Assistant Teacher

As part of the education team, under the general direction of the Education Coordinator, with support from the Teacher, the Teacher Assistant (ACDP Program) will be given a group of children. The Teacher Assistant may be responsible for conducting circles, doing lesson plans, and generally assuming the teacher's responsibility in the teacher's absence.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• To share responsibility for keeping equipment and material accessible and in good condition to encourage maximum constructive use by the children.
• To share responsibility for removing or reporting any damaged or hazardous equipment to the Child Education Coordinator or other designated person so that necessary action may be taken.
• To share responsibility for planning and supervising an appropriate arrangement of classroom equipment and furniture designated to promote optimal program functioning.
• To assist in the overall planning for the best use of shared space in relation to the total center program.
• To assist the Assistant teacher in planning the use of community resources to enrich the educational content of the children's program.
• To share with classroom associates their mutual knowledge and understanding of the Head Start program and the sponsoring agency of which the center is a part.
• To promote his or her own professional growth of development through participation in regularly scheduled individual conferences, classroom group conferences, staff meetings, and Early Childhood Training.
• To share with other classroom personnel the performance of routine chores related to all areas of the program.
• To participate, wherever feasible, in related training opportunities as these become available.
• To participate in objective discussions with the teacher and aide about classroom activities.
• Adhering to the approved plan by which information concerning the children and program can be shared with the parents.
• Attending and participating in parenting education groups and training when required.
• Respecting the confidential nature of all information about parents and children.
• Maintaining good working Relations and Objective Attitudes with Other Center Personnel.
• Other related duties, as assigned, are consistent with the above and include the fulfillment of full program responsibility for the group in the absence of the Teacher.
• Assist with trips walking through the neighborhood or community bus trips.
• Fire Drill assistance, ensuring the children are escorted down the stairs and back to the classroom in an orderly fashion.
• Working within the 8:30 am - to 4:30 pm scheduled hours of the Head Start Program.
• Classroom assistance to various age groups, assisting with those children that are not potty-trained.

EDUCATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Child Development Associate Certificate(CDA) or Associates Degree in a relevant field required
• 2 year of school and youth development experience working with youth is a preferred
• Analytical, Communication, and Organizational skills