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.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Basic computer skills General PC knowledge, must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, data entry, Email and Digital Calendars.
• Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
• Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Resourceful and well organized.
• Ability to learn and adapt.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preschool CDA credential or a State-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood or related field or obtain in CDA credential to be completed within one year of the time of hire and keep current.
• 3-5-year experience working with young children in a classroom setting preferred.
• Be eligible to obtain KDHE program approval.
• Obtain and uphold current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
• Possess current, valid driver’s license and meet agency insurance underwriting guidelines.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires the ability to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch regularly throughout the day.
• Regularly, the employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• The work environment may include occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, outdoor weather, and temperature extremes such as heat and cold. The noise level is generally quiet to moderate but can be loud.

Other:

• Layoff is dependent upon agency’s need or availability of work.

SEK-CAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.80 - $16.80 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person