Early Learning Aide

Department: Education

Program: Early Learning

Reports To: Preschool Coordinator/Infant Toddler Coordinator

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours/52 Weeks

Preference: TERO Ordinance 2017-01, P.L. 93-638

Support and assist the Early Learning programming, Birth-5 years old by providing a positive learning experience for children and families, creating a successful environment which will promote the growth and development of our enrolled children. Aides will assist teachers in all work as appropriate and with all other program components (health, nutrition, family services, and mental health), including, but not limited to, home visits, parental involvement, and providing support and assistance to families and children enrolled in the program to enhance personal success. Early Learning Aides will work closely with the Birth-5 teaching staff, Infant Toddler Coordinator, Preschool Coordinator and the Early Learning Administrator to support and provide holistic, comprehensive services.

Essential Functions

• Assists in planning and providing opportunities for parental involvement, socialization and volunteer activities
• Provides support in all areas of the classrooms maintaining a clean, safe and developmentally appropriate environment; as well in assisting with developmental screenings, observations, individualizations, and data input into Teaching Strategies Gold and Child Plus
• Assists with the daily interventions needed for children with an Individual Family Services Plan, IEP's or needing additional support throughout the school day
• Assists and is familiar with regulations regarding (but not limited to): laundry, sanitation, janitorial duties, emergency and evacuation plans, playground and building safety
• Creates a positive atmosphere for children; assist with effective transitions between activities, modeling for parents through the implementation of the curriculum and consistent use of appropriate discipline and problem solving skills (Project Achieve-Stop & Think)
• Prepares materials as needed to carry out weekly lesson plans
• Assists teachers with planning and facilitating the development of family partnership agreements through goal setting with parents of students through establishment of mutual trust relationships and the identification of family strengths, needed services, and support
• Participates in regularly scheduled team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
• Substitutes as necessary in the absence of teachers
• Ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, Tribal policies and TERO ordinance

It is the intent of this job description to highlight the essential functions of the position; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. The incumbent may be called upon and required to follow or perform other duties and tasks requested by his/her supervisor, consistent with the purpose of the position, department and/or the Kenaitze Indian Tribe's objectives.

Working Conditions

Lifting Requirements

• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Requirements

• Stand or Sit (Stationary position)
• Walk (Move, Traverse)
• Use hands/fingers to handle or feel (Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position)
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance (Ascend/Descend, Work atop, Traverse)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl (Position self (to), Move)
• Talk/hear (Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information)
• See (Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess)
• Taste/Smell (Detect, Distinguish, Determine)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Repetitive Motion

Hazards and Atmospheric Conditions

• Exposure to Fumes
• Exposure to Dust
• Wet
• Noise
• Chemical Hazards

OSHA Categories

• Category II - Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but exposure or potential for exposure may occur

Travel

• Local
• In-State

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree

Experience

• Three (3) years of experience working with young children, Birth - 5 years old in a group setting

License/Certification

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in either Infant/Toddler or Preschool. Or obtain within 18 months of employment per Head Start Program Performance Standards section 1302.91 (e)(3) as prescribed in section 648 A (a)(2)(b)(ii) of the Act
• Current Pediatric-Adult CPR/First Aid Certification or obtain within 90 days of hire
• Valid State of Alaska Driver's License and must remain insurable under the Tribe's policy

Special Skills

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Conducts business in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, respectful and kind when dealing with children, families, un'ina, visitors, co-workers and others

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience working with cultural diversities
• Experience in Head Start/Former Head Start Parent
• Passion and commitment to Kenaitze Indian Tribe's mission and the importance of Early Childhood education

This position is a Covered Position subject to all requirements of the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act (ABCA) and to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, (ICPA). ABCA and ICPA requirements apply and must be complied with at all times in order to remain in the position.