Teacher Assistant-Head Start

Title: Teacher Assistant—HS	Department: Education & Family Services
Supervises: N/A	Reports to: Center Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt	Pay Grade: 3
Created: May 1, 2017	Revised:  September 2018

Job Summary

Assist in planning, organizing and implementation of classroom activities that are aligned with specified early childhood practices to address the needs of children ages 3-5, in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.  Education staff may work in multiple classrooms or centers depending on the needs of the agency. 

This is a full-time position.  In addition to being able to work 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday with some evening/weekend work. Candidates must effectively perform identified essential duties & responsibilities, and meet all qualifications noted in the proceeding sections.

Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance are required.  Upon request, and with required documentation, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

(In addition to the following, other duties may be assigned)

Assists the teacher in creating a nurturing learning environment that supports the social-emotional, cognitive, and physical and language development of children ages 3-5.

Monitors all indoor and outdoor learning environments to ensure the safety and supervision of children at all times.

Prepares classroom for meals, story time, snack time and performs other activities to assist the teacher in the implementation of daily schedule.

Ensures classroom is set up and materials are prepared for children’s arrival on a daily basis.

Conducts and documents developmental, speech, and behavioral screenings for children.

Provides classroom leadership in the absence of the teacher to ensure consistency of the daily schedule, implementation of the lesson plan and other activities.

Participates in weekly lesson plan development with teaching team.

Completes written observations and anecdotal notes, and enters documentation of child progress, attendance, etc. utilizing agency technology tools.

Participates in the center Child and Family Review (CFR), IFSP, parent meetings and transition process to share pertinent information about the child and family with other staff.

Provide daily routine care for the needs of children ages 3-5, including diapering, feeding and safe sleep practices.

Provides opportunities to actively encourage parents’ participation in the child’s education and development through parent engagement, parents as partners’ activities, volunteer in-kind hours and parent meetings.

Assists with scheduling and completion of parent/teacher conferences and making home visits.

Actively engages with children, staff members and communicates with parents.

Attends workshops and training programs to improve skills, increase awareness and enhance knowledge of center operations.

May be required to travel to other centers to provide coverage based on agency needs.

Report all cases of suspected child abuse/neglect to Franklin County Children Services according to agency procedures and the Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421.

 

Required Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary, in order for an individual to perform essential duties and responsibilities effectively.

 

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or general education diploma (GED). Active participation in continuing education related to obtaining/maintaining the CDA Credentials within two years, followed by continuing education towards an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.  One year of experience working with preschool children, and knowledge of diverse ethnic groups.

Language Skills

Candidates must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and must have the ability to read and interpret documents, write reports, present information to internal and external customers, and respond to questions in a timely manner.

Math Skills

The ability to successfully perform basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems to prepare reports.

 

Reasoning Ability

The ability to use sound judgement to make well thought-out and informed decisions, the ability to apply knowledge and understanding, and use critical thinking skills to problem solve situations that involve several variables.

 

Technology Skills

Ability to use word processing skills, basic spreadsheet skills, electronic presentation skills, web navigation skills, e-mail management skills, computer network knowledge applicable to your department, file management & windows explorer skills, computer-related storage devices (knowledge: disks, CD’s, USB drives, zip disks, DVDs, etc.);

 

Physical Demands

The ability to see clearly up close, at a distance, and the ability to adjust focus quickly, is necessary.  Individuals will be required to speak, listen, stand, and to walk frequently.   Employees are also required to sit at the children’s level, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.   At any given time, an employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Mental Fitness

The ability to remain calm and professional in the face of challenging behaviors and under adversity.  Ability to handle stress, focus, and use sound judgement to make clear decisions.

 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.   Employee will frequently work outdoors in various weather conditions.