Teacher Assistant - Marshall County Head Start

Introduction: The employee works under the supervision of the Center Supervisor. The employee will be responsible for the organization of classroom space and equipment to meet the individual needs of children enrolled including the provision of 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. The employee will be capable of operating modern office equipment. The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, foul odors and other factors due to the breakdown of some equipment or systems. The employee shall adhere to the National Smoke Free Environment Policy Public Law 103-227, Pro-Children Act of 2001 42 U.S.C. 7181 through 7184 and TN Licensure Rule 1240-04-01-12(14).

Grade: 5

Salary Range: $14.83 - $20.56 (DOE&E)

Classification: Full Time (Non-Exempt)

High School Diploma or equivalent (Required)

CDA certification (Required within one year of hire)

AA degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Services or a related field (Preferred)

Bilingual (Preferred)

Satisfactory physical examination prior to beginning work and every five years thereafter

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and Automobile Liability Insurance.

Satisfactory fingerprinting and criminal background check prior to hire and every 5 years thereafter. Drug testing as required.

Knowledge of Early Childhood Education and best practices.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the general public and fellow employees.

Ability to prioritize a complex workload.

Ability to understand and follow any oral or written instructions and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records and methods for systematic reporting of statistical data.

Ability to travel extensively within assigned area.

Ability to promote a positive and encouraging work environment.

Ability to assist in other positions as 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, type; reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand or walk on uneven surfaces; climb stairs; run. 2 to 4 hours per day spent in strenuous physical activity, lifting up to 60lbs six or eight times in a 7.5-hour day.

Actively engage with children in the classroom and on the playground.

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 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.

Assist with entering and reviewing all documentation into Child Plus and TSG according with program calendar and Policies and Procedures.

Ensure classroom compliance with State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP, and agency policies and procedures.

Participate in home visits and parent/teacher conferences.

Complete daily health inspections and follow up documentation.

Complete and submit accident reports in the required timeframe.

Ensure family style dining and familiarity with Supervision Policy.

Develop/follow intentional virtual/online lesson plans, schedule, and take-home activities focusing on each child’s strengths, needs and interests.

Maintain record of children's attendance and progress with virtual services.

Complete work assignments remotely as needed.

Ensure classroom/playground interactions and activities are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with Head Start Philosophy/Policies and Procedures/Licensing Regulations.

Ensure active supervision occurs by immediately intervening when behavior issues occur I.e., giving chase if child runs from group; and appropriately removing child from unsafe situation/location.

Use screenings, 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.

Foster experiences and use learning materials that are representative of children’s cultures.

Monitor classroom and playground for health and safety concerns according to procedures.

Ensure sanitation, hygiene procedures and health practices are strictly adhered to daily and assist in the daily maintenance of the classroom.

Knowledge of Early Childhood Education, curriculum, and best practices for center base and virtual/online instruction.

Demonstrate operational knowledge of internet and web-related technologies.

Serve as a resource for content area providing direction and guidance as needed.

Assist with the preparation of materials and supplies in advance for activities.

Implement modifications that are made to include children with special needs.

Secure and document in-kind contributions, volunteer time, and community support.

Ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted timely.

Implement intentional education visits, focusing interactions on each child’s strengths, needs, and interest.

If classroom/center closes due to COVID19, maintain and submit daily work audit form to supervisor.

Ensure classroom activities are intentional and are reflected on the lesson plan.

Sweep, mop and/or vacuum all classroom floors. (Vacuum 2 times per week, Sweep and mop 2 per week)

Ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted timely.

Regular attendance and timely arrival to assigned work site.

Submit accurate and timely employee time, attendance and mileage reports.

If center closes due to COVID19, maintain and submit daily work audit form to supervisor.

Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students and parents.

Maintain a positive working relationship with center staff.

Be able to adjust and follow COVID plans when needed.

Assist in implementing a balanced schedule of child initiated and adult led activities.

Assist in ensure modifications are made to include children with special needs.

Assume leadership role in the event the classroom Teacher is not present.

Maintain contact with families where children and families are actively engaged in meaningful virtual learning experiences.

Maintain effective communication with families through Learning Genie, monthly calendars, newsletters, home visits parent/teacher conferences, phone, face-to face, and other means necessary.

If classroom/center closes due to COVID19, maintain and submit daily work audit form to supervisor.

Learn and express key words in family’s home language.

Ability to assist in other positions as needed.

Assist in the compilation and completion of Self-Assessment/Community Assessment and participate in the analysis of data for training and planning purposes.

Participate in an ongoing recruitment program targeting low-income pregnant women and children with disabilities and complete applications for HS/EHS.

Encourage child and family participation and lead children’s discussions to keep them active and engaged in learning.

Assist in ongoing recruitment targeting children from low-income families, children with disabilities and pregnant women, and complete HS/EHS applications as needed.

Adhere to Agency’s HS/EHS confidentiality policy, professional ethics and standards, demonstrating work habits which comply with Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Provide positive guidance for children in the classroom.

Follow a routine that meets the needs of the children in the classroom.

Ensure materials are appropriate for age group and purchased with agency funds.

Assist in ensuring CLASS score for classroom is at or above established program threshold.

Participate in scheduled staff meetings, conferences, training sessions, workshops, and In-Service as assigned.

Explore and share ongoing ideas/solutions for program and content area specific improvement.

Continuous enrollment in college courses toward a degree in Early Childhood Education in order to meet Head Start Standards and maintain passing grades.

Ensure PDP goals have been met.

Attend training and in-service.