JOB TITLE: Assistant Teacher
PAY GRADE: NE6
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Head Start & Early Head Start
REPORTS TO: Lead Teacher
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Assists Lead Teacher in providing classroom experiences to enhance and promote the educational,intellectual, and social growth and development of children.
This position description may not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks which may be found or assigned to this position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assist the teacher in developing and writing classroom lessons plans.
Assists in implementing lesson plans in a manner that will develop each child’s physical,emotional, intellectual, and social behavior and in accordance with strategic plan; assists with planned activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills.
Works with individual children as needed.
Assists Teachers in providing stimulation activities and experiences in all curriculum areas; avoids activities causing over-stimulation or fatigue.
Assists Teacher in providing and supervising a variety of experiences by means of dramatic play,storytelling, field trips, and group discussion to stimulate students’ interest in and broaden understanding of their physical and social environment.
Encourages children to take pride in their cultural heritage.
Prepares reports on child’s progress and participates in tracking data, preparing reports,observing and monitoring children with identified special needs or those who might be at risk.
Monitors children’s activities and intervenes when needed; Adheres to lead teacher discipline methods.
Accompanies and assists when children are being transported for field trips or for activities.
Instructs children in practices of personal cleanliness and self-care.
Fosters cooperative social behavior; promotes self-expression and appreciation of aesthetic experiences.
Ensures the cleanliness and safety of materials, classroom, and playgrounds by performing routine cleaning and inspections.
Assists classroom volunteers and parents in feeling welcomed, comfortable, and involved.
Completes attendance records and accident and incident reports.
Eats meals with children to model family style dining, serving, eating, and drinking.
Rotates with other teachers as bus monitor to assist children in getting off and on the bus; Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
N/A
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or GED and NM Early Childhood Certificate. Must obtain AA in Early Childhood Education within 2 years of employment. Experience working with children preferred.
Valid New Mexico driver’s license with ability to meet Pueblo’s liability insurance requirements and maintain eligibility for insurance. Must be able to pass drug test and background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies.
Taos Pueblo reserves the right to exercise preference in hiring for qualified Tribal members/Indians in connection with all positions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
Knowledge of early childhood development, diet and nutrition guidelines.
Knowledge of regulations of Head Start.
Knowledge of proper and safe food handling, storage, and disposal requirements.
Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
Skill in administering disciplinary rules to children and resolving situational conflicts among children.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
Ability to supervise and ensure a safe learning environment for young children.
Ability to respond to emergency or crisis situations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee occasionally is required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is generally performed in a childcare/school setting with a moderate noise level where employee may be exposed to unpleasant odors, hazardous material and infectious disease. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.
