Teacher Assistant Long Term Substitute

Title:

Teacher Assistant, Head Start Long Term Substitute Teacher

Position start date: Asap

Schedule: Follows an academic 9-month Calendar.

Full Day works Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm Fridays Staff Planning Days

Purpose of Position: The Teacher Assistant provides children with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that will help them develop in all areas in a manner appropriate to their age and developmental stage. The Teacher Assistant is responsible for classroom organization and preparation. The Teacher Assistant works in collaboration with the Teacher and Site Team to enhance the parent’s role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development.

Below is an outline of the essential duties associated with this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Consistent attendance and reporting to work on time is essential for this position to maintain consistency and routine in the program’s day-to-day functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Program

• Education staff are trained as mandated reporters and will report any observations of concern to Cass County Social Services
• Responsible for following Head Start and SENDCAA program policies and procedures, which include Standards of Conduct, Naptime, Outdoor Play, Classroom Relief, Mealtime, etc
• Participates in relevant training, including staff meetings, site meetings, reflective supervision & case management meetings.

Education

• Maintain working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and the Early Learning Outcomes Framework
• Can take an active role in implementing behavior plans
• Become familiar with and implement school readiness goals
• Collaborates with the Teacher to organize and implement the Creative Curriculum for Preschool to fidelity
• Participates in coaching process with Teacher Coach & Education Coordinator to promote positive, effective learning environments for children
• Implements Conscious Discipline to fidelity
• Assists with the completion of regular reports and observations of each child’s participation and developmental progress

Classroom Organization

• Assists in the upkeep and maintenance of the classroom equipment, materials, and supplies
• Assist Teacher in day-to-day classroom planning, preparation, and activities

Assists in maintaining a clean and safe classroom by picking up/cleaning up messes, cots, toys, books, etc.

Family

• Respect each family’s cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity
• Under the teacher’s guidance communicates regularly with parents regarding their child’s development
• Encourages parent/volunteer participation in the classroom

Assists in the transition process, and ensures each child has a successful transition in and out of Head Start with collaboration of the family and appropriate staff.

Health and Safety

• Models’ good health practices, such as tooth brushing and hand washing

Responsible for implementing family style meals in a pleasant, well-lit area that encourages conversation & socialization. See Mealtime procedure for further instruction

OTHER DUTIES:

• Substitutes for the Teacher, as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested
• Occasional travel to other sites

Some nights required for Home Visits and Family Events

Education/Training Required:

• Preschool Child Development Associate Credential or Associates Degree in Early Childhood

• CPR and First Aid certified, within 3 months of hire

• Mandated Reporting Interactive Training, within 3 months of hire

Minimum Experience and Skills Required:

To perform the duties of this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below outline the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies that are required in this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. 1 year experience in an early childhood environment
2. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate interaction with young children
3. Ability to communicate in a professional and appropriate manner with children, parents, and staff
4. Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals, including clients and co-workers, and to maintain effective working relationships with SENDCAA clients and staff
5. Ability to perform work independently under general direction of supervisor
6. Supports team efforts, cooperates with others, and actively learns from other team members
7. Ability to follow protocols, (e.g., chain of command, confidentiality) when communicating with others in the program, families, governing body, policy group, committees, and those in other community programs
8. Ability to carry out the duties of this position while helping to fulfill SENDCAA’s mission while adhering to policies, procedures, and regulations

Education/Training Preferred:

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

The working conditions and environment and the physical requirements/activities listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions and Environment: While performing the duties of this position, the individual generally has good working conditions. The employee is often exposed to moderate noise from children.

Physical Requirements/Activities: While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, balance, kneel, bend, stoop, crouch, reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle, feel and use equipment/materials, push, pull, lift, twist, grip, and communicate (talk and hear). Intermittently, the employee is required to climb, jump and crawl.

Occasionally, the employee is required to exert up to 25 pounds of force and/or less than 25 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including a child. Infrequently, the employee is required to run, exert up to 60 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including a child. Specific vision ability required is close vision of 20 inches or less and distance vision of 20 feet or less.

The preceding statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel in this position.