Nature of Work

To assist and cooperate in a supportive role with relieving teaching staff for breaks and planning time. Promote health, safety,
nutrition and the education of the children in the classroom. 

Education

High School Degree or GED. Experience working with Children in a group setting preferred. 

Essential Functions

• Be familiar with and adhere to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, State of Louisiana licensing requirements, the RCCDC written work plan, and agency's policies and procedures
• Maintain an open, friendly, professional relationship with all staff and families, to include respect for culture, diversity and ethnicity.
• Participate in annual program self-assessment and continuous quality improvement initiatives of the overall program.
• Monitor and ensure confidentiality of children records

Position Specific Essential Functions:

1. Works according to a schedule determined with input from all teaching staff and the director in all classrooms. 
2. Adapts planned activities, materials and equipment to facilitate participation by special needs child/children.
3. Performs required care-giving activities for child/children, i.e. feeding, toileting, dressing etc. 
4. Works in each classroom or on the outdoor learning center on an assigned basis to provide breaks for all teachers and teacher assistants.
5. Becomes familiar with the individualized programs or behavior plans for each child
6. Assists teacher implemented behavior management plans and behavior plans for each child
7. Utilizes disciplinary measures appropriately as defined in the RCCDC Discipline Policies and Procedures
8. Assists the teacher with Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental engagement.
9. Assists the teacher in preparing an annual inventory of all classroom supplies and equipment.

Additional Job Responsibilities

1. Attends meetings, trainings, and professional development activities. 
2. Generates In-Kind.
3. Other duties as requested. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions. Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.
• Ability to supervise children (birth to five) and ensure a safe environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom, bus, outdoor play areas and on field trips. This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need redirection in order to insure their safety or the safety of others in the environment. 
• If necessary, sits with children during family style meal times and eats the same "Head Start" lunch as the children, providing a model for good nutritional habits. 
• Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation. 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Employees within this classification are required to:

• Pass a criminal background check.
• Pass a physical examination every three years
• Complete Tuberculosis (TB) test every three years.
• Maintain a current First Aid, CPR, and CPI certification ( training provided )
• Maintain a valid driver's license with a driving record in compliance with RCCDC's insurance carrier requirements. 
• Lift up to 50 lbs. 
• Daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs
• Perform duties in an active environment with changes in climate and noise level.