Teaching Assistant - Infant/Toddler

Description

Job Title: Teaching Assistant (Infant/Toddler)

Department: HeadStart  

FLSA Status: Non-exempt  

Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Full Time 

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): Yes

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

Head Start Teacher Assistants assist in maintaining a respectful classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning. They create meaningful relationships with children and their families, while also supporting teachers in the planning and preparation of lessons and activities. They foster an environment that is centered around social emotional learning and school readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standard of conduct.

• Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with supervisor, Individualized Professional Development Plan

• Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol •Participate in center staff meetings, monthly content area meetings, pre-service, and in-services and incorporate relevant knowledge and skills into practice

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately. 
• Support and implement a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language. 
• Support and implement appropriate daily lesson plans, based on the approved curriculum, that promote the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of children. 
• Assist in conducting ongoing assessment and individualization documentation in a timely manner. 
• Support in the completion of developmental screening within 45 days of child entering the program 
• Participate in completion of HS/EHS application as requested  
• Participate in planning and implementation of registration activities  
• Participate per center plan in obtaining heights and weights and sensory screenings for children enrolled after screening day and returning children as requested 
• Assist and implement a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time. 
• Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment, which includes adding new and interesting materials each week. 
• Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques. 
• Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourages their social and emotional development. 
• Assist in care-giving routines i.e changing diapers/assisting in potty training  
• Conduct daily health checks on each child. 
• Encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children. 
• Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program. 
• Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation. 
• Follow infants’ individual feeding schedules and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding. 
• Communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information. 
• Have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a Child Development Associate credential or Child Care Certificate 
• 2 years relevant experience

Background Checks:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in a classroom environment-controlled temperature conditions. This position may include time outside during calm moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work involves sitting and standing for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require bending and lifting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.