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 Head Start 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

• Responsible for developing, writing, and conducting 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.
• Will be responsible for 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. This includes routines related to hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitions between activities accomplished through working and communicating with Center Director/Teacher.
• Assist the children at snack, breakfast, and lunch time; assure that the Head Start philosophy of serving family style meals is maintained and that the children serve themselves. The Teacher Assistant and Teacher will both be 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 equality in the classroom; work individually with children who have trouble during group activities.
• Responsible for documentation 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.

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.
• Other: Professional manner and attire; no record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment; valid Class C driver's license and 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.
• Supervisory responsibilities: None; must be able to operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.
• Physical demands: Interact with children at their level (on the floor); sitting, standing, bending, reaching, driving; able to lift up to 40 pounds; manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment; normal range of hearing and vision