Teacher Assistant

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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; additional center activities under the guidance of Center Director and/or Classroom Teacher as needed.
• 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 (hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, transitions).
• Assist the children at snack, breakfast, and lunch time; maintain the Head Start philosophy of serving family style meals and ensure the Teacher Assistant and Teacher are both seated at the table(s) with the children at mealtime.
• Ensure the safety of children through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, proper maintenance of equipment, and regular practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures.
• Work as a member of a team to ensure continuity of curriculum and high standards of quality in the classroom; work individually with children who have trouble during group activities.
• Document 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), work toward and receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: Some experience and ability to work with preschool 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.
• Other: Professional manner and attire; no record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment; valid Class C driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with current liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA’s vehicle insurance policy; Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire; maintain CPR and First Aid certifications; comply with all HCCAA policies and maintain confidentiality and courtesy.

Equipment and Physical Demands

• Operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.
• Physical demands include interacting with children on their level, sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving; ability to lift up to 40 pounds; manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment; normal range of hearing and vision; ability to react quickly.

Mental Demands

• Analyze the effectiveness of classroom operations and choose the most effective course of action for the Head Start program at any given point in time.
• Handle new and diverse work problems daily; resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Listen objectively, perceive the real problem, and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion.
• Relate and interact with employees at all levels within the agency.
• Bilingual skills are encouraged; knowledge of basic math and literacy skills; ability to record data pertinent to Head Start Performance Standards.

Working Conditions

• The classroom staff is scheduled to work an alternate schedule to coincide with the center’s hours of operation (typically 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Friday).
• Occasionally required to perform duties outside the alternate work schedule to meet program goals.
• Some out-of-town and overnight travel are required.

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; eligibility and benefits subject to change per Personnel Policies & Procedures.