Teacher Assistant

A Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting in the assigned teacher in planning and implementing all duties related to the classroom, children and parents as stated in the performance standards and on site program review instrument. A Teacher Assistant must also assist in the day to day management of an assigned classroom, including all assigned paperwork delegated by the Center Coordinator/Lead Teacher and Teacher in the classroom.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily head count and complete daily attendance records and meal count
• Follow an approved curriculum and daily schedule, and assist in development and implementation of daily lesson plans, which reflect activities and experiences to include all the requirements of the Head Start performance standards, i.e., fostering cognitive functioning by sequencing activities from simple to complex and from concrete to abstract. Lesson plans must include developmentally appropriate activities to promote social, intellectual, physical, emotional growth, and activities that allow children to make choices and be creative. Lesson plans must also include appropriate nutrition, mental health, dental health activities as an individual learning unit or as a part of other learning activities and experience. Must be distinct and easily identifiable, balancing teacher directed and child initiated activities which are developmentally and age appropriate
• Monitor, document and follow the policy for reporting suspected child abuse
• Observe, assess and record the behavior of assigned children. Records must reflect assessment tool(s) used. There must be evidence in each child’s folder that his or her program of activities and experiences are planned and based on an on-going assessment. On-going observations, recordings (anecdotal or other) evaluations of each child’s growth and development must be contained in each child’s folder
• There must be an educational and/or developmental goal established for each child. To reach the established goal – this effort must be documented by assisting in timely updating of each assigned child’s assessment.
• In the absence of the Teacher and in conjunction with Disability Specialist and appropriate professional staff, parents, etc. develop and implement an individualized education plan (IEP) for each child with an identified and confirmed (professionally diagnosed) disability, and an Individualized Prescriptive Plan for “children at risk”
• Assist to compile an inventory. Assist to request and store adequate and appropriate classroom materials and Supplies
• Assist Teacher with visits to the homes of parents or guardians of children assigned to classroom
• Assist Teacher to coordinate the activities of volunteers
• Understands, respects and maintains confidential information regarding children, families, and program
• Assists in the implementation of the assigned curriculum designed to improve the physical abilities, social/emotional development, and mental skills of children enrolled in the program.
• Assist Teacher to demonstrate on a continual basis appropriate classroom management techniques, i.e., establishing and maintaining organization, dealing with disruptions and behavior problems, etc. (The use of corporal punishment and isolation as disciplinary measures is strictly prohibited, and could result in immediate termination.)
• On a continual basis, assists Teacher to advise parents of progress and/or problems of each child. Assist in the documentation of all contacts and attempted contacts with parents
• Be courteous and receptive to all Head Start parents, encourage participation in their child’s developments at every occasion. Reinforce positive behavior shown by parents
• Assist the Teacher to supervise the arrival and departure of children and to load/unload buses
• Assist the Lead Teacher/Teacher to establish, utilize and identify a variety of interest areas. Assist the Lead Teacher/Teacher to organize space equipment and supplies Establish minimally:
• Blocks
• Library corner
• Discovery/Science area
• Dramatic play/housekeeping area
• Table Toys and Games
• Art area
• Music/Movement
• Sand/Water
• Computer
• Writing
• Storage area(s)
• Assist to assure that rooms are neat and attractive, and children’s work displayed at eye level
• Assist to assure there are indicators or evidence in each child’s folder that his or her program of activities and experiences are planned and based on an on-going assessment
• Assist in the absence of Teacher to maintain records in the classroom established by the appropriate Specialist
• To report to Teacher needs for equipment repair or placement
• Assist Teacher, with the approval of the Center Coordinator/Lead Teacher, to coordinate with appropriate community resources
• Promotes parent and community volunteers and actively seeks In-Kind donations
• Respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers
• All other duties assigned

Education: A high school diploma or GED equivalent and a preschool CDA/TCC is required

Other: Valid Georgia Driver’s License