Job Opportunities in United States

Position Summary:
To assist program staff and cooperate in a supportive role carrying out developmentally appropriate activities. To promote the health, nutrition, education and transportation needs of the children and to attend to their safety and welfare.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
1. High School diploma or GED.
2. Minimum 1 year experience working with children.
3. Knowledge and understanding of Federal Head Start regulations.
4. Maintain standards set by Federal Head Start regulations.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
1. Communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team model.
3. Capable of self-direction, decision making and working independently with minimum supervision.
4. Ability to work cooperatively with groups of parents, supporting agencies, staff members and community representatives.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES
1. The priority support/coverage for Head Start and Early Head Start when staff are out on leave.
2. Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.
3. Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.
4. Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas of growth.
5. Utilize lesson plans at the direction of classroom staff, which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences and promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of all Head Start children.
6. Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.
7. Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.
8. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom.
9. Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.
10. Assist with meal service as needed.
11. Monitor and manage behavior of children.
12. Communication with families, including mail, sign-off to authorized adults, cell phones, etc.
13. Assist in emergency/fire evacuations.
14. May be needed to shovel snow from walkways, emergency exits, and around vehicles.
15. Adhere to sanitation and safety procedures.
16. Return all items to their proper storage units.
17. May be needed to fill in for Kitchen staff: washing dishes, cooking, serving meals, etc.
18. Assist kitchen staff with ordering and picking up supplies as needs and assist with food inventories and shopping.
19. Show a positive attitude with children, families and co-workers.
20. Promote a friendly, professional environment for staff, families, co-workers and volunteers.
21. Direct concerns of parents and children as needed to appropriate coordinator.
22. Promote a positive, professional representation of the agency.
23. Advocate for successful child and family development experiences.
24. Communicate with children and family members with respect and honor.
25. Whenever possible, assist children and families.
26. Support child and family development goals.
PROGRAM DESIGN & MANAGEMENT
1. Practice family centered and relationship based philosophy.
2. Attend meetings, trainings, and appropriate professional development activities when required.
3. Assist staff in evening childcare room as needed.
4. Is familiar with and adheres to the NAEYC code of ethics.
5. Promote each child's growth through positive communications with staff.
6. Maintain a positive attitude.
7. Work with co-workers to make sure that the work environment is professional and supportive of all staff.
8. Participate during program self-assessment and evaluation processes.
9. Participate during Thrivalaska community assessment activities.
10. Support, implement and participate in program goal setting process to include strategic planning.
11. Compliance with all Thrivalaska policies, procedures and guidelines, HS Performance Standards and State Licensing Regulations.
BUDGET & FISCAL
1. Assure general maintenance and security of facility and assist with inventory and purchase of equipment and supplies to include janitorial, office and educational supplies.
2. Continually seek out and process in-kind opportunities to include services and supplies.
3. Follow procurement and accounting procedures.
4. Actively seek out ways to reduce program cost whenever possible.
5. Report all suspected fraud activities.
SUPERVISION & TRAINING
1. Continually seeks training to stay current with relevant communication, record keeping, child development, technology and other job related skills.
2. Maintains qualifications required by Head Start performance standards.
3. Participate in developing and accomplishing staff development goals.
4. Meet and actively pursue the minimum yearly training required for your position.
5. Support program supervisor in attainment of program goals and mission.
6. Attend NIA-AEYC yearly conference, when possible share knowledge through hosting a workshop.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
1. Presents a professional image when representing Thrivalaska.
2. Promotes the Head Start mission, philosophy and goals at all times.
3. Actively seek out partnerships with community members and agencies to enhance program services and resources.
4. Enthusiastically promote Thrivalaska programs.
5. Actively and regularly recruit children and families for best placement within programs.
PROGRAM GOVERNANCE
1. Support and provide assistance for the work of the Board of Directors, Policy Council and advisory groups.
2. Provide child care, meals and transportation for Board of Director and when appropriate Policy Council and advisory group meetings.
3. Coordinate staff for childcare coverage for Policy Council & BOD mtgs and when necessary may be needed to stay for coverage.
4. Follow the chain of communication.
PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY & WORK HABITS
1. Supports the mission and goals.
2. Promotes teamwork concept in relationship and strength based organization.
3. Promotes a positive work environment
4. Project professionalism in conducting daily activities.
5. Provides outstanding customer care to staff and community partners in a positive professional manner.
6. Flexible, adaptable and able to adjust to a variety of change and situations.
7. Follows all guidelines and procedures on confidentiality.
8. Observes good housekeeping and safety practices, maintains cleanliness and orderliness.
9. Can be relied on regarding task completion and follow up.
10. Uses logical and sound judgment, applies common sense.
11. Makes timely decisions and maintains composure under trying circumstances.
12. Enhances job growth through continuing education, as required or necessary.
13. Promotes quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability and thoroughness of work performed.
14. Is punctual and reliable.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.64 - $22.15 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person