Assistant Teacher - Oxford Head Start

Assists the Teacher in carrying out classroom activities, shares in the responsibility of recordkeeping and providing a safe and healthy learning environment for children.

In the absence of the Teacher Director the Assistant Teacher will assume responsibility for supervising the staff in the classroom.

Employee Benefits:

• 403b
• 403b matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid snow days
• 11 Paid holidays

Education and Experience:

Associates Degree in Education or related field with a minimum of 12 credit hours in coursework related to ECE. One year of experience in a preschool setting. A valid NYS driver’s license is required. Willing to attain and maintain Medication Administration Training certification and First Aid/CPR certification.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Assumes responsibility for staff supervision in the classroom when the Teacher Director is not available.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Acts in accordance with the Greater Opportunities Mission Statement and abides by its Standards of Conduct.
• Assists in ensuring the agency meets all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Works within a team to plan and administer a comprehensive program of services.
• Demonstrates a work ethic that recognizes and supports persons of varying socio-economic, ethnic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
• Interacts and communicates effectively with co-workers, customers, and community members in a professional and respectful manner.
• Immediately reports child abuse/maltreatment to New York State Central Registry and appropriate administrative staff.
• Maintains confidentiality of information regarding children, families, staff, and program issues.
• Follows procedure when “calling in” due to illness and for use of other leave.
• Participates in all required meetings and trainings and shares information with colleagues as needed.
• Drives an agency vehicle and transports families as necessary.

Essential Duties:

• Models positive child development practices including appropriate tone of voice, speaking to the children at eye level, and continuously scanning the room for safety.
• Supports and assists with the use of all current and available resources in planning daily activities for children (i.e., Creative Curriculum, Good Talking Words, and all other current required and/or available curriculums).
• Welcomes parents and other visitors to the center. Communicates in a positive manner with parents, community members, and co-workers.
• Helps establish a safe and healthy learning environment in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and New York State Office of Children and Family Services Day Care Licensing Regulations.
• Supports maintaining control of the classroom by implementing clear, reasonable, consistent, and age-appropriate rules and expectations for children.
• Assists the Teacher Director in writing appropriate observational notes for all children and records them in Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Under the direction of the Teacher Director, works with other Education staff at the center to provide assessment information about each child.
• Assists with establishing Individual Plans for children and lessons.
• Assists with completing all screenings within 45 days of each child’s entry date.
• Documents all contacts with families on the Contact Summary Record.
• Support in maintaining a classroom environment that encourages independence and meets the developmental needs of the children.
• Uses positive guidance and redirection to help children with anger and/or challenging behaviors. Helps children develop decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Regularly meets assigned documentation due dates and requirements.
• Communicates with other center staff to support the smooth running of the center.
• Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities as necessary.

In Teacher/Director’s Absence:

• Assumes responsibility for establishing a safe and healthy learning environment in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, Greater Opportunities Policy, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services Day Care Licensing Regulations.
• Assures that day to day and monthly documentation is completed and submitted on time.
• Communicates daily with the Child Development Coordinator.
• Coordinates the planning and scheduling of activities in all areas of the classroom using the weekly lesson plan form found on Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Assumes responsibility for staff supervision in the classroom when the Teacher Director is not available.

Physical Requirements:

Talking-ordinary

Hearing-ordinary conversation

Weight-lifting up to 50 pounds

Physical Demands-climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, handling, pushing, repetitive arm motion

Vision-acuity, near, and far

“All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.”

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than "at will" relationship.