HEAD START TEACHER ASSISTANT

Full-time 10-month position

General Statement of Job

The responsibilities of the Teacher Assistant are supportive in nature. Under the general supervision of the Lead Teacher, the duties of the Teacher Assistant may be instructional or non-instructional. These include assisting with planning and program implementation, clerical duties, housekeeping duties, and caregiving, as well as bus duties.

Required qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or
• Enrolled in a program leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate degree or
• Enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within 2 years.
• First Aid and CPR certification required or must be obtained and kept current
• Complete training on the Foundations, the NC early learning standards for preschoolers.
• Applicant must hold a valid NC state driver’s license.
• Applicant must be eligible to obtain a CDL with Passenger(P) and School Bus(S) endorsements. If an employee is unable to obtain a CDL with P/S endorsements for any reason, this could result in recommendation for dismissal.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Assists with arranging the physical environment to meet physical, social, and emotional needs of each child.
• Assists in selecting developmentally appropriate materials for a minimum of 7 interest centers and safe area that meet curriculum and ECERS guidelines.
• Assists in following a balanced daily classroom schedule that meets ECERS and curriculum guidelines.
• Assists with creating a positive social and emotional climate.
• Assists in maintaining a clean and healthy classroom.
• Assists in keeping posted information current & displaying children’s work.
• Accepts direction form lead teacher.
• Lead teacher and assistant plan together effectively.
• Leads learning experiences to meet individual and group needs.
• Implements developmentally appropriate activities planned by the teacher.
• Effectively assumes the lead teacher role in the absence of the teacher.
• Follows all regulations & Procedures relating to the safety & supervision of children at all times & in all locations and promptly reports any concerns.
• Reports any injuries to the Health Services Manager in a timely manner.
• Maintains required staff/child ratio at all times.
• Keeps all potentially harmful materials and supplies in locked cabinet including purses and cleaners.
• Assists in planning and implementing parent/family activities held after school hours and attends events as directed.
• Participates in opportunities for professional development including attending staff meetings and local training.
• Has a basic understanding of curriculum, ECERS, and the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework.

Additional duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and/or teacher.
• school bus driver

Essential knowledge and abilities

• Effectively uses appropriate guidance and classroom management techniques avoiding all forms of corporal punishment
• Adheres to professional ethics and standards.
• Does not discuss children or families with other staff members, in front of children, or outside the program.
• Is present except when absence is unavoidable. Contacts supervisor as soon as possible when absence is necessary.
• Must be punctual.
• Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations.
• Applicant must have strong interpersonal skills and patience and maintain a professional attitude at all times.
• Experience working with young children.
• Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
• The ability to submit neat, accurate and punctual program paperwork.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including medical, legal, and counseling terminology.
• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
• Must be able to use a variety of equipment and classroom tools such as computers, copiers, calculators, pencils, scissors, etc.
• Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

The abilities described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.