Float Teacher Assistant

Agency Name: Tri-County Opportunities Council

Program Name: Early Head Start/Head Start Program

Job Title: Teacher Assistant

Reports to: Site Supervisor

Status: 40 Hrs./week, Part-Year Position, Non-Exempt

Education Requirements: Head Start center-based teacher assistant qualification requirements. As prescribed in section 648A(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act, a program must ensure Head Start assistant teachers, at a minimum, have a CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.

• Preferred: AAS in Early Childhood Education or closely related field with a minimum of 21 credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Minimum: Enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree; CDA credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance
• Not essential but may be required as needed; sufficient strength and flexibility (ability to stoop, bend, twist, etc.) to frequently bend down to a child’s level, sit on the floor with them, stand for prolonged periods of time, respond to a child’s quick and frequent movements and when necessary lift a child, must have manual dexterity
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must have the ability to safely enter and exit the center and family’s home
• Must pass a general physical examination and TB screening at the time of hire and every two years thereafter
• Must obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR
• Employment in this position is contingent on cleared criminal background check, clear background check as per the Department of Children & Family Services Licensing Standards and Policy Council approval
• Strong Communication Skills-effective verbal and written
• Patience, Understanding
• Flexibility
• Technology Proficient
• Maintain Confidentiality
• Classroom and Behavior management
• Team Management Skills
• Decisiveness
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities
• Conflict Resolution
• Time and Priority Management Skills
• Self-Management
• Conveying Feelings Appropriately
• Demonstrates Cognitive Flexibility
• Ability to take and follow direction

Accountabilities: To provide safe, supportive, intentional and engaging environments for children between the ages of birth and five years of age. Offer environments and experiences that provide natural and developmentally appropriate skill development opportunities to children with various skill levels. Reduce achievement gaps through equitable practices. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development resulting in improved teaching and learning.

Essential Duties: To create child focused, emotionally supportive, safe and responsive experiences that support: emotional connection, progressive communication, shared respect, autonomy, expression, higher order thinking skills/cognition and that reduces racial, ethnic and linguistic disparities.

• Create a safe, warm, and accepting environment following Program Policies and Procedures
• Implement the Curriculum to Fidelity
• Follows all licensing procedures, inclusive of DCFS, Head Start Standards, OHSA, CACFP, etc.
• Ensure that children are actively supervised by qualified staff at all times and appropriate ratios are maintained
• Ensure indoor/outdoor areas and equipment, materials, and supplies are safe, used, stored, and maintained in an orderly manner
• Promote and guide individual self-help skills.
• Complete necessary paperwork neatly and accurately by established deadlines
• Model family style meal service, by sitting and eating what the children are eating while carrying on appropriate conversations during meal times
• Identify and document sources of nonfederal
• Completes ongoing professional
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of Tri-County Opportunities Council.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.94 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Spring Valley, IL (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Spring Valley, IL: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $18