Lampasas Head Start Teacher Assistant
Position Summary
The Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for a group of children or area of activity as assigned, supervising play activities by participating in group games, enforcing safety rules, and intervening when children are likely to injure themselves or others. The Teacher Assistant will also act as Teacher in the absence of Director/Teacher by learning all aspects of the function of a Head Start Classroom, such as completing all assigned paperwork and reports, supervision of children, and sharing in the implementation of lesson plans.
Essential Job Functions
- Develop, write, and conduct a planned lesson at least once a month; more frequently as experience is gained.
- Prepare and conduct at least one center activity a day, such as circle time, science, home or other.
- Work closely with the Center Director and Classroom Teacher to maintain a calm classroom conducive to good early childhood learning standards without resorting to physical punishment.
- Ensure that childcare routines are carried out in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, and consistent with good child development principles.
- Absentee Teacher responsibilities include assisting with mealtime, ensuring the safety of children through constant supervision, and documenting in ½ of the children's files in all content areas.
- Complete Individual Development Plans for each enrolled child; continue the on-going assessment process, maintaining written or computer records on each child.
- Observe, record, and report any child's behavior, sharing information appropriately with other staff members.
- Attend all staff meetings and other training as provided.
- After the new hire probationary period (90 days), Teacher Assistants must work toward and receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the Center Director.
Job Requirements
- Annual Pre-service Training is Mandatory
- Education: Minimum: High School Diploma or GED
- Experience: Some experience and ability to work with pre-school children
- Skills and Abilities: Warm, supportive, pleasant, and positive attitude toward young children and parents; reliable; flexible in receiving assignments or adapting to changes in the program; willing to accept supervision to improve work performance; professional manner and attire; valid Class C driver's license and a reliable vehicle with current liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA's vehicle insurance policy; a Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire; CPR and First Aid certifications; compliance with all HCCAA Policies and confidentiality and courtesy in all phases of agency operations.
Supervisory Responsibilities
No Equipment To Be Used
Must be able to operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.
Requires interacting with the children on their level at times (on the floor), sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving.
Must be able to lift to 40 pounds.
Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment.
Requires a normal range of hearing and vision.
Must be able to react quickly (run after a child).
Typical Physical Demands
- Requires interacting with the children on their level at times (on the floor)
- Sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving
- Lifting to 40 pounds
- Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment
- A normal range of hearing and vision
- React quickly (run after a child)
Typical Mental Demands
- Analyzing the effectiveness of classroom operations and choosing the most effective course of action for the Head Start program at any given point in time
- Handling new and diverse work problems daily
- Listening objectively to people, perceiving the real problem, and assisting in bringing issues to a successful conclusion
- Relating and interacting with employees at all levels within the agency
Knowledge
- Basic math and literacy skills
- Ability to record data pertinent to Head Start Performance Standards
Employee Benefits
- Accrual of sick and vacation leave
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Up to 15 paid holidays per year
- Options for employee paid benefits
Flsa Status Disclaimer
FLSA status is based in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Any changes in the act which will affect the FLSA status will be adhered to. When wages exceed the position entry level due to tenure, the Exempt/Non-Exempt status will be designated accordingly.
Note
Note: Eligibility for benefits is based on Personnel Policies & Procedures and benefits are subject to change.