Teacher Assistant

JOB FUNCTION:

To assist in planning and implementing learning experiences that advances the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of children. Aid in encouraging the engagement of the families in Head Start.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance
• Willing to attain Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within 18 months of initial employment date if applicable

Preferred

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Educational Coursework in Early Childhood Education leading to an associate degree\
• Past Head Start staff or participant experience helpful
• Experience working with people with low incomes

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES:

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, but the employee should never lift more than 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Physical ability to move quickly to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection to ensure their safety or the safety of others in the environment
  • Daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs.
• WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS:

• Embrace, advocate, and carry out the mission, vision and core values of the Agency and adhere to all Agency Policies and Procedures
• Familiarize and work toward the achievement of Agency-wide strategic goals, strategies and measures
• Acts as a role model within, as well as outside the Agency
• Provide friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations and to those we serve
• With a respectful and positive attitude, work with low income individuals and families with diverse backgrounds
• Support, develop and maintain productive relationships required to carry out job activities
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all records and interpersonal interactions
• Work effectively and cooperatively with community partners and co-workers
• Participate in and/or lead Agency committees
• Embrace our commitment to DEI

HEAD START PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical exam within 30 days, 3-year renewal
• First Aid, CPR certification
• Hepatitis B or documentation of refusal
• CARS training, 5-year renewal

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Prevention and Active Supervision

a) Supervise and monitor children at all times

b) Follow all health/safety policies and licensing rules

c) Assist in maintaining classroom documentation

d) In the absence of the Teacher/Family Advocate responsible for classroom management e.g., transportation arrangements, child medication, special diets, meal counts

Curriculum and Assessment

a) Assist in implementation of lesson plans

b) Meet the individual needs of each child

c) Assist in collecting on-going anecdotal notes

d) Participate in classroom meetings offering ideas and suggestions

Family and Community Partnerships

a) Maintain a positive classroom climate that is welcoming to parents and community members

b) Assist with parent engagement activities

c) Assist with outreach and recruitment

d) Support external partnerships, including but not limited to Great Plains Food Bank (Kitchen Coalition), Early Intervention Services, and Dental Days.

Agency and Division Support

a) Compile and submit required reports, plans and data to appropriate Supervisor

b) Assist with other program projects as requested by Supervisor

c) Attend and participate in agency, community, and state meetings important to effective Agency operations

d) Assist with the orientation/ training of new staff

e) Seek out additional training to enhance personal development

f) Availability to work designated Agency hours for your Division and position

Commit to, embrace, and uphold the CAPLP Core Values

1) Raise the Bar:

We always strive for excellence and never settle for the status quo

Be your best self; Hold yourself and your team accountable; Always best practice

2) Be Brave:

We challenge ourselves to go further than before, endure obstacles and try new things

Think outside the box; Take risks; Say the hard things; Be part of the solution

3) Do the Right Thing:

We have the strength of character to do the right thing even when it’s not easy

Lead by example; Be mission-driven; Be professional and ethical, even when no one is looking

4) Care for Each Other:

We respect, trust and care for ourselves, our customers and our teammates

Be kind; Assume the best; Take time to build relationships; Celebrate success

5) Help People:

We help people to help themselves and each other, focusing on those who need us most

Show compassion; Embrace diversity; Go the extra mile