POSITION SUMMARY

The Teacher Assistant works cooperatively with the Teacher to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the supervision of the Teacher, the Teacher Assistant will ensure that all classroom activities and environment are developmentally appropriate and meet the individual needs of children as mandated by Head Start regulations, state and local standards and that they reflect the agency’s philosophy and curriculum.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Teacher Assistant reports to the Teacher.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS

Child Development

• Observe, assess and document each assigned child’s health, skills, behavior, growth and development.
• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• As assigned, develop an individualized educational strength plan for each child.
• Participate in Family/Child Reviews as assigned.
• Identify any developmental concerns regarding the children and follow agency protocol.

Curriculum

• In conjunction with the Teacher, plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that will promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child.
• In conjunction with the Teacher develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children.

Classroom Environment

• Maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment that encourages child’s independence and self-selection of activities.
• Ensure all children are under appropriate supervision at all times.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and healthy classroom environment
Parent Involvement
• As assigned by the Teacher, schedule and conduct 2 Parent/Staff conferences.
• As assigned by the Teacher, conduct two home visits.
• In conjunction with the Teacher encourage parent participation in the program, and in implementing education activities for their children at home.
• Develop effective partnerships with parents.

Administration

• Participate as a team member and share information with the Family specialist and Lead Teacher.
• Maintain confidentiality of children’s information.

Other

• Follow all mandates of Head Start regulations, state and local licensing and the Educare philosophy and curriculum, as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Assume responsibility for the management of the classroom during the Teacher’s absence.
• Perform other duties as assigned, within the scope of the job description.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Associate’s Degree or Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or two year equivalent with a minimum of 18 semester hours of credit in ECE or CD and a minimum of six months experience teaching in an early childhood programs. Ability to speak, read and write Spanish fluently.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITITIES

• Knowledge of and ability to implement Early Head Start/Head Start or other developmental child care programs.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement child development and early childhood principles, practices and curricula for the specific age group (0-3 or 3-5).
• Ability to remain abreast of ongoing developments in the child care field.
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low income community.
• Ability to communicate and work with diverse families and professionals.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Basic knowledge of computer applications and the ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as needed.
• Ability to communicating and respond in a manner that demonstrates respect and concern.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to physically interact with children, including talk, hear, sit, stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must have good command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written.
• Must be able to remain abreast of developments in the child care field to enhance professional growth and development.
• Must be able to manually operate and use a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to clearly hear and understand telephone conversations.