Teacher Assistant - Early Head Start

MISSION:

Gads Hill Center, a social service organization established in 1898, creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources and community engagement.

At Gads Hill Center we envision a community in which all children benefit from healthy, financially stable households that support their early learning and growth. We invest in the potential of children and families through early childhood education, youth programs, and mental health supports. Ultimately, Gads Hill Center builds a community where all families can help their children have access to quality education in order to succeed in school and life.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Teacher Assistant at Gads Hill Center-Based Early Childhood program is responsible for assisting the Teacher in delivering comprehensive early childhood education services to children in a safe, nurturing environment. In this position, assistant teachers are expected to collaborate effectively with the classroom teaching team to provide a seamless educational experience for children. This position is responsible for planning and implementing structured educational activities based on the Creative Curriculum. At all times, teachers must ensure adherence to DCFS licensing standards and funder requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Collaborates with teaching team to provide a classroom environment that is reflective of diverse races, cultures, and languages; adapts teaching in response to childrens differences.
2. Prepares attendance records, lesson plans, meal preparation sheets, child development files, anecdotal and developmental observations of each child, maintaining confidentiality of family records and information.
3. Documents child growth and development milestones using written observations, photography, and assessment tools.
4. Utilizes developmental screening tools to determine individual needs of children and assists in individualizing the curriculum.
5. Possesses knowledge of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold as an assessment tool.
6. Assists and attends weekly team meetings to discuss lesson planning, reporting requirements, Daily Health checks and the individual needs of children.
7. Attends and engages in professional development opportunities, such as staff meetings, in-service trainings, and conferences. Participates in at-least 40 hours of professional development annually.
8. Plans developmentally appropriate activities for small/large groups that address the needs identified in assessments with Lead Teacher. Activities must promote multiculturalism and aid in the development of critical-thinking skills.
9. Assists Lead Teacher in planning field trips and other enrichment activities.
10. Develops and builds positive relationships with parents/guardians by greeting them and communicating with them, as well as providing experiences that enhance their roles as their childs primary influence in growth and development.
11. Utilizes the assistance of the Family Support Staff, Mental Health Consultant and other professionals to assist and refer parents to community resources.
12. Encourages parents to become involved in the classroom, as well as the Parent Committee and Policy Committee.
13. Conducts and participates in home visits twice per year at the designated time.
14. Demonstrates knowledge of DCFS and Early Head Start standards.
15. Understands and adheres to NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and Code of Ethics.
16. Assists with family-style mealtimes with students and encourages them to serve and feed themselves independently.
17. Assists students in toileting, diaper and pull-up changing.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, all Gads Hill Center employees are responsible for the following:

1. Participating in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends.
2. Participating in supervision meetings and workshops within the agency and outside (if applicable).
3. Participating in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of Gads Hill Center.
4. Advancing parent leadership development.
5. Performing other duties as assigned.

1. Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
2. Illinois Gateways Infant Toddler Credential Level 4 required, or the ability to obtain the credential within three months of hiring.
3. One (1) year previous direct early childhood classroom experience with low-income families.
4. Experience with multi-cultural programming preferred.
5. Bi-lingual Spanish/English preferred.
6. Excellent interpersonal communication and organization skills. 
7. Ability to pass a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check. 
8. A passion for the mission of Gads Hill Center.
9. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds (average childs weight).

Salary : $40,000 - $50,000