Head Start Instructional Assistant

Instructional Assistant for Head Start/Preschool

Remainder of the 24-25 school year,  7.5 hours each day. 

Williamstown Independent Schools

Job Description- Head Start and/or Preschool Instructional Assistant

TITLE: Instructional Assistant

QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or GED. Prior experience working with young children in an early childhood setting (Head Start, preschool, licensed daycare) is preferred. Successful completion of CDA or equivalent coursework must be obtained within 18 months of hire. 

REPORTS TO: Head Start/Preschool Director

JOB GOALS: Assists the classroom teacher in planning and carrying out individual and group activities to meet the social, emotional, physical, and academic needs of  3 and 4-year-old children. Promote school readiness by inspiring children to become life-long learners, problem solvers, and creative thinkers. Work to create and maintain an environment of positive interactions and support, where children and their families have opportunities for optimal development, learning, and success. Serve as a bus monitor to ensure the safety of students to and from school, as needed.  

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists the teacher with planning and implementation of lessons. 
• Assists with data collection/input and reporting, including, but not limited to: assessments, intervention data, progress monitoring, screenings, TS GOLD documentation, COS input, documentation of drills and inspections, parent contacts, attendance, collecting health documents, parent/teacher conferences and home visits, and other requested documentation.
• Strictly adheres to regulations, program policies, and program procedures. 
• Helps the teacher plan, organize, and facilitate family engagement opportunities for families whose children are enrolled in their classroom.
• Ensures child-staff ratio is maintained at all times.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary environment in the classroom and all extensions of the classroom (kitchen, breakroom, etc). 
• Changes diapers/pullups and assists children with toileting.
• Completes weekly lice checks for children in the classrooms. 
• Actively supervises and monitors children at all times across all school settings and responds appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur.
• Works to establish and maintain a positive classroom and school climate.
• Guides the behavior of children in positive and effective ways (in accordance with state/federal laws, CLASS, the Pyramid Model, TPOT, Star rating requirements, etc).
• Releases children only to authorized adults.
• Maintains confidentiality in regards to staff, students, and families.
• All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to confidentiality policies and legal requirements. 
• Works contracted hours and days. Starts and ends daily schedule at the appointed times. Maintains good attendance. 
• Prepares the classroom environment and materials to support developmentally appropriate lessons and learning experiences.
• Reports suspected/known child abuse.
• Attends and actively participates in meetings, training, and professional development in their entirety. 
• Engages in ongoing self-assessment, learning, and development. 
• Assists with inventory and care of equipment and supplies.
• Provides an inclusive learning environment for all children.
• Assists with meals/snacks in accordance with program, district, state, and federal requirements. 
• Administering screenings and assessments.
• Assists students by modeling appropriate behaviors and providing emotional support through nurturing interactions. 
• Confers, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
• Assures the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations. 
• Communicates and maintains effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the Public.
• Performs routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
• Inspects playgrounds prior to use by children and reports any concerns to the Head Start/Preschool secretary. 
• Adheres to the appropriate code of ethics.
• Performs other duties consistent with the position, as assigned. Such duties may be assigned by the teacher, Director, program managers, or Superintendent.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Safety practices related to early childhood.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

ABILITY TO:

• Ability to make decisions and solve problems in accordance with school, district, state, and federal requirements. 
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, economic status, cultures, religions, professional roles, and personalities. 
• Ability to sit, kneel, bend, and reach.
• Ability to go up and down steps and ramps.
• Ability to run and walk quickly for short distances, as needed to keep children safe.
• Ability to lift up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Ability to learn and use program related technology.
• Ability to remain calm and demonstrate patience. 
• Ability to follow directions.