Preschool Teacher Assistant (3962)

About the Role

The Preschool Teacher Assistant works as part of a teaching team in developing activities for preschool children. Assists the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. Works with families to promote parent involvement in the program. May serve as Bus Monitor on activities where the program transports children. Participates in the Head Start/Early Head Start Quality Assurance efforts.

Responsibilities

• Participates in pre-service training.
• Implements approved curricula in the classroom.
• Performs duties with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and component plans.
• With the teacher, guides and facilitates activities of the children, including daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Cooperates with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, adjusting as needed to meet children’s needs.
• Writes weekly observations per assessment procedure.
• Uses parent conferences to discuss the child’s individual development and progress, assists parents in developing observational skills, and solicits parent observations.
• Eats with and assists children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• If needed, serves as a bus monitor in the transportation of children and engages children in song and other developmentally appropriate activities during the ride.
• Guides children’s acquisition of social skills.
• Attends staff training, meetings, board, and parent meetings as requested.
• Assists in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment.
• Assists teacher in ensuring that at least 80% of the children are kindergarten ready.
• Assists in quality staff-child interactions resulting in CLASS scores greater than the lowest 10% of the threshold in each domain.
• Uses active supervision techniques and maintains positive classroom behavior.
• Receives a satisfactory or higher score on the Teacher Assistant Success Rubric.
• Assists teacher in maintaining a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations, examples of the child’s work, and a developmental assessment.
• Assists teacher in conducting and using home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child’s development and progress, and to assist parents in developing observational skills.
• Assists in conducting the daily health and environment checklist.
• Assists in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Assists the teacher in the completion of required reports.
• Completes timely and accurate time sheets.
• Distributes newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor.
• Attends all training, workshops, and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate.
• National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Preschool Endorsement; OR Florida Child Care Professional Certification (FCCPC); OR Certified Childcare Professional (CCP); OR enrollment in a degree program or possession of an associate’s, bachelor’s, or advanced degree.
• Proof of successful completion of the 45-hour Florida Child Care Facility training and a Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers within 12 months of hire date.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR within 90 days from the date of hire.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB, and drug screening prior to hiring.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Development or a related field with 18 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.
• Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers and proof of successful completion of the 45-hour Florida Child Care Facility training within 12 months of hire date.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area).

Skills

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood.
• Knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices.
• Knowledge of current educational techniques and practices.
• Skill in making presentations to groups.
• Skill in verbal communication with children and conflict resolution.
• Ability to assist in planning, organizing, and conducting childhood education programs.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor, or a bent or kneeled position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and maintain work-related reports and files.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds.
• Must be able to provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children by lifting the child into a seat and fastening the safety belt.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to doctors).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance (1X salary).
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday.
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year).
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.