Assistant Teacher I

About the role

The 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.

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 the Head Start Teacher to meet individual needs of children in accordance with the daily schedule.
• Guide and facilitate activities with the 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 complies with 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.
• Aid in the health and personal habits of children, such as resting, brushing teeth, and toilet habits.
• Aid the Head Start Teacher in record keeping; conduct and document observations, assessments, and screenings.
• Participate in staff meetings, committees, and training sessions.
• Aid in the mobilization and documentation of matching in-kind activities, goods, and services.
• Work may require flexibility to stay until all children have left the program.
• In cooperation with supervisor, develop and document progress on professional development plans.
• Will be required to take the lead in the absence of a teacher.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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.
• Prior 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.