Teacher Assistant

QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid CDA required or active enrollment in a CDA credential program that will be completed within 2 years or hold an associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) or active enrollment in a program leading to such a degree. Working knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of three-four-year-old children. One year of preschool classroom experience preferred.

JOB SUMMARY:
To assist Head Teacher in providing Developmentally and Individually Appropriate Practice (DIAP) through an integrated curriculum with daily lessons and activities which reflect mandated State and Head Start performance standards, parental input, cultural diversity and promotes growth and learning for preschool children.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Adhere to agency policies and procedures including Head Start Performance Standards and state regulations by maintaining accurate, objective, complete, timely, and well-organized child/family records and exhibiting an understanding by incorporating them into own teaching practice.
2. Assist in setting up and supervising environment (indoor/outdoor) for the children’s daily activities.
3. Assist with implementation of intervention plans, health plans and classroom modifications that address unique needs of individual children.
4. Support learning environment through appropriate and positive interactions with children and other staff.
5. Share responsibility in food preparation, meal and snack set up, food ordering, grocery pickup, storing food properly and cleaning up with Head Teacher and Health Nutrition Assistant.
6. Support classroom management by supervising and managing children at all times, maintaining a safe and clean working environment, responding appropriately to crisis and emergency situations, and completing all health and safety documentation as dictated by HCESC Head Start policies and procedures.
7. Assist Head Teacher with observing/recording of each child’s strengths/areas to grow within the TS GOLD objectives of each child, utilizing objectives indicated within the lesson plans.
8. Assist/conduct required parent/teacher conferences and home visits as well as the required paperwork mandated by Federal and State regulations.
9. Attend/participate in all meetings (staff, IEP, team meetings), trainings and professional development activities as designated/approved by supervisor.
10. Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
11. Collaborate with colleagues to develop cohesive working relationships within the classroom, district, and agency environments.
12. Assume responsibilities of the Head Teacher in his/her absence.
13. Assist teacher with implementing HCESC lesson plans with fidelity by integrating knowledge of each child’s temperament, interests, gender, culture, language, learning approaches, understanding misconceptions, and abilities and by working collaboratively with families and a range of specialists (e.g., medical, dental, speech, nutrition, mental health).
14. Assists teacher with monitoring children’s progress per the goals developed by self and other staff and specialists, by observing and documenting children’s play, conversations routines, schedules, and work samples through conversations with families.
15. Assists teacher with facilitating transitions to or from Early Head Start Head Start, home and/or other early education and care settings by engaging families, others in the program and members of the community in planning and implementing strategies that ensure successful transitions, including the transfer of child records.
16. Fosters partnerships by sharing information objectively and non-judgmentally and adjusting verbal and written communication strategies for different audiences.
17. Assists teacher with fostering partnerships with families by using conversational interviewing strategies, minimizing the use of interview checklists, respecting, and encouraging the decision-making role of families, and engaging them in goal setting and discussions about their concerns.
18. Promotes a unified approach to sharing child information with families by engaging in joint planning with other classroom staff and specialists to prepare for home visits and other family contacts.
19. Follow School District procedures (e.g., emergency plans, school closings, evacuations)
20. Furthers professional growth by seeking feedback, reflecting on, and assessing own practice, and taking advantage of opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.
21. Supports program improvement efforts by contributing information to the program’s planning, evaluation, self-assessment, and other program development efforts.
22. Maintains professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families by distinguishing between others’ needs and one’s own, guarding against abuse of power and sexual misconduct, and using appropriate language.
23. Ensures family confidentiality by limiting conversations about families and access to their records to those directly involved in providing services to them.
24. Perform other duties as assigned.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND ADA STATEMENT:
The Hamilton County Educational Service Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and endeavors to provide the highest quality service through employing professionals selected for their competence and expertise. The Governing Board of Hamilton County Educational Service Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes"), or any other legally protected category, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.
 
Submit Letter of Interest with Resume to:
Hamilton County Educational Service Center
11083 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45231
Attn: Christine Fields
christine.fields@hcesc.org