Job Description:

**This is a part-time position**

Definition 
Under general supervision from the ECE Leader and/or Assistant Program Manager, the Teacher Aide works as a team player in facilitating the learning process and supervision of children (two weeks – five years old) in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Early Childhood Program.   Jointly supervises and participates in the training of children, parents, staff, and volunteers, as needed.
Primary Job Functions
Primary functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities among other characteristics.   This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

Job Duties

• Coordinates with the Classroom Staff Teacher in all phases of the ECE Center classrooms to ensure a well-managed purposeful program responsive to all participants’ needs.  Maintains scheduled center activities, follows lesson plans and documents accordingly.  
• Implements federal, state and local health and safety policies and procedures.  Follows guidelines set in the SRPMIC and ECE Policies and Procedures Manual.   Implements the performance standards as reflected in the ECE Plan.
• Supervises children along with the Teacher/Assistant Teacher/Teacher Aide.  Observes strict confidentiality guidelines regarding children and families.  Assists in educating parents and volunteers about the ECE Confidentiality Policy.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the classroom by following the ECE Policy for Classrooms, which includes, but is not limited to, putting materials away each day and cleaning tables before and after meals and activities.  Assists the Classroom Staff in making the center safe, healthy, interesting and developmentally appropriate; in maintenance and upkeep of classroom supplies and materials for the classroom.
• Pursues basic Pima or Maricopa language skills diligently and continues to expand from words and numbers to practical phrases.   Promotes cultural awareness through the Pima/Maricopa languages, songs and dances.  Assists in providing culturally diverse activities for the children, such as, but not limited to, dancing, singing, rhythmic music and story-time.
• Reports suspected abuse/neglect/maltreatment and other social service related incidents to the appropriate ECE staff.  Reports any repairs and maintenance needs concerning the center or classroom facility and playground to the ECE Program Manager.
• Attends and participates in all scheduled ongoing training designed for ECE Teaching Staff as well as supplemental education training.  .
• Implements in accordance with the Classroom Staff a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children based on the individual interests, needs and abilities of the children in the classroom and the group as a whole.  Sets up the classroom for daily activities and leads activities assigned.  Supports the environment and curriculum, which reflects a developmentally appropriate anti-bias, multicultural approach.
• Supervises and participates in developmentally appropriate outdoor play activities daily.
• Cares for children and helps them with dressing and bathroom needs.
• Follows the health check policy to exclude sick children from the SRPMIC Early Childhood Education Center.  Administers first aid to the children, if necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Other Characteristics
A willingness to learn and understand:

• The History, culture, traditions, and customs of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

Knowledge of: 

• Child growth and development as well as positive discipline techniques
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including training, counseling, and performance evaluations

Skilled in:

• Interacting with small children in learning and play situations
• Understanding and interpreting the problems of small children
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with community agencies and departments, vendors, parents, volunteers, SRPMIC staff, and the general public
• in working effectively on a team
• Using a computer and MS Office Suite application software 

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Follow oral and written instructions, policies and procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines
• Lift up to fifty (50) pounds such as, but not limited to: a child, materials and equipment, from one location to another
• Operate a variety of standard office equipment, including but not limited to: a photocopier, fax machine, calculator, and personal computer to fulfill job requirements
• Handle classroom materials, including but not limited to: paint, scissors and glue

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education: GED, HS Diploma (or higher).

Preference: Preference will be given for applicants with a CDA and/or experience working with children (six weeks to five years old) either as a volunteer or an employee. 

Terms of Employment:  This position is treated as a part-time non-exempt position scheduled for 25 hours per week.   

Special Requirements

Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of this position, successful completion of an extensive background investigation is required.   Incumbent is required to pass a basic physical examination and provide proof of immunizations at time of hire.  Follow-up physical examinations and current immunizations are required and must be completed to maintain good employment status.  Maintaining booster shots on immunizations and taking a TB skin test or x-ray annually is also required.  Documentation of the above medical actions is absolutely essential for the file and for the health of the children in the Early Childhood Education Program.   Incumbent must also obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first three (3) months of employment from the date of hire and maintain certification subsequently.

• At the time of hire, the incumbent must pass a basic physical examination and produce proof of a negative TB clearance and current immunizations, as well as fingerprint clearance.