Teacher Assistant-Floater

This position is a Teacher Assistant Floater role that travels between the Seguin and New Braunfels Head Start Centers, assisting in classrooms serving children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old (both Early Head Start and Head Start).

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Start Teachers in implementing the program while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, TDFPS Minimum Standards, and all state and local regulations.
• Provide a supportive, safe, and stimulating learning environment that reflects the cultures of all enrolled children, including those with special needs.
• Maintain classroom ratios and ensure two teachers are present at all times; assist with breaks and other classroom needs as requested.
• Ensure the safety of children through constant supervision, proper arrangement of space, maintenance of equipment, and regular practice of emergency procedures.
• Work closely with the Teacher to develop lesson plans that meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child, including small and large group activities.
• Assist in incorporating developmentally appropriate practices according to Head Start Performance Standards.
• Implement center routines, including hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitioning between activities.
• Operate the classroom in compliance with all childcare-licensing standards, ensuring no form of physical punishment is used.
• Assist in maintaining a stimulating, clean, and safe learning environment in each classroom.
• Ensure proper documentation in children's files, including ongoing assessments and records for each child.
• Assist in implementing Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals for identified children.
• Provide a variety of materials and activities to encourage individual and group play, promoting language/literacy, social-emotional, physical, math, science, and cognitive skills.
• Encourage self-expression, creativity, and positive guidance to promote self-esteem.
• Provide experiences that develop thinking skills such as generalizing, classifying, sorting, and problem-solving.
• Help children develop appropriate relationships with others through guided opportunities.
• Increase the complexity and challenge of activities as children develop.
• Observe, record, and report children's behavior, sharing information with EHS/HS management for intervention or assistance.
• Demonstrate personal development and growth by maintaining a calm, pleasant, and enthusiastic demeanor with children.
• Assist with transition activities for children and families entering, during, and exiting the Head Start program.
• Join children during snack, breakfast, and lunch, ensuring family-style meals are served and encouraging children to eat a variety of foods from the My Plate Plan.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Texas Minimum Standards for Licensing and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ability to perform essential job duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Schedule

This is a year-round position.