Teacher Assistant 3-5 (Ta-Chnt-01)

Classification: Full-Time, Part-Year Status: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position partners with all classroom staff to ensure quality teaching and supervision of preschool aged children. This position along with all classroom staff ensures the children learn how to play, explore and be safe in a positive and cheerful environment. The Teacher Assistant (TA) implements curriculum, teaches classroom rules, teaches social emotional skills, and facilitates learning during play (indoor/outdoor) & daily routines. The TA will complete observations of children and document results in data system. The TA supports the compliance of regulations through the collection and entry of additional data.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Regular, daily attendance is important to ensure consistency and safety for children.
• Demonstrates good work ethic/habits by following established work schedules, following supervision directives, and Policy & Procedure.
• Be in attendance and participate in required & mandatory training and staff meetings.
• Is able to adapt & function while using self-regulation to maintain composure in high stress environments & situations.
• Ability to multitask and being flexible during the workday.
• Ability to follow the daily schedule and allow children the opportunity to make choices in learning experiences.
• Interact with children in ways that facilitate the development of comprehension and expressive language.
• Ensures required supervision by use of indoor/outdoor zoning.
• Work cooperatively and professionally with children, families, co-workers, professional partners, and volunteers.
• Communicate, orally & in writing, effectively with children, families, co-workers, professional partners, and volunteers in a positive and respectful manner.
• Demonstrate patience with all children based on their developmental milestones (attention spans, interests, social emotional abilities, physical abilities, and speech/language).
• Collaborate with center staff to provide a safe, inviting, engaging and cheerful learning environment.
• Conduct observations and document results in data system.
• Move among classrooms to meet supervision requirements for all children as needed.
• Actively participate and teach children during Family Style Meals service routines.
• Actively participate and teach children during Cafeteria service routines during established transition period.
• Utilize program established social emotional tools to prevent and defuse challenging behavior.
• Responsible for following emergency procedures and plans to ensure the safety of all children and staff during an emergency or drills.
• Supports and implements the programs established curriculums.
• Respect and support the cultural differences and diversity of children, families, co-workers, and communities.
• Report any suspected abuse/neglect immediately to the appropriate authority and agency administration. (Mandated Reporter per state law).
• Follow and comply with confidentiality and privacy for all customers and staff of SEK-CAP, Inc.
• Demonstrate and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP, Inc.
• Support and comply with management decisions in both actions and words.
• Comply with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Head Start Act, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Licensing Requirements, and Program Policies.
• Perform other assigned routines/duties while being flexible to meet the educational care of children.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Basic computer skills and ability to operate general office equipment.
• Knowledge of Early Childhood development
• Knowledge of community resources
• Previous work experience with preschool aged children
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate materials for preschool aged children
• Resourceful and well organized.
• Ability to learn and adapt.

DEMONSTRATES QUALITIES OF:

• Positive attitude with an enthusiasm for working with children and families.
• Be a strong representative of SEK-CAP Early Childhood Education services.
• Desire to engage with vulnerable children and families in a respectful manner which promotes positive relationships.
• Be a positive team player who supports the overall center in meeting children’s and co-worker’s needs.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Within 6 months have a CDA
• Within 30 days be First Aid and CPR certification
• Current Physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment and every three years thereafter.
• Pass standard criminal history check.
• Pass standard drug screen test.
• Possess current, valid driver’s license and meet agency insurance underwriting guidelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Sit or occasionally stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to thirty pounds.
• Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Outside weather conditions.
• Extreme cold and extreme heat.
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Grade levels:

• Pre-Kindergarten

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Chanute, KS 66720: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person