Assistant Teacher

About the role

The Teacher Assistant position at Head Start in Fayetteville, NC supports the Teacher in delivering developmentally appropriate activities, promoting child safety, and fostering family and community involvement.

Responsibilities

• Consistently watch, count, and listen to children to ensure their safety, adhering to OHS Performance Standards and NCDCDEE regulations.
• Respond promptly to emergencies and report issues to a supervisor.
• Aid in creating a safe indoor and outdoor environment.
• Help deliver age-appropriate activities for both groups and individuals.
• Record children’s behaviors to help the Lead Teacher identify strengths and growth areas.
• Engage and encourage participation from families and community volunteers.
• Incorporate all Head Start elements into classroom activities.
• Aid in developing and implementing lesson plans that include mandated elements, cultural influences, and goals for social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Follow the Lead Teacher’s schedule, including group activities, choice time, and transitions.
• Promote experimentation, problem-solving, cooperation, and decision-making.
• Create an environment that fosters parental engagement.
• Collaborate to meet the needs of children with special requirements as per their IEP.
• Maintain cleanliness of classroom equipment and laundry.
• Help with meal distribution as needed.
• Aid in maintaining accurate records, including assessments, IEPs, screening instruments, observations, parent-teacher conferences, home visits, and required forms.
• Ensure the classroom and facility are secure and well-maintained.
• Attend meetings, training, and developmental activities.
• Accurately count meals at point-of-service for CACFP daily documentation.
• Temporarily assume the Lead Teacher role if needed in the absence of a Lead Teacher.
• Perform other assigned tasks as required.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) and Child Development Associate (CDA); AA or BA Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Experience: One to two years related experience in an early childhood educational setting. An equivalent combination of experience, training and education may be accepted.

General Requirements

• Certificates & Licenses: Required certifications and licenses are: NC Division of Child Development and Early Education Qualifying Letter, Current (negative) TB test with receipt, Pre-employment physical, First Aid Certificate, CPR Certificate, Valid driver's license, annual state vehicle inspection, and proof of vehicle liability insurance coverage.
• Other Requirements: Must be able to work and communicate with a wide variety of people, particularly pre-school-aged children; must be able to pass a criminal background record check and post-offer employment and random substance abuse tests; must be able to complete a criminal background check and maintain an active Criminal Background Check (CBC); must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License; must be able to pass a post-offer physical examination.