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SalaryThe Head Start Teacher Assistant will assist the Head Start Teacher in all aspects of the care and training of children enrolled in the Head Start Program.
The Teacher Assistant will teach with emphasis on development of the whole child including partnering with parents. Must have the ability to read, speak and write with proficiency in English language; provide and maintain a safe environment; and maintain regular attendance.
Ability and willingness to assume the responsibility for continuing pre-planned classroom activities in the absence of the Teacher; administer planned instructional activities and evaluate children as directed by the Teacher.
Duties include but are not limited to the following;
1. Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance of classroom staff and volunteers. Manage classroom operations; provide supervision, guidance, and coaching to Teacher Assistants, Special Needs Aides and classroom volunteers.
2. Ensure policy and procedures are properly applied and interpreted by classroom teachers.
3. Develop and monitor individual staff training plans. Assess training needs and participate in planning in-service training.
4. Observe and evaluate classroom effectiveness. Evaluate Teacher Assistants according to program schedule, policies and procedures.
5. Participate in curriculum development and recommend necessary changes. Meet regularly with classroom teachers regarding lesson plans and classroom management.
6. Plan and provide a comprehensive program including implementation of Head Start curriculum, and Head Start Performance Standards.
7. Work in a team setting with all staff to determine individual needs of children. Provide guidance and direction to meet the individual needs of children. Design and implement plans that will expose children to meaningful experiences. Maintain professional relationships with co-workers, support staff, families and supervisors.
8. Plan and participate in monthly staff meetings, case management meetings, and in-service training, Consult with appropriate service providers, consultants, and staff regarding child development concerns.
9. Conduct at least two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences with each child's family per year, according to program schedule, policies and procedures.
10. Greet parents and children pleasantly and appropriately, ensuring a smooth transition into the classroom, a positive home-classroom connection and a family partnership. Maintain ongoing professional and appropriate communication with parents. Provide activities parents can do at home with their children to support the curriculum and the child's learning. Encourage parents to become involved in workshops, training and other Head Start activities.
11. Always use a positive approach and follow Head Start methods of redirection and guidance to handle misbehavior of children. NO forms of physical punishment or humiliation will be used.
12. An appropriate tone of voice and wording is required when talking to children and parents.
13. Must be able to sit and eat with children at mealtimes sharing the same menu. A physician's statement must be obtained for special dietary needs. Pleasant child-oriented conversation should take place during mealtimes. No sodas, tea or other drinks other than water is allowed to be consumed while children are present.
14. Smoking is not allowed on Head Start property. No vulgar language is allowed. Cell phone use will be limited to emergency use only.
15. Maintain an environment that is tolerant and respectful of child and family cultures, values and differences. Assist Non-English speaking families.
16. Provide all information requested for program documentation in a timely manner.
17. Assist other staff with projects as requested. Perform other duties as assigned and reasonably within the scope of duties listed.
18. Maintain good attendance. Perform all duties in a safe, timely and professional manner. Participate with a positive attitude and behavior in all program activities.
19. Recruit on behalf of Head Start by following recruitment procedures, post flyers, signs and Head Start applications in the community.
20. Maintain and monitor the maintenance of accurate child attendance records, USDA food records/reports, in-kind reports and other record keeping and reports as required. Keep all assigned records accurate and current as appropriate. Keep all records and family information confidential.
21. Plan and participant in monthly classroom parent meetings with Family Advocate and parents. Plan and participate in monthly Dad's Day Activities and children's graduation.
22. Continue professional growth by participating in ECE classes, training programs or workshops/conferences, as the budget allows. Attend and participate in in-service training and any other training, meeting or workshops as deemed necessary for the HS/EHS/EHS-CC Program Director or Executive Director.
Qualifications:
1. High School Diploma or GED.
2. Must enroll in and complete a program leading to a CDA to be completed within 18 months of hire or an Associate's Degree, making satisfactory progress as determined by the Professional Development Specialist. .
3. Obtain and maintain First Aid and Infant/Toddler CRP certification within 90 days of hire.
4. Obtain required criminal record check clearance prior to hire and during employment as required by state licensing. Must not have pending charges, entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or been convicted of: any criminal activity involving violence against a person; child abuse or neglect; possession, sale or distribution of illegal drugs; sexual misconduct; or an act of gross irresponsibility or disregard of the safety of others or a pattern of criminal activity; or required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act or any person required to register under the Mary Rippy Violent Crime Offenders Registration Act.
5. Possess an understanding of low-income families and an appreciation for the role of the parents as the primary educators of their children.
6. Obtain and provide documentation of an initial and annual physical health examination and TBH screening or assessment as required.
7. Must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and auto insurance.
Please go the LIFT CAA website for a complete job description with listed duties, responsibilities and preferred qualifications.
Apply online at www.liftca.org/careers.
LIFT Community Action Agency, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. M/F/Disabled/Veteran and all other protected categories.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $11.12 - $12.40 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
