Fowler Elementary School District

Job Title:                EARLY HEAD START INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

Classification:        Support Personnel Pay Scale

Range:                   I or II depending on education

Description:           The Early Head Start Instructional Assistant assists the teacher in implementing the educational program, philosophy and goals of the Early Head Start Program.  He/she performs a variety of instructional and non-instructional tasks both in and out of the classroom to support infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start program.  Some duties may include the playground setting where there may be exposure to dirt, dust, and extreme seasonal temperatures.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required – Range I
• Associate Arts Degree – Range II
• Infant Toddler Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA)
• Must be 18 years of age (licensing requirement)
• Food Handler’s Card
• Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License
• MMR and TB Vaccinations
• CPR and First Aid Certificate
• One (1) year experience working with children in an educational setting
• Ability to use of office equipment including computers (Word, Excel) copiers, fax machines and other applicable office equipment
• Knowledge of the English language including reading, writing and oral communication
• Knowledge of Spanish including reading, writing and oral communication is preferred
• Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards is desired
• Knowledge of arithmetic and basic mathematic procedures
• Ability to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment
• Ability to comprehend and perform functions from written and oral instructions
• Ability to exhibit mature judgment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with staff, parents, children and others both in and out of the district
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors
• Must be able to reach, stoop, kneel, etc.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 35 lbs
• Must be an energetic, highly ethical and possess good emotional and physical health

Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assume the leadership role in the Head Start Center as needed in the teacher’s absence
• Assist the teacher in developing and implementing an appropriate academic and nonacademic Head Start program for infants and toddlers based on individual interests, needs, abilities, student achievement and group dynamics
• Participate in daily team planning of instructional curriculum and activities to enhance the Early Head Start Program
• Participate in team assessments of each child and assist in developing individual goals
• Assist with teaching programs and activities to children in the Early Head Start program
• Provide extra assistance to students with special needs; such as, those students with physical and mental limitations
• Assist with monitoring and observing each student’s progress and record relevant data to aid in the writing/updating of individual goals
• Assist the teacher in maintaining individual student records and keeping all necessary documentation and statistical data current
• Assist with supervision and enforcement of rules and procedures for student discipline and classroom management
• Assist the staff to continually maintain good student behavior and safety in the classroom, halls, cafeteria, gymnasium, playground and on field trips
• Assist with the implementation of federal, state and local health and safely policies and procedures
• Assist with the completion and maintenance of all documentation for compliance with federal, state, and local health and safety procedures, Head Start performance standards and licensing regulations
• Provide assistance with inventory and the acquisition and preparation of materials and equipment needed for the daily operation of the Head Start Center
• Assist the teacher in the maintenance and upkeep of equipment used in the Head Start Center
• Assist the teacher in maintaining an attractive and clean Head Start Center
• Perform clerical and clean-up duties as assigned
• Assist with maintaining a positive environment that develops social, emotional and cognitive skills as well as promotes and supports cooperation and learning
• Assist with communicating to parent’s program policies, changes and events
• Attend parent meetings as directed
• Assist the teacher in conducting home visits and Parent/Teacher conferences as needed
• Participate in the training of parents/guardians, staff and volunteers as required
• Participate and assist with outdoor activities
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials
• Sanitize toys and play equipment
• Assist with meal/snack service and clean-up throughout the day
• Provide assistance with personal care needs of students
• Assist with toileting and diapering when needed
• Meet children at buses or transportation areas as directed
• Walk children to buses or transportation areas as directed
• Attend staff meetings as directed
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with children, parents and staff members, etc.
• Participate in district sponsored professional development workshops/inservices, attend on-going training classes as directed, and read professional publications for continued professional development
• Maintain strict confidentiality and use appropriate discretion when working with all district personnel and student and family records and/or information
• Support and follow the rules, regulations and policies set by the School Board, the Head Start Program and the District
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Governing School Board, the Head Start Director or his/her designee

Length of Employment:

• Twelve (12) months
• School calendar will determine the days worked during the school year

Reports to:             Head Start Director or his/her designee

Evaluation:             Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Governing Board Policy GDO