Assistant Teacher

About the role

The Role Assistant Teacher assists in the instruction of preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. You will be responsible for assisting the Teacher in the general day-to-day operations of the Head Start classroom. You will assist in creating and nurturing strong partnerships with families and ensuring that instruction is consistent with best practice and of the highest level of quality, in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Engage with children during all activities throughout the day; provide constant supervision of children during all learning activities indoors and outdoors and ensure a safe environment.
• Aid in planning and conducting activities with Head Start Teacher to meet individual needs of children in accordance with the daily schedule.
• Guide and facilitate activities with Head Start Teacher including classroom projects and field trips.
• Maintain classroom management using developmentally appropriate techniques.
• Provide a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment; interact with children one-on-one and in small groups.
• Build effective relationships within the organization, the children, and their families.
• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Work closely with management to ensure program compliments Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Serve as a liaison between staff and parents; partner with parents in the education of their children including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss children’s individual development and progress.
• Eat with and assist children with eating at mealtime to teach social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Assist children in health and personal habits, such as resting, brushing teeth and toilet habits.
• Assist the Head Start Teacher in record keeping; conduct and document observations, assessments and screenings.
• Participate in staff meetings, committees, and training sessions.
• Absent from the Head Start classroom to assist in mobilizing and documenting matching in-kind activities, goods and services.
• Develop and document progress on professional development plans.
• Will be required to take the lead in the absence of a teacher.

Requirements

• Child Development Associate (CDA) or credential of a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Demonstrated successful interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels, including students, families, coworkers, and community members.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with Head Start Teacher, other staff, parents and community partners in the provision of high-quality services to children and families.
• Proven ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
• Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and on-line client management systems.
• Must participate in professional development training including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.

Qualifications

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages used by children and families).
• If in North Carolina, holding a Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) Licensure preferred.