Special Education Assistant Teacher

The Head Start Special Education Assistant Teacher works under the supervision of the Disabilities Coordinator and along with Head Start Teacher in classroom. The Head Start Special Education Assistant Teacher assists with organizing classroom space and equipment to meet the individual needs of children enrolled. The Head Start Special Education Assistant Teacher assists in planning, with supervisory staff members activities in all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development practices, which will encourage children to: initiate activities, solve problems, explore, experiment, question and learn by doing.

Required Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate proficiently in English with children, families, staff and community agencies and partners.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction as stated on an IEP and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment (computer, fax, scanner, copier).
• Ability to operate the internet, Microsoft office, and Microsoft Outlook.
• Ability to fill in the Head Start teacher when needed.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, stoop, bend, walk, talk, hear, use hands to grip and type, reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand or walk on uneven surfaces, climb stairs, run, must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen or authorized alien.
• Minimum age 20 years.
• Associate Degree (or higher) or 2 years of college credit (48 semester hours minimum; to include English Composition hours, to include English/Reading 6 hours, Special Education Courses 6 hours, and Mathematics 9 hours) or Para Pro Assessment results (minimum score of 450) and high school diploma.
• Willingness to meet and complete certification standards that have been set by the Louisiana State Department of Education and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans Head Start Program within one year of being hired.
• Effective oral and written expression.
• Previous experience and ability to work with Special Education students across multiple environments.
• CDA certification.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure classroom activities (including transitions) are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy.
• Ensure classroom interactions are and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy.
• Ensure playground interactions are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy/Licensing Regulations.
• Assist with the creation/implementation of lesson plans that reflect planning for individuals, small and large groups according to Policies and Procedures, including IEP goals and objectives as needed.
• Assist with the preparation of materials and supplies in advance for activities.
• Assist in creating a sense of community in the classroom through relationship building and allowing children to complete routine tasks.
• Assist in implementing approved weekly lesson plans in the classroom daily.
• Assist with ensuring that Teaching Strategies Gold reflects accurate information on each child.
• Assist with the Creative Curriculum and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework to create a developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children.
• Use screening, ongoing assessments, information from parents and other staff to meet the learning needs of each child.
• Assist in the provision of a daily balanced schedule of child initiated and adult initiated activities.
• Assist in ensuring that modifications are made to include children with special needs.
• Assist with providing experiences and learning materials that are representative of children's cultures.
• Learn and express key words in children's home language.
• Assist with all screenings, assessments, and observations on each child according to program calendar and Policies and Procedures; ensuring all required information is contained in each child's file.
• Ensure classroom compliance with State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program), and agency policies and procedures.
• Participate in child staffing to discuss strengths, needs and goals for children and families.
• Assist with entering and reviewing all documentation into ChildPlus and TSG according with program calendar and Policies and Procedures.
• Monitor classroom and playground for health and safety concerns according to procedures.
• Establish effective communication with families through monthly calendars, newsletters, home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Complete daily health inspections and follow-up documentation.
• Complete and submit accident reports in the required timeframe.
• Ensure sanitation, hygiene procedures and health practices are strictly adhered to daily and assist in the daily maintenance of the classroom.
• Ensure CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) score for classroom is at or above established program threshold.
• Ensure family style dining.
• Check email a minimum of two times daily.
• Submit accurate and timely employee time, attendance and mileage reports.
• Secure and document in-kind contributions, volunteer time, and community support.
• Attend training and in-services as assigned.
• Ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted timely
• Adheres to Agency's HS/EHS confidentiality policy, professional ethics and standards, demonstrating work habits which comply with agency personnel policies and procedures.
• Regular Attendance and timely arrival to assigned work site.
• Other duties, as assigned.