Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Head StartTeacher Assistant

MISSION: 

Gads Hill Center, a social service organization established in 1898, creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources and community engagement.

At Gads Hill Center we envision a community in which all children benefit from healthy, financially stable households that support their early learning and growth. We invest in the potential of children and families through early childhood education, youth programs, and mental health supports. Ultimately, Gads Hill Center builds a community where all families can help their children have access to quality education in order to succeed in school and life.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Teacher Assistant in Gads Hill Center’s center-based early childhood program is responsible for delivering comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe, nurturing environment. In this position, the Teacher Assistant is expected to collaborate effectively with the teaching team and participate fully in planning, organizing and implementing structured educational activities based on program curriculum. At all times, teachers must ensure adherence with licensing standards and funder requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Collaborate with teaching team to provide a classroom environment that is reflective of diverse races, cultures and languages; adapt teaching in response to children’s differences.
2. Support smooth operation of the program by assisting in alternate classrooms as assigned.
3. Prepare attendance records, lesson plans, meal preparation sheets, child development files, and anecdotal and developmental observations on each child while maintaining confidentiality of family records and information. 
4. Document children’s growth and development using written observations, photography and assessment tools.
5. Utilize developmental screening tools to determine individual needs of children and assist in individualizing curriculum.
6. Meet with classroom team weekly to complete lesson plans, reporting requirements, and discuss individual children’s needs. Address these observations/needs/concerns in weekly staffing meetings. Attend staff meetings, in-service trainings, and other appropriate child development conferences and workshops.
7. Collaborate with the classroom team in planning, preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate child initiated and teacher directed activities for individuals and small/large groups of children; these activities should address needs identified in assessments of children and promote multiculturalism, present challenges, and develop critical thinking skills.
8. Assist center personnel in planning field trips and other enrichment activities.
9. Welcome parents into the classroom, develop a positive relationship with them and provide experiences and activities that enhance their roles as the primary influence in their child’s growth and development. Assist parents in identifying and fully utilizing available community resources, as well as the assistance of Family Support Staff, Mental Health Consultants, and other professionals to refer parents as needed.
10. Encourage parents to become involved in the classroom, as well as the Parent Committee and Policy Committee.
11. Participate in home visits, scheduled twice per year.
12. Actively supervise assigned group of children to ensure safety.
13. Demonstrate knowledge of DCFS, Head Start and Preschool for All standards; implement these standards in all aspects of work.
14. Understand and implement the Developmental Assets model of the SEARCH Institute.
15. Understand and adhere to NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and Code of Ethics.
16. Participate in Center-wide events, programs and celebrations as required.
17. Participate in 40 hours of staff development training per year.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, all Gads Hill Center employees are responsible for the following:

1. Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends.
2. Participate in supervision meetings and workshops within the agency and outside (if applicable).
3. Participate in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Gads Hill Center.
4. Advance parent leadership development.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education required.
• Illinois Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential Level 4 required.
• One (1) year previous direct early childhood classroom experience with low-income families.
• Experience with multicultural programming preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds (average child’s weight).
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organization skills. 
• Ability to pass a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check. 
• A passion for the mission of Gads Hill Center.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Salaries
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 403B Plan (Up to 5% match following 2 years of employment)
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer Paid Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Supplemental Coverage Options Available

POSITION DETAILS:

Entry Salary Range: $40,000-$50,000

Schedule: Full-time

Status:

Location: Ogden

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

To apply, please visit our careers page at www.gadshillcenter.org/careers