Teacher Aide Cook

Pay Grade(s): 5
Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Purpose: Assists the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing center activities, carrying out lesson plans, and conducting parent-teacher conferences. Incorporates education, disability, health, mental health, family and attendance component plans. Assists with screenings, assessments and reports. Manages large and small groups of children. Responsible for serving a six-week cycle menu and meeting the state and Head Start safety and sanitation requirements.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Be familiar with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, State regulations, Head Start Policies and procedures and the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations.
• 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.
• Responsible for serving breakfast, lunch, and sometimes snack, for up to 20 children plus adult volunteers.
• Prepare nutritionally balanced menus, with a cultural emphasis, provide exposure to new foods.
• In coordination with the Nutrition Coordinator, parents, teachers, and/or a Nutrition Consultant, provide input to recipes within the six-week cycle menu.
• Organize and provide record keeping of cycle menus, daily production records, classifying receipts, current inventory of pantry foods, kitchen supplies and equipment, list of children’s food allergies and special dietary needs.
• Shop for food supplies as predetermined by production records, on a weekly basis, while working within a limited food and food-related budget.
• 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. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:
• 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 (education, experience, skills):
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• *Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
• One (1) year of experience working with young children in a group setting.
• Food Worker Card
*HS Program Performance Standards state: a program must ensure Head Start Preschool assistant teachers, at a minimum, have a CDA credential or a State-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):
• AAS degree in Early Childhood Education
• ServeSafe certification (Certified Food Protection Manager)
• Possess a current First Aid/CPR certificate, or obtain within 90 days of hire.

Physical Requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:
• The work is generally active, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, sitting on floor, getting up and down to assit children, and carrying of items and/or children weighing up to 60 lbs.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:
• 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.
• Certain positions at Tlingit and Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions. The supervisor will review these if applicable.
• Flexible hours may be required, including evenings and weekends for events and workshops.