HS Teacher Assistant

About the role

The Head Start Teacher Assistant Program is designed to provide a high-quality environment for children, fostering their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. The role requires reliability, problem-solving skills, and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Aid in organizing and using space, materials, and routines to create an engaging environment that supports learning and development.
• Assist in developing and implementing an integrated curriculum that aligns with developmental levels of the children.
• Use community resources and age-appropriate activities to enrich the children's experience.
• Maintain an environment that respects and reflects the diverse backgrounds and learning styles of each child.
• Perform bus monitoring duties as assigned, ensuring the safety of all passengers during transportation.
• Maintain effective communication with children, fostering their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
• Interact with children at their eye level, using a pleasant and encouraging voice, and assist in providing opportunities for communication.
• Support the development of supportive relationships with parents and maintain a cooperative atmosphere in the workplace.
• Assist in observing and assessing each child in each developmental area, utilizing appropriate assessment instruments.
• Communicate the activities of the program to parents regularly, including newsletters and activity calendars.
• Participate in parent conferences and home visits as needed or required, and communicate expectations and opportunities for parental involvement.
• Maintain a clean and organized learning environment, using all available resources to ensure an effective classroom operation.
• Report incidents and suspected child abuse or neglect to the Center Director immediately.
• Write and submit reports accurately and on time, request supplies and equipment as needed, and assist in completing lesson plans.
• Recruit volunteers and in-kind contributions, and participate in program-wide recruitment.
• Attend all required meetings and training opportunities.
• Implement strategies based on child development theories and appropriate practices, including CLASS and NAEYC standards.
• Absorb and apply new knowledge and skills through professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum: CDA credential or equivalent State-awarded certificate, an AA in ECE/CD with 18 semester hours, and 2 years of early childhood experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, children, parents, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively the duties required for the job, including verbal communication, auditory response, visual ability, and physical stamina.
• Demonstrated willingness to pursue appropriate professional development opportunities.