Teacher Assistant, Head Start

Employee is responsible for assisting the teacher in the planning and provision of a high quality early childhood experience for preschool children that meet all Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Operational Responsibilities

• Responsible for arriving at the center by a certain time based on the discretion of the Area Service Manager and the ISD School Principal.
• Meet all State and Federal guidelines (i.e. Head Start Program Performance Standards, and State Child Care Licensing Requirements).
• Assist in maintaining communication with parents and assist in meeting parent's needs in each of the Head Start program content areas.
• Assist in collecting and maintaining all classroom related documentation required by all the Head Start Program content areas. This includes the collection of in-kind documentation and assisting the teacher in preparing and implementing lesson plans.
• Administer children's developmental screenings and provide input to teacher on observations for children's assessment. Assist with children's assessment as needed.
• Attend staff development activities as directed for his/her professional development and growth. This requires attending college for obtaining and maintaining the required credential or degree.
• Will maintain the classroom in a neat, clean, and orderly manner.
• Perform other related assigned duties.

Instructional Responsibilities

• Supervise children at all times.
• Plan and implement children's individual needs and strengths and utilize them for classroom instruction, based on teacher's input.
• Working with the teacher, create and maintain a classroom environment that supports learning.
• Maintain adequate teaching materials and facilitate children's active exploration of material, activities, and environment, with teacher's guidance.
• Model best practices. Teaching strategies must be based on children's individual needs and the Head Start Program Performance Standards, HSPPS and Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, HSELOF.
• Use positive approaches to guide children's behavior towards active involvement in learning and the development of self-discipline.
• Conduct 2 home visits and 2 parent conferences per family on an annual basis, in order to maintain open communication with the children's parents and to report children's progress, with teacher's input and guidance.

• Must have at least a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA); Child Development Assistant 1st yr Cert; or a Child Development / Early Childhood Degree; or enrolled in a program leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate degree; or enrolled in a Child Development Associate Credential program to be completed within 2 years.
• Must have good computer skills (working knowledge of Microsoft programs).
• Must be bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Must have excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Must have some classroom teaching experience, preferred.
• Must have a current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's license and be insurable, a MVR is required.
• Must maintain all Local, State and Federal qualifications for position on an annual basis.