Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direct supervision of the Head Start Director assists in providing classroom experiences to enhance and promote the educational, intellectual, social growth and development of children. Maintains a safe and healthy learning environment that reflects the Pueblo’s Culture.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work under the direct supervision of the Head Start Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

NATURE OF WORK

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in implementing lesson plans in a manner that will develop each child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social behavior and in accordance with Head Start strategic plan; assists with planned activities to stimulate growth in language, social, and motor skills.
• Assists Teachers in providing stimulation activities and experiences in all curriculum areas; avoids activities causing over-stimulation or fatigue.
• Assists Teacher in providing and supervising a variety of experiences by means of dramatic play, storytelling, field trips, and group discussion to stimulate students’ interest in and broaden understanding of their physical and social environment.
• Encourages children to take pride in their cultural heritage.
• Assists in analyzing and appraising children’s progress and maintaining accurate written records, including assessments, IEP and ILP documentation, screening instrumentation, anecdotal observations, and other forms in a child’s working file.
• Accompanies and transports children on field trips or to activities.
• Instructs children in practices of personal cleanliness and self-care.
• Fosters cooperative social behavior; promotes self-expression and appreciation of aesthetic experiences.
• Ensures the cleanliness and safety of materials, classroom, and playgrounds by performing routine inspections.
• Assists classroom volunteers and parents in feeling welcomed, comfortable, and involved.
• Assists Teachers in maintaining effective working relationships with parents by assisting with parent participation.
• Accompanies Teachers on home visits with families for purposes of assessment, support, and sharing information on parenting, educational strategies, and classroom progress.
• Completes attendance records and accident and incident reports.
• Updates the Parent Communication ensuring accurate and timely information.
• Attends Monthly Parent Meetings; occasional weekend activities; and other program coordinated events.
• Assists Teacher in implementing established classroom rules and routines and ensuring that they are understood and accepted by children and their parents.
• Assists children in getting off and on the bus; provides transportation to children as needed; drives program bus on an established schedule.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

JOB FUNCTION

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and pueblo customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of the functions and structure of Ohkay Owingeh.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.
• Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.
• Ability to supervise and ensure a safe learning environment for young children.
• Ability to respond to emergency or crisis situations.
• Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything, and continually seek improvement in results.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Skill in administering disciplinary rules to children and resolving situational conflicts among children.
• Must satisfy health requirements as defined by the federal program standards.
• Certified Child Development Associate (CDA).
• Certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Possession of Food Handler’s Certificate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED; one-year experience working with children at the pre-school level preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must satisfy health requirements as defined by the federal program standards and be certified as a Child Development Associate (CDA) or on the path to receiving one.
• Must be willing to sign a confidentiality statement upon hire.
• Must be familiar with community resources that assist youth and families in the communities we service.
• Must be culturally sensitive and be able to work effectively with individuals from different ethnic backgrounds.
• Must be physically able to perform job duties.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong clerical and computer/database skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Current valid New Mexico’s Driver’s License with no DWI’s.
• Must be insurable through the Pueblos insurance Carrier.
• No felony convictions or gross misdemeanors within the past ten years.
• Must successfully be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE
VETERAN PREFERENCE

SUBMIT APPLICATION AND RESUME TO:
OHKAY OWINGEH HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
PO BOX 1099, OHKAY OWINGEH, NEW MEXICO 87566
FAX (505) 852-0093
lydell.lewis@ohkay.org

When required of the position, attach a copy of high school /GED, college education, certification(s) or license(s).