Teacher Aide Cook - Head Start - Craig

Wrangell, AK   Head Start

*Note:  Interviewing as soon as possible for 2026-2027 School Year to begin on August 8, 2026*

Department:   Head Start

Location:   Varies

Covered   Position: Yes

Exemption   Status: Non-exempt

Pay   Grade(s): 5 ($20.88+ DOE)

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 assist children, and carrying of items and/or children weighing up to 60 lbs.

· Must   provide a TB screening and basic physical exam within ninety (90) days of   hire with follow-up every three (3) years at employee's expense

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.