Teacher Assistant / Teacher Aide

Fundamental Duties/Essential Functions

• Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned.

• Preschool Classroom Activities

  • Assist the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities including lesson plans.
  • Assists in planning instructional activities as described in the Pre-K Counts Regulations and PA Early Learning Standards and/or Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
  • Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
  • Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
  • Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.
  • Supports the nutritional aspect of the program by encouraging practices which promote family style meal service.
  • Aids in ensuring health and safety practices are being utilized at all times when children are present in the center.
  • Aids in classroom management, by organizing instructional materials and being prepared in advanced for children's activities.
  • Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
  • Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
  • Aid the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
  • Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
  • Annually, obtain at least 24 hours of continuing professional development.

• Parent/Family Involvement and Community Relations

  • Aid the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family engagement in the class.
  • Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families and their children.
  • Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the awareness of the child's needs and development, how the activities of the program promote positive development and their roles in the child's overall education and development.
  • Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development.
  • Aid with increasing parents' knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in basic child development.
  • Aid with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as volunteers.
  • Aid with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and community members.
  • Positively promotes Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre-K Counts in the community.
  • Aid with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.

Training

• Attend all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attend all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
• Responsible for understanding Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal, state and other local regulations as appropriate.
• Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
• Maintain a minimum of a CDA credential and work towards a higher degree in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children.
• Knowledge of PA Early Learning Standards and/or Head Start Early Learning Outcomes and Framework for preschool children.
• Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start/Pre-K Counts programs.
• Knowledge of local resources, customs and language helpful.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff, parents and families.
• Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Ability to keep all information regarding families strictly confidential.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families and staff.
• Ability to work as assigned.