Teacher Aide

Assists the lead teacher in all facets of center activities, carrying out lesson plans, conducting family visits and parent-teacher conferences, incorporating education, disability, health, mental health, family and attendance component plans, completing screenings, assessment and reports, and leading large and small groups of children.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and maintain a positive relationship with the children, their families, staff, and volunteers.
• Assist in preparation of materials as needed to carry out the weekly lesson plans.
• Will eat and interact with children at mealtimes, serving as an appropriate model to the children.
• Provide support in all areas of the classroom maintaining a welcoming and cheerful environment; may assist conducting developmental screenings, observations of children's behavior, and in developing Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) for each child, including evaluations.
• Attend staff meetings, assist in developing the weekly lesson plans, and overall program activities (e.g., arts and crafts, dramatic play, story time, cooking, music, fine and gross motor, etc.).
• Manage small groups of children, and evaluate activities regarding appropriateness and effectiveness and interest of the children; assist the lead teacher in making smooth transitions for children, within the classroom and between organizations.
• May attend parent committee meetings as requested (may include evening and weekend meetings).
• Will maintain up-to-date files for all children, safeguarding privacy of records and confidential information.
• May assist in recruiting and conducting parent orientations to enrolling eligible children by collecting all needed records.
• Assists with janitorial duties (e.g., cleaning bathrooms, sweeping, mopping or vacuuming floors, cleaning toys, equipment, washing windows, emptying trash, light maintenance, and yard work) to maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Assist in keeping the building and playground area in safe condition and good repair at all times, and observe all fire and sanitation code requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws and requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with executives, managers, supervisors, employees, and employee representatives.
• Knowledge of program rules and requirements.
• Ability to maintain accurate, complete, and confidential records.
• Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, and database software.
• Proficiency in computerized record keeping and reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Project management and conflict resolution skills.
• Familiarity with Alaska Native cultures, particularly Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• One (1) year of experience working with young children in a group setting.
• Possess a current First Aid/CPR certificate.
• Food Worker Card.

Preferred Qualifications:

• AAS degree in Early Childhood Education.

Physical Requirements:

• The work is generally active, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items and/or children weighing up to 60 lbs.

Work Environment:

• The majority of work is performed in a pre-school setting with a wide variety of children & people with differing functions, personalities, and abilities. The office is a non-smoking facility with outside smoking areas.