HS Teacher Assistant - Covington Pike

About the role

As the premiere provider of Head Start programs in Memphis, the agency is committed to helping high-risk children in Shelby County get ready to succeed in kindergarten. Our Assistant Teachers play a vital role in improving the community through education by supporting classroom teachers and contributing to the overall mission of Porter-Leath.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom teachers in delivering high-quality education to Porter-Leath’s students.
• Assist nutrition staff with preparing and serving high-quality meals for students.
• Relieve teachers during periods of absence and breaks.
• Perform duties according to standards set by Head Start, DHS/TDOE, NAEYC, CACFP, USDA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing, and Porter-Leath in both kitchen and classroom settings.
• Provide classroom coverage for absent teachers or assistant teachers, assuming primary caregiver responsibilities for a group of children, including those with special needs.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities for children in alignment with program standards.
• Act as a role model and mentor to families of children in the program.
• Keep supervisors informed of programmatic issues promptly (within 24 hours).
• Work cooperatively with staff to create a positive, enriching, and safe environment for children, families, and colleagues.
• Assist in delivering health, nutrition, disability, education, and family support services according to program policies.
• Implement daily education procedures and ensure children engage in activities suited to their emotional, social, intellectual, and physical needs.
• Communicate with nutrition, health, and education staff to fulfill special dietary needs.
• Assist in meal preparation and serving, adhering to USDA dietary guidelines, health department regulations, and Porter-Leath requirements.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, meal counts, and other necessary reports.
• Conduct regular home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
• Assist with ongoing child evaluations, screenings, and assessments.
• Maintain accurate student files and educational records.
• Provide a safe and conducive learning environment.
• Implement Conscious Discipline strategies and Pyramid Model techniques for classroom management and social-emotional growth.
• Attend meetings to support student development and outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned to contribute to the team effort.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and a Child Development Associate (CDA in Preschool) credential, required or obtained within 18 months of hire.
• Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field (alternative to CDA).
• 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.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, sit, talk, or hear.
• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close and color vision.
• Work in a non-smoking area.

Special Conditions

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

Pay

$15.35 - $17.57 per hour.