Description

A. GENERAL SUMMARY OF WHAT THE POSITION DOES

This position works as a part of a teaching team to work as a partner with the

teacher/lead teacher in developing activities for preschool (Head Start) children to

provide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment.

Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Assistance is

given to the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to

implement educational objectives and performance standards. This position works

with families to promote parent involvement in the program. This position may be

assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing

expertise. This position works along with the teacher/head teacher to attain the goals

of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as

deemed necessary for program operations.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below. Additional

duties may be assigned.

1. EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES

1. Preschool Classroom Activities

1. Assists the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities
   including lesson plans.
2. Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural
   background of the children and families served.
3. Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
4. Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good
   nutrition and proper social skills.
5. Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
6. Is familiar with each child and parent.
7. Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and
   knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
8. Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
9. Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
10. Makes home visits with the teacher as required or requested and documents
    them as requested.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

1. Parent/Family Involvement And Community Relations

1. Assists the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family involvement
   in each classroom.
2. Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families of the children.
3. Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the program,
   awareness of the child’s needs and development, how the activities of the
   program promote positive development and their roles in the child’s overall
   education and development.
4. Participates in the training of families as requested.
5. Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program:

1. to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and
   development; and
2. to assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and
   experience in basic child development.

1. Assists with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as
   volunteers and substitutes.
2. Assists the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and
   community members participating in the program.
3. Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.

1. EXAMPLES OF GENERAL JOB ACTIVITIES

1. Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied
   toward the non-federal share requirement.
2. Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.
3. Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
4. Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child care
   licensing regulations.
5. Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of
   occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the
   prevention of contamination.
6. Positively promotes Head Start in the community.
7. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start Head Start children,
   families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
8. Becomes thoroughly familiar with Meriden YMCA Employee Handbook, Meriden YMCA
   Operations Manual and all other Meriden YMCA handbooks, manuals and resources and
   adheres to them.
   
   PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
   
   C. SUPERVISION EXERCISED
   Immediate supervision means those employees the position assigns, directs and evaluates. 
   
   Positions Supervised: Head Teacher
   
   D. PERSONAL CONTACTS
   Major internal and external contacts.
   
   Internal External
   See Organizational Chart Head Start Parents - as needed
   Community Partners - as needed
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   E. DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS
   This section will describe the kinds and impact of decisions and commitments;
   the effects, influence and significance of these decisions; the consequence of
   error and the limitation of the finality of decision-making.
   
   Decisions and commitments involving the education program are very important and
   affect the children and continued funding of the programs. Following the guidelines and
   the regulations of the program are of the utmost importance to ensuring quality services
   for the children and families.
   
   Supervisor decisions regarding staff are important to ensure compliance with the
   agency Personnel Policies and Procedures, to ensure good management, and
   protect the employee rights. 
   
   F. SUPERVISION RECEIVED
   The job description and the content area work plan serve as a guideline. Assistance
   is received from other agency staff as needed. Outside assistance can be received
   from other related resources. Head Start Head Start effectively uses the teamwork
   approach. All content areas are interwoven so as to better assist and support
   families. The immediate supervisor is responsible for appraisals of this position.

This position receives content area supervision and technical assistance from

program supervisor, specialist, coordinator and/or managers.

Qualifications

G. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge: Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children. Knowledge

of the purpose of the Head Start program. Knowledge of local resources, customs and

languages helpful.

Abilities: Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff, parents and

families. Ability to follow directions and take initiative. Ability to keep all information

regarding families strictly confidential. Ability to communicate effectively with children,

families and staff. Ability to work with typically developing children and children with

disabilities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate both written and orally.
• Ability to follow directions from both written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.

• Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.

• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from community.
• Some Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area). MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
  REASONING SKILLS

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in
  written or oral form.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Ability to exhibit patience and tact when communicating with children, families, staff, management, referral sources and the public.
• Ability to project professionalism in conducting daily activities. H. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Minimum requirement is high school diploma or GED plus some experience working with preschool children. A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is preferred. By September 30, 2013 the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 mandates that anyone holding the position of Assistant Teacher have, as a minimum requirement, one of the following:

1. A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential;
2. Be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of being hired into the position;
3. An associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area); or
4. Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree. If applicable federal, state or local Head Start or child care regulations, now or as amended in the future, contain additional requirements or qualifications for this position which are not specifically stated in this Job Description, the requirements and qualifications will apply, even if not specifically set forth in this Job Description. Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area). Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state regulations). Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records check (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment. Current and former Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

I. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional need to provide gentle physical restraint to children.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required associated with attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.

• Work is typically performed in a classroom setting and some office work required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, social and community events. The requirements of your Job Description are important in providing services to children and families, and for keeping you, children and co-workers safe during the work day. If you are unable to perform any of the functions required in your job description due to a disability, you are invited to direct any requests for accommodation to the Program Director.