HS - Teacher Assistant Cottonwood

About the role

The agency is committed to helping high-risk children in Shelby County get ready to succeed in kindergarten by providing education that improves the community.

Responsibilities

• Assists classroom teachers in their shared mission to improve the quality of education offered to Porter-Leath’s students
• Assists the nutrition staff with preparing high-quality meals for students
• Relieves teachers during periods of absence and during breaks
• Remains a flexible and organized team player in order to help all members of the Porter-Leath Community

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and Child Development Associate (CDA in Preschool) required or obtained within 18 months of hire OR Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Previous Head Start experience preferred
• One (1) year of relevant work experience with infants, toddlers, and/or preschoolers preferred
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred

Requirements

• Performs according to the standards set forth by Head Start, DHS / TDOE, NAEYC, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing, and Porter-Leath while performing duties within the kitchen and classroom
• Provides classroom coverage for Teachers and Assistant Teachers when absent or out of the classroom; Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children for Teachers/Assistant Teachers, including children with special needs when assigned
• Plans and Implements developmentally appropriate activities of enrichment and care for one classroom of children according to the standards set forth by Head Start, DHS/ TDOE, NAEYC, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing, and Porter-Leath
• Performs duties as a role model to clients and staff; acts as a mentor to families of children in a group
• Keeps Supervisor and Manager informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner
• Works cooperatively with other staff to create a positive, enriching, and safe environment for children, families, and staff
• Assists program staff in delivering appropriate health, nutrition, disability, education, and family support services to children and families in accordance with program policies, procedures, and service plans
• Aids in the preparation and serving of meals to prep and serve meals in quantities according to menu and a number of persons to be served to make appropriate substitutions when necessary in accordance with USDA recommended daily dietary allowances and family-style dining requirements; comply with all Health Department and Porter-Leath requirements regarding food preparation, food storage, cleanliness, and kitchen sanitation
• Maintains appropriate attendance records, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports
• Conducts regular home visits and parent teacher conferences with families
• Assists with and conducts ongoing child evaluations, screenings and assessments
• Keeps accurate student files/educational records
• Provides an environment that is safe and conducive to learning
• Familiarity with and implements Conscious Discipline strategies and techniques to support positive teacher/child interactions and social emotional growth of all children
• Implements the Pyramid Model to identify appropriate classroom management techniques to use in the classroom
• Attends meetings as necessary to support student development and promote student outcomes
• Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, sit and talk or hear
• Regularly required to use their hands to finger, handle, or feel
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision

Special Conditions

• Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and an appropriate level of insurance

Schedule

Work in a non-smoking area.

Salary

$15.35 - $17.57 per hour