Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups.

• Possess a sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills.

• Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff and others from diverse backgrounds, including children with special needs.

• Ability to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children.

• Possess an attitude of continuous improvement.

• Possess a commitment to continued education to include regular participating in workshops, conferences, training sessions, etc.

• Ability to provide a continuum of care to children ages 3 - 5 years old.

• Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.

• Ability to follow through on given directives in a timely manner.

• Flexibility in scheduling.

• Ability to develop trusting relationships within a client’s home.

• Ability to work as a team player to interact and assist all employees as necessary.

• Possess the ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families, conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change, have the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the employee and the ability to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and their families.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform according to the standards set forth by Department of Human Services-Tennessee Day Care Licensing, NAEYC, CACFP, USDA and Porter-Leath.

• Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children that includes children with special needs.

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities of enrichment and care for one classroom of children according to the standards set forth by Department of Human Services-Tennessee Day Care Licensing, NAEYC, CACFP, USDA and Porter-Leath on a daily basis.

• Work cooperatively with the Education Specialist, Site Manager and other lead staff to foster learning and development of children within the classroom.

• Ensure the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices to meet the needs of all children.

• Assist in maintaining appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, individualized and classroom lesson plans, etc. necessary to produce required outcomes/reports.

• Ensure planning and daily documentation of children’s growth and accomplishment of developmental milestones.

• Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring a coordinated plan of care for each child.

• Act as mentor to families of children in group and Assistant Teacher.

• Support and teach school readiness skills utilizing the required curriculum.

• Conduct parent-teacher conferences to promote parental engagement with families.

• Keep Supervisor informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.

• Conduct initial developmental screenings and ongoing child assessments utilizing the required tools.

• Works cooperatively with other staff to create a positive, enriching and safe environment for children, families and staff.

• Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger/handle/feel. Occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision. Work in a non-smoking environment.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver's license with a good driving record with appropriate level of insurance.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Education Specialist, the Teacher Assistant will have the responsibilities of being the primary caregiver for one group of children in the Pre-K/ASD program.

• HSD/GED with Child Development Associate Pre-K endorsement required. Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.

• Minimum two years of relevant work experience with preschool age children ages 3-5 years required.

• CPR and First Aid certification is strongly preferred.