Start location, conveniently found within Alexandria Technical and Community College. 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.
• Adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Acts 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 and co-workers.
• Participate in Agency-wide and program events.

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
• Interest and experience in working with young children.
• Ability to exercise patience and understanding when working with children.
• Meet minimum standards per Head Start Performance Standards and Minnesota Rule 3 Licensing
• Ability to follow instructions, 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.

Preferred

• General knowledge of the Head Start program.
• Demonstrated understanding of diverse backgrounds and cultures

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.
  • Assist with daily arrival and departure of children.
  • Engage children in conversation and family style meals during mealtimes.
  • Participate in play activities.
• 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.
  • 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.
• 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.

Potential employeesMUSTcomplete the online application process in order to be considered for a position.

For questions regarding job openings and/or the online job application processes, please contact:

Danie St. John
Director of Administration218-405-3013
[e-mail]

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER