Make a difference in the lives of young children in a preschool classroom.  KCR Teacher Aide's provide support to the Teacher to give every child a high quality learning experience and prepare them for school.  Join our team today! 

Head Start Teacher Aide

Unit: Child Development Services

Division: Early Learning & Family Services (ELFS)

Reports to: Child Development Site Supervisor

FLSA Class: Non-exempt

Job Type: Full Time

Salary:  $18.22 hr

POSITION SUMMARY

This position assists the HS Teacher in facilitating learning for 3-5 year old children in Head Start classroom using an approved developmentally appropriate curriculum which promotes routines, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of children in the program.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Associates of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education or A.T.A. with Early Childhood Emphasis and one year experience working with pre-school age children of CDA plus 2 years' experience.
• Head Start/Early Head Start experience preferred

LICENSE(S) AND OR/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License
• Current auto liability insurance and a reliable vehicle
• First Aid/CPR certification (within 90 days of employment)
• Food Handlers Permit (within 90 days of employment)
• COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must have concern for and understanding of low-income people
• Must be aware and sensitive to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) related to free appropriate education to all children with disabilities identifies as needing special education and related services
• Must believe that such children can benefit from inclusion in a regular head Start/Early Head Start classroom setting
• Ability to pass a Washington State Criminal Background Check
• Some overnight travel may be required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSBILITIES

• Reports to the and accepts assignments from the Child Development Site Supervisor and/or Child Development Manager
• Works collaboratively with other sire team members to plan and implement lesson plans and maintain a safe, clean, healthy, and professional work environment
• Oversee supervision and management of children in the classroom to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment
• Provides Primary Care to children through every day routines including diapering, toilet learning, and feeding practices
• Ensure compliance with KCR Policies & Procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, federal and state regulations, and Washington Administrative Code for Child Care Licensing
• Ensure implementation of KCR ELFS Written Curriculum plan including use of approved, developmentally appropriate Creative Curriculum and other curricular resources with fidelity
• Maintain a positive, nurturing, strength based learning environment that meets Performance Standards and is consistent with the Creative Curriculum, Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers Philosophy (PITC), Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), and the Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scales (ITERS)
• Maintain record keeping and reporting systems to ensure accurate information, with timely completion and follow up. Daily web based data entry required
• In collaboration with parents, administer developmental screenings, maintain on-going assessment systems, participates in Individualized Goal planning including and special needs IFSP/IEP meetings to ensure implementation of a developmentally appropriate individualized learning experience for every child
• Conduct home visits and conferences in accordance with Performance  Standards
• In collaboration with parents, develop and implement Transition Plans for children age 2.5, from Early Head Start to Head Start or another community program to ensure a smooth transition by the child's third birthday
• Build relationships with children and families by greeting daily, encouraging volunteerism, and engaging in curriculum planning process
• Provide guidance to substitutes and volunteers to maintain classroom quality in accordance with all policies, procedures, and Performance Standards
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements, being respectful of the rights and privacy of all staff, parents and children
• Attend and participate in all required meetings and trainings including All Staff meetings, monthly professional development, coaching meetings, site parent and team meetings, and others as designated by Site Supervisor or Program Management
• Maintain Professional Development Plan goals hat meet a minimum of 15 training hours per year and may include college coursework, conference travel, classroom observation, and videotaped observations
• Accept other duties as assigned

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

KCR early HEAD Start/Head Start programs require that all staff be tested for Tuberculosis upon employment, before contact with children. Testing done prior to employment will not be recognized. Physical exam within 90 days of employment required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL FUNCTIONS

• The physical requirements for this position require being able to physically match the activity level of an infant or toddler.
• Position requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, twisting and bending.
• Must be able to get down on the child's eye level and floor.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Simple grasping and hand manipulation required as well as reaching above and below shoulder level.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to noise in a pre-school environment.
• Must be mentally alert and able to react quickly and appropriately when dealing with pre-school age children.
• Must be able to build secure, nurturing relationships with children and families.
• Must display a positive affect while working with children.
• Must have a positive attitude in the work pace.
• Requires accuracy, good communication, judgment, and the ability to remain calm and provide appropriate advice and information.
• Must be able to exhibit regular attendance.

 HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and application online at https://www.kcr.org/career-opportunities/.

Kitsap Community Resources recognizes that ideas come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences.  KCR is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, by honoring experiences, perspectives and unique identities of the community in which we serve. KCR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, nation of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.

KITSAP COMMUNITY RESOURCES (KCR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. KCR is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at KCR are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, pregnancy, age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. KCR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.