Assistant Teacher 3-5: AT-COL-F

at SEK-CAP in Columbus, Kansas, United States

Job Description

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.

• 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.

• Model for staff and family’s 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-area trips for training and professional development.

Health, Safety and Emergency Preparedness

• Identify children’s nutritional needs, ensure that children’s 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.

• Follow all emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff during drills or real incidents.

• 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 with SEK-CAP. Through these actions, the Assistant Teacher upholds the agency’s mission and fosters trust, inclusivity, and positive relationships with families and the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic by adhering to schedules, following supervision directives, and complying with all agency policies and procedures.