Teacher Assistant

About the Role

The Teacher Assistant works directly with all children in the classroom, supporting the classroom teacher in planning and implementing early childhood activities with the help of parent volunteers. This role includes temporary teaching assignments as directed by supervisors within the Head Start Program.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and assist children in performing daily activities in the Head Start Center.
• Actively participate in classroom operations by creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans that include IEP and developmental assessment goals.
• Teach and instruct age-appropriate language development and pre-math skills.
• Encourage staff and child interaction, implement appropriate room arrangement, and maintain a safe classroom environment.
• Set goals and objectives, conduct ongoing observations and assessments, and facilitate family-style meals.
• Plan classroom activities and reinforce behavior management.
• Encourage parents to participate and volunteer in classroom and other Head Start activities.
• Communicate with families daily and maintain a clean and safe classroom.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, CDA/ECE classes, and related career development classes.
• Actively participate in the recruitment of eligible Head Start children and families.
• Assist with two home visits per child per year.
• Assist with planning and implementing parent meetings and related activities.
• Assist with parent/teacher conferences to keep parents informed about their child’s progress.
• Assist children in serving food, practicing appropriate table behavior, and promoting good nutritional habits using CACFP guidelines.
• Maintain strict child confidentiality.
• Assist with children’s screenings, including audio, vision, height/weight, anemia, IEP, mental health, and development.
• Assist with documentation and follow-up on social services and other referrals.
• Complete reports as assigned by supervisor with accuracy and timeliness.
• Assist children with differing abilities in their daily routine, including diapering and feeding.
• Help staff incorporate IEP/IFSP goals into classroom activities as directed.
• Utilize various virtual platforms to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within 2 years of hire; CDA/ECE Certificate or AA/AAS degree preferred.
• All education must be from an accredited institute.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Six months of BCCL or Head Start parent volunteer work in Head Start or Child Care.
• Advanced computer skills in word processing, internet, and email.
• Arizona Driver’s License, proof of insurance, fingerprint card, Social Security card, CPR and First Aid certification, and a vehicle for program business.
• Health Questionnaire required at hire and updated every 3 years.
• Must meet all agency, state, and federal required immunizations or have an approved exemption on file.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English; bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.
• Food Handlers Card or Certificate within 30 calendar days of hire.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong team membership abilities.
• Ability to supervise birth to preschool children, ensuring a safe learning environment.
• Ability to monitor and respond to events in the classroom, outdoor play areas, and field trips.
• Professional communication with internal and external customers.
• Ability to prioritize workload, remain flexible, and make frequent decisions to ensure developmental progress of children.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies or crisis situations.
• Knowledge of early care and education principles, adult learning styles, cultural and ethnic diversity, and family dynamics.
• Understanding of DCS reporting system and signs/symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP).

Physical Requirements

• Critical sensory requirements include general vision, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to hear or listen in the normal range (corrected) and speak clearly.
• Able to walk, sit, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 40 lbs.
• Able to run 50 feet and demonstrate exercises such as jumping jacks and leg lifts.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a classroom/office setting with minimal exposure to injury. Hours average at least 40 per week, with variations due to special projects, deadlines, or other concerns. Employees may have occasional exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, vibration, toxic conditions, odors, dust, mold, and poor ventilation.