Head Start Assistant Classroom Teacher
TITLE: Head Start Assistant Classroom Teacher
DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood & Family Development
REPORT TO: Supervising Classroom Teacher
SALARY RANGE: 5
CLASSIFICATION: 8
STATUS: Non-Exempt Position
JOB SUMMARY
The Head Start Assistant Classroom Teacher is responsible for assisting the Classroom Teacher in developing and implementing Child Development Plans (CDPs) for a classroom of up to twenty preschool children. Duties include providing classroom supervision on a daily basis, assisting with required home visits and participating in three parent-teacher conferences for enrolled families.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High School Diploma or equivalent and additional training

Education may be waived with significant job related experience
Experience
Less than 1 year
Authorization
DHS Background Study
Valid Driver’s License
Employee Physical
Work Environment
Community Facing – Direct interaction or communication with a public.
Activity-Based – Workers can switch between different workspaces.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, & OTHER KNOWLEDGE
Skills
Excellent oral and/or written communications skills.
Ability to manage time that results in both a satisfactory quantity and quality of work.
Ability
Support the Mission of the Agency through daily work and while representing the Agency in public.
Have general knowledge of programs and activities of the Agency.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis.
Must be able to organize a work schedule, set priorities and work effectively to meet deadlines without supervision.
Must be able to adjust to changes necessitated by last minute assignments and deadlines requests that may prove stressful.
Ability to effectively work across differences, especially socio-economic and cultural differences.
Attend trainings, classes and meetings as necessary to improve job skills and maintain an acceptable level of job performance.
Serve as a mentor for new staff.
Other Knowledge
Have knowledge and apply Agency policies and procedures, including safety, technology, data practices and other applicable policy, procedure and program regulations.
Understand numbers and mathematical concepts.
Knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local guidelines, codes, regulations, for implementation and reporting requirements.
Working knowledge of child abuse laws, Head Start Performance Standards, State licensing requirements, United States Department of Agriculture guidelines and community resources.
Working Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Desired Results Developmental Profile.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned.
Area 1: Program Operations
Reinforce, through implementation of all aspects of the Program, the role of parents as primary educator of their children.
Role model appropriate adult/child interaction consistent with established Early Childhood Best Practices.
Ensure each enrolled child on the caseload receives a developmental, sensory, hearing and vision, behavioral screening and nutritional assessment within the timeframe described in the Head Start Performance Standards.
Participate in three parent/teacher conferences and assist with home visits.
Assist each enrolled family to develop and implement a Child Development Plan (CDP) for their child(ren).
Conduct regular classroom observations of each child and complete reports identifying progress toward objectives for each child present, and discuss with parents.
Implement, along with parents, CDPs in the classroom setting and follow-up activities in the home.
Implement activities/educational opportunities that provide for children’s individual achievement based on CDPs and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Prepare classroom site into a conducive learning environment.
Assist in the development of written weekly lesson plans.
Maintain the required CLASS scores in each of the three domains, as determined by the Program.
Provide supervision to children on the bus.

Area 2: Program Compliance
Adhere to and be able to articulate and utilize when performing responsibilities:
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Program philosophy
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Head Start Performance Standards
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Head Start Service Area Plans
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Personnel and Administrative policies
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Agency Mission Statement
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Blood Borne Pathogens Policy
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Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) Policy
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Data Privacy Policy
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Minnesota Statute Rule 9503 (Rule 3)/245A
Ensure that applicable Head Start Performance Standards are met within the assigned caseload.
Integrate all Program Service Areas into lesson plans.
Maintain classroom attendance to meet Program and Performance Standards.
Ensure meals for each child meet the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) nutritional guidelines.
Articulate and carry out appropriate emergency procedures.
Complete a Professional Development Plan and review with supervisor regularly.

Area 3: Program Development
Attend staff meetings, and participate in training programs offered by the Agency.
Be an active team member with co-workers and partners, if applicable, in accomplishing Program goals, objectives and assignments.
Work cooperatively with THRIVE coaches and other Service Area staff to assist families in accessing resources as needed.
Participate in Center activities.
Actively participate in Program recruitment activities.
Recruit volunteers to assist in the Program.
Ensure that parents will be involved in the classroom during the program year.
Maintain all applicable required records, and submit all applicable reports, data entry, and paperwork in a timely manner as required by supervisor.
Maintain case notes documenting family changes/situations and any appropriate referrals to THRIVE Coaches or Coordinating staff and/or other agencies.

JOB FACTORS
Supervision of Others
Not responsible for supervision of others
Safety of Others
Responsible for the safety of others on the job. Provides oversight of work groups and/or public served. Implements and enforces safety standards for self and others.
Contacts
Contact is within own department, and with other departments, customers, vendors, or the public.
Physical Demand
Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Requires sitting, standing, bending, stooping and reaching.
Physical ability to operate equipment specific to your position.
Travel
Must have reliable transportation.
Must have valid driver’s license and current auto insurance coverage in compliance with Minnesota State guidelines on the vehicle used for work related travel.
Travel for completion of job duties, trainings and meetings as required.

GENERAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS
Professionalism
Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters good relations with customers, co-workers, providers, volunteers and supervisors.
Treat customers, co-workers and public in a respectful and courteous manner at all times.
Continue to develop skills and abilities.
Community Representation
Represent Lakes and Pines Community Action, Inc. in a positive manner.
Adhere to the Community Action Code of Ethics.
Seek to understand poverty and barriers faced by community members.
Confidentiality
Maintain confidentiality of agency, program and customer information.
An Equal Opportunity Employer/Contractor
In accordance with federal and state laws, Lakes and Pines CAC is an equal opportunity employer, contractor and provider of services. The Agency will maintain a policy of non– discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. All aspects of employment within the Agency will be governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, public assistance status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity,status as a parent, familial status, or in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.

If an applicant needs reasonable accommodations for the employment application process, please contact Lakes and Pines either by phone, mail, email or in person and request such consideration. (Such as sign language, interpreter, materials in large print, accessibility)

Individuals are encouraged to complete an Employment Application form whether or not a vacancy currently exists. Employment applications will be kept on file for one year and will be considered for appropriate job vacancies.