Teacher Aide 3-5: Fort Scott

This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13616227 POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Teacher collaborates with classroom and center staff to deliver quality, developmentally appropriate services for children and families. The role fosters a nurturing climate that promotes growth, learning, and positive interactions; steps in as Lead Teacher when needed; and ensures adherence to Head Start Performance Standards and state childcare guidelines. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Program Implementation & Compliance - Promote excellence and ensure daily program operations that support quality services for children and families, while fostering a thriving environment for all staff. - Implement and maintain Policies and Procedures and Programs which include the following: Head Start Performance Standards, KDHE Licensing, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Personnel Manual, Social/Emotional strategies, Reflective Supervision, ERSEA, APRICOT, Frog Street, Cognitive Toybox and recruitment plans to ensure compliance. - Support management decisions both in actions and words. - Other duties as assigned. Classroom and Child Development Oversight - Obtain and share knowledge of theories and techniques regarding Early Childhood development. - Basic care for the needs of children including but not limited to toileting, family style meals, and daily routines. {=html} - Engage with children in ways that support their language development, learning, and overall growth. - Demonstrate patience and understanding based on each child's developmental level. - Ensure active supervision of children using indoor/outdoor zoning. - Participate in and guide children through mealtime routines, including Family Style Meals and cafeteria transitions. {=html} - Model for staff and familys appropriate ways to engage with children 3-5 years old. - Utilize Social/Emotional strategies to prevent and reduce challenging behavior. - Support in setting up a developmentally appropriate classroom based on Head Start Performance Standards-using Frog Street, Social/Emotional supports and other identified strategies identified by Center Manager, Center Supervisor and Head Start Management Team as needed. - Screen and observe the developmental level of each child by making appropriate referrals to the local Special Education Services. - Individualize teaching to enable children to attain school readiness and social emotional goals with the assistance of families. - Fill in as Lead Teacher, when necessary. Family and Community Engagement - Conduct two educational home visits and two parent teacher conferences throughout the program year, if needed. - Work cooperatively with Family Services and other professionals. - Be responsible for ensuring communication between early childhood resources and the families that we serve (Examples: Nutrition, health, and special services). - Works with Lead Teacher to ensure recruitment hours are being achieved and any volunteer hours are documented. - Model for others appropriate ways to engage with families. - Provide information from Cognitive Toybox reports during parent teacher conferences, home visits and/or upon request of parent. Data Management - Responsible for completion of data entry in agency approved data system. - Complete necessary forms and documentation relevant to program and staff management. Training and Professional Development - Participate in mental health clinical consultations to support staff, enrolled children, and their families. - Attend mandatory In-Service training and staff meetings. - Be available to travel within agency area and occasional out-of-ar a trips for training and professional development. Health, Safety and Emergency Preparedness - Identify childrens nutritional needs, ensure that childrens allergies/dietary information is located the kitchen, Classroom Support Guide and inform all necessary staff. - Assess children and help support staff and families to conduct developmental and social emotional screenings. - Responsibility to report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority. {=html} - Follow all emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff during drills or real incidents. {=html} - Ability to work unconventional business hours, if necessary. Professional Expectations Maintain regular, reliable attendance to ensure consistency and safety for children. Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment. Demonstrate professionalism by actively advocating for SEK-CAP, Inc. within the community and serving as a strong advocate for Head Start children and families. Respecting and supporting cultural differences and diverse family structures while maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy of all those involved wi