Head Start Teacher Assistant

The Teacher Assistant assists the Lead Teacher in implementing a developmentally appropriate plan for a group of three- to five-year-old children and providing quality early childhood experiences. The Teacher Assistant assists in creating and nurturing strong partnerships with families and ensuring that instruction is consistent with best practice and at the highest level of quality, in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, State Childcare Licensing Requirements, and Agency Policy. The Teacher Assistant will treat all individuals with dignity and respect, make necessary referrals for clients, and exemplify the South Central Community Action Program, Inc. (SCCAP) commitment to empowering people to reach their potential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Supports and assists the Lead Teacher in providing individual and group learning activities, based on children’s skills, interests, and temperament. Assists in all aspects in maintaining a well-balanced classroom.
• Carries out positive discipline practices in accordance with South Central Community Action, Inc. policies and procedures.
• Assists with activities and encourages positive parent-child interactions.
• Visually observes and supervises children’s activities, moving quickly to prevent dangerous situations.
• Interacts and provides feedback to supervisors, component coordinators and appropriate staff.
• Attends various training sessions, meetings, parent activities, seminars, and workshops.
• Prepares and/or serves meals and snacks; sitting with children to encourage social interaction, performs housekeeping tasks.
• Ability to transport supplies and self from one location to another location within Monroe County when needed.
• Provides guidance to substitute teachers; provides examples and directions to classroom volunteers.
• Participates in and supports at least four events annually hosted or sponsored by SCCAP; including parent events, parent committee, open houses, and community fairs.
• Actively participates in securing in-kind contributions from families, professionals, and community members.
• Engages parents in volunteering, community service, and other ways of contributing to program activities and services.
• Provides opportunities for children and families to participate in family literacy services.
• Makes decisions and act based on family support principals, theories, practices, and code of ethics.
• Will not leave children unattended or unsupervised in accordance with SCCAP policies and procedures.
• Ensures reporting of any and all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, as required by law.
• Prepares attendance records, first aid/injury reports, food service records, meal participation records, family contact reports, memos, correspondence and other job related documents.
• Comply with local, state and federal policies, operating procedures, and requirements.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalency with no previous experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Skilled in the use of computers for email, creation, and manipulation of databases, and Microsoft Office.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Must be able to work at various sites under different supervisors.
• Must ensure efficient operations and present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
• Must be philosophically compatible with the mission of SCCAP.
• Must be able to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally to attend to daily work demands, meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Childcare Requirements

• Free from Child Abuse and Neglect
• Pre-employment drug test & physical examination certification

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

Ability to use departmental equipment, tools, and materials.

Ability to exert physical effort in light to moderate work involving lifting (up to 50 pounds), carrying, pushing, and pulling; ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; ability to climb and balance, tasks require perception and discrimination. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis. Requires ability to set priorities and work schedule yet adjust to changes necessitated by last minute assignments and deadline requests that may prove stressful. A consistent pleasant attitude is necessary with personal maturity as an important attribute. Must relate and interact with people at all levels of the company and in a culturally diverse environment.