Early Head Start - Hartford City, IN. - Teacher Assistant

The EHS Teacher Assistant, under the direct supervision of the EHS Classroom Supervisor (and informally to the EHS Teacher) is responsible for assisting primary teachers, working with very young children, their parents, other staff, volunteers, and community partners to provide developmentally appropriate quality childcare in a center-based environment that is in compliance with all Head Start Program Performances Standards and any related State Licensing requirements.

Caring for Children

A. Assists in implementing developmentally appropriate classroom instruction, based on each child’s individual needs.

B. Provides responsive care giving to all children.

C. Ensures the safety of all children by checking toys, equipment, building, and grounds daily.

D. Assists in integrating all aspects of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and any related licensing requirements into the schedule and curriculum of each classroom child.

E. Communicates daily with primary teachers and children, and in a secondary capacity to the parents and families.

F. Provides assistance in indoor and outdoor settings as directed by supervisor or primary teacher.

G. Encourage and respect the particular ethnic background of all EHS and Carey Services families, children, clients and staff.

Meeting Agency Requirements

A. Completes all paperwork requirements in an accurate and timely manner.

B. Completes additional educational requirements to meet State and Federal Standards.

C. Participates in ongoing training activities as assigned.

D. Adheres to all plans, policies, and procedures of Carey Services and Early Head Start.

E. Promotes agency-wide safety and housekeeping as well as takes a proactive approach to preventive maintenance and delivery of quality service.

F. Adapts to flexible schedules based on EHS needs.

G. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Qualifications

1. Age Requirements: Must be at least 21 years of age in order to be left alone with children.

2. Education and Experience: Must hold a high school diploma/GED; CDA infant/toddler is preferred. Must be willing to obtain CDA for infant/toddler after employed. Must be willing to pursue additional education as required by ongoing regulations, such as effective communication and safety practices for infants and toddlers, etc.

**Must demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher/child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment, and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate. Must be willing to pursue additional education as required by ongoing regulations.

3. Skills and Abilities: Must possess nurturing skills, be able to implement positive and anticipatory guidance with children, and be able to move and play with small children both in and out of doors, including routine tasks such as diaper changing, feeding, moving toys, washing laundry and dishes. Must possess the skills to communicate in a meaningful and appropriate manner with young children. Must be highly organized, detail oriented, and able to communicate well both verbally and in writing. Also must possess the following qualities: Adaptability and Flexibility, Teamwork, Initiative, Planning and Organization, Problem Solving.

4. Physical Demands: Must be able to bend, stoop, twist, stand, sit on floor, pick-up and hold and move small children weighing from 5-50 pounds. Must have the sensory capacities to successfully execute essential job functions.