Preschool Teacher Assistant

About the role

Teacher Assistants for Early Childhood and Head Start programs assist Lead Teachers in planning and implementing learning experiences that advance the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of children within a safe, healthy learning environment. They encourage the involvement of the families of the children of the program and support the development of relationships between children and their families.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes appropriate language, interactions, and positive discipline.
• Makes positive behavior models.
• Assists in instructing and supervising children in classroom activities.
• Assists with implementing age-appropriate activities that support the Head Start performance standards and the creative curriculum.
• Implements and models family-style eating during meal times.
• Continuously monitors children to ensure safety at all times, and report child abuse and neglect when necessary.
• Assists with administering screenings, creative curriculum and DECA and DIAL-4 screening.
• Assists in utilizing curriculum library, trainings, planning, and developing age-appropriate activities for lesson plans in conjunction with the lead teacher.
• Assists the lead teacher in incorporating required activities into lesson plans that support children’s development.
• Assists in open communication with parents by scheduling and conducting parent/teacher conferences and home visits.
• Assists as a parent advocate, helping resolve issues or concerns that are raised.
• Assists to inform parents about daily classroom routines, expectations, policies, field trips, and volunteer opportunities.
• Assists to communicate with parents about incidents that have been observed and/or recorded on site.
• Assists to complete all necessary paperwork for classroom activities including meal count sheets, attendance, screenings, parent/teacher conferences, and home visits in a timely manner.
• Assists to maintain up-to-date and accurate education folders to include complete incident reports, permission slips.
• Assists with maintaining accurate and up-to-date portfolios.
• Assists with classroom supply lists and inventory.
• Assists with completing assessment paperwork, such as creative curriculum checklist, and DECA and DIAL-4 screenings, according to specified timelines.
• Works closely with EC Manager, Assistant EC Manager, and classroom teaching team.
• Works with Senior Manager and other content area specialists.
• Actively participates in meetings which may include management, staff meetings, as requested.

Requirements

• Current CDA in Early Childhood ages 3-5.
• One year pre-school experience with children ages 3-5.
• Computer skills helpful.
• A love for teaching and the ability to build a trusting relationship with students, teachers, and parents.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds for various classroom and event needs.

Prior to Employment

• Must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship.
• In compliance with KDHE requirements, Child Start will request proof of measles (MMR) vaccination or documented immunity during the employment process.

Benefits

Child Start's Teacher Assistant position starts at $15.50 per hour, depending on education and experience. Child Start offers competitive salary and benefits, including Medical/Dental/Vision plans, company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, 9 paid holidays each year, and much more!