Teacher Assistant

Primary Purpose

Assist Teacher in the delivery of high-quality infant, toddler, and preschool services as defined by the Head Start Performance Standards, State Licensing Rules, program work plans, and program goals. Assist with day-to-day operations of assigned classroom. Maintain quality environments with attention to safety and health prevention measures.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure children are supervised at all times and maintain appropriate ratios and group sizes.
• Ensure children are signed in and out of class and bus and released only to authorized adults.
• Clean and sanitize classrooms, equipment and materials according to policies and procedures.
• Complete daily classroom and playground safety checks, as assigned.
• Assist teacher in providing responsive care, effective teaching practices, and an organized learning environment for all children.
• Assist teacher to implement The Creative Curriculum to fidelity to provide quality, developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
• Absorb physical activity and utilize program resources to enhance daily lesson plans.
• Provide input and support to ensure learning environments include age-appropriate, and culturally and linguistically responsive supplies, materials, equipment and space, including accommodations for children with disabilities, with periodic changes to support interests, development and learning.
• Use positive guidance strategies to support social-emotional and behavioral health.
• Provide family-style meal service with sufficient time for children to eat, following food safety guidelines for all food service.
• Track daily attendance for each child and implement program attendance follow-up procedures, as assigned.
• Absorb teacher in completing screenings and assessments, as assigned.
• Perform Teacher job duties in the temporary absence of the Teacher.
• Complete additional tasks and job duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Assist teacher in delivery of appropriate services to children with IFSP/IEP’s.
• Provide supportive environments individual supports.
• Support team implementation of individual plans for special health needs, including asthma, diabetes, emotional or other conditions that require additional service provisions.
• In coordination with Teacher, regularly share information with families regarding their child’s routines, activities, and behaviors (conversations, phone calls, notes home, etc.)
• Encourage ongoing parent participation in classrooms, site family events, and other program activities.
• Adhere to federal, state and program documentation requirements.
• Participate in on-going team communication to support service delivery, promoting problem-solving and conflict resolution within assigned team.
• Support outreach and recruitment efforts by communicating the program’s eligibility, selection, and enrollment policies and practices to families, other service providers, and the general public.
• Provide supervision to parents, assigned volunteers and practicum students
• Provide constructive ongoing feedback and support in professional growth

Team Expectations

• Teamwork
• Partnerships
• Diversity
• Confidentiality & Ethics
• Physical Safety
• Communications
• Health & Sustainability
• Public Relations
• Professional Growth

Individual Expectations

• Attend staff meetings, center meetings, and/or other workshops/meetings as notified
• Maintain a positive attitude regarding ORCCA and all its programs along with the Head Start program and philosophy
• Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity
• Maintain respect and positive communication regarding all children, families and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and staff information.
• Maintain open, two-way communication with staff
• Accept suggestions and guidance from supervisor and other management staff
• Seek feedback on job performance and evaluate suggestions and guidance to incorporate in performance
• Commit to further training. Develop an individual training plan using program tools, as appropriate.
• Communicate with supervisor regarding any needed changes or concerns with work schedule.
• Adhere to agency procedures as a mandated child abuse reporter
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
• Ability to perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations

Experience and Education Requirements

• Infant/Toddler, including Baby Promise
• AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or AA in related field or higher
• Oregon Registry Step 9 or higher
• Infant/Toddler Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher
• Enrolled in Infant/Toddler Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Preschool (in order of preference)
• AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or AA in related field or higher
• Oregon Registry Step 9 or higher
• Preschool Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher
• High school diploma or equivalent (Upon hire, must be enrolled in CDA program to be completed within 2 years) or;
• High school diploma or equivalent (Upon hire, must be enrolled in AA program with professional development plan to achieve Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher within 2 years)

Work Environment

• Geographic Area: Coos, Curry, and Coastal Douglas Counties; Primary worksite:
• May lift items up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Access to indoor office, in a climate-controlled environment; may not have access to sunlight. Regular activities outside in a non-climate controlled environment.
• Regular kneeling, bending, stooping and sitting on the floor.
• Regular walking and standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasional events outside of the office at irregular hours will be required.
• Attendance at off-site staff training events will be required.

Other

• A current Oregon Driver’s License is required.
• Proof of automobile liability insurance [at] $100,000/300,000 liability limits and maintain such limits.
• Reliable transportation for getting to work.
• Must be free from illegal drugs, may be subject to suspicion testing.