Head Start Assistant Teacher

Position: Head Start Assistant Teacher
Job Classification: Non- Exempt
Reports to: Center Director

Summary:
The Assistant Teacher is responsible for actively helping and supporting the Lead Teacher in providing overall care and education to children in the classroom.

Responsibilities and Duties:
•Assist with implementation of compliance to the CDC-chosen curriculum, i.e., Creative Curriculum.
•Consult tools and trainings to execute standard CDC initiatives, i.e., play plans and intentional play.
•Maintain an effective level of high-quality verbal engagement all day with the children.
•Partner with other staff, in the class, to achieve consistent value among all interactions with the children.
•Manage day-to-day classroom activities, including Creative Curriculum, intentional play, bathroom breaks, meals, etc. as opportunities for significant interactions with the children.
•Implement brain-based techniques from the CDC research base and in-house specialists to effectively assist children with self-regulation and classroom behaviors.
•Apply CLASS-based practices to ensure superior interactions, particularly for Instructional Support.
•Participate in the CDC literacy initiative for emergent writing and reading by supporting the children’s development and progress with successful literacy strategies.
•Attend post-observational conferences to discuss strengths, areas for growth, and overall alignment with high-quality practices.
•Supervise children in the classroom at all times.
•Be responsible for reporting developmental and behavioral concerns to the Center Director.
•Ensure the classroom and all equipment are clean, well-maintained, and safe.
•Attend two home visits and complete two parent teacher conferences, dependent on what program you work in.
•May require travel to other Centers within the county.
Qualifications/Requirements:

• High school diploma
• Minimum 2 years of experience working directly with children
• Superior decision-making, problem solving, time management, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time throughout the day with intermittent periods of sitting, walking, and occasional bending.
• Frequent to occasional lifting of children and/or objects up to 50 pounds.
• Dexterity requirements range from coordinated movements of fingers and hands to simple movements of feet, legs, and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.