Full-Time Position with Excellent Benefits and Paid Time Off

Starting Wage: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour, Dependent upon Education

Bilingual Start Wage: $18.90 - $21.00 per hour, Dependent upon Education

PURPOSE:

The Teacher Assistant (TA) develops a strong nurturing relationship with children, and supports and assists the classroom teacher to provide developmentally appropriate learning environment with meaningful experiences in preparation for a successful kindergarten experience. This position leads the class in the event of the teacher’s absence. The Teacher Assistant prepares classroom materials, assists with the maintenance of classroom facilities and assists in the center kitchen to provide nutritious meals and snacks as assigned. This position is responsible for meeting Head Start performance standards and following the Agency policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

I. CHILD EDUCATION, CURRICULUM, AND CLASSROOM

A. Work directly with children individually, in small and large groups.

· Provide for the children’s’ safety, guidance and educational development;

· Be familiar with the curriculum guidelines of the Agency;

· Assist the classroom teacher with the development and implementation of required curriculum;

· Work cooperatively to assist Teacher in the development and implementation of classroom activities;

· Perform routine classroom tasks such as activity environment planning, preparation and clean up;

· Be aware of and follow all phases of the Child Guidance Procedure.

B. Assume responsibility of the class in the event of the teacher’s absence.

C. Take and record child observations as required and assigned.

· Bilingual TA - Ensure observations necessary for assessing dual language learners are completed and developmental levels are assigned in collaboration with the classroom teacher.

D. Inform teacher of unusual behavior, or symptoms of children or relevant information from parents.

E. Ensure children receive services in compliance with all child health and safety policies and procedures, including but not limited to: medication administration, continuous counting (child sign in/out, etc.).

II. COMMUNICATION AND DEBRIEFINGS

A. Communication and debriefing with staff at center and classroom.

· Attend staff meetings, education trainings and other relevant meetings and training;

· Participate in daily classroom debriefing.

B. Bilingual TA - Facilitate interpretation of data in all forms and provide accurate information to the children and their families requiring interpreting assistance.

III. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

A. Serve as bus monitor on assigned runs and field trips.

B. Ensure that children are in appropriate safety restraints when bus is moving.

C. Transmit accurate messages to parents.

D. Ensure bus children are signed in/out as required.

E. Assist with bus pre-trip, as needed.

IV. GENERAL MAINTENANCE

A. Daily cleaning as required by individual centers both inside and outside.

B. Basic center clean-up/sanitation throughout school day.

C. General upkeep and repair of equipment and materials both inside and outside.

V. CHILDCARE

A. Provide childcare for Policy Council Meeting and/or center parent meetings as assigned.

VI. INTERACTION WITH CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND CO-WORKERS

A. Must relate in a positive, nurturing way, both verbally and physically, and be sensitive to the needs of children, parents and co-workers.

B. Must use quick, safe reactions and responses in dealing with children or situations that involve children.

VII. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

A. Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment.

B. Follow safety regulations, policies and procedures.

C. Actively contribute towards promoting a safe workplace and environment.

VII. OTHER DUTIES

May be assigned other related duties as appropriate and within the scope of general responsibilities for this position. However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that may need to be performed by the employee fulfilling this position. This job description describes the general nature and level of work, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties which may be required.

REQUIRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; and

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required or Step 8 in Oregon Registry Pathways program required,

OR

Current enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within 2 years of hire required,

OR

Enrollment in a program leading to a Step 8 in Oregon Registry Pathways program required.

Certification or Accreditation: Enrollment in the Oregon Registry Pathways program required; CPR/First Aid Certification, Food Handler Certification and TS Gold Inter-Rater Reliability Certification required (certifications may be obtained at Head Start after hire).

Experience: One-year experience working with young children age birth to 8 years required, preschool age specific preferred.

Essential Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and basic computer knowledge. Ability to perform general clerical tasks. Ability to apply the understanding of developmentally appropriate activities of children; meet and promote the social-emotional, physical and cognitive development needs of children.

Bilingual Teacher Assistant - must understand and support the teacher/family relationship by providing interpreting assistance for children, families, and the public as required.

Essential Mental Abilities: Must be organized, flexible and resolution oriented. Ability to multi-task, make sound judgments and demonstrate appropriate role modeling. Ability to maintain full and complete attention to children at all times. Ability to work as a team member and to be self-directed.

Essential Physical Requirements: Ability to lift/carry up to 40 lbs. a distance of 10 feet. Ability to push/pull up to 40 lbs. a distance of 10 yards; sufficient mobility and range of motion to perform repetitive standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and twisting for up to 8 hours per day. Sufficient stamina to perform job duties at frequency required. Ability to react quickly to the physical actions of children. Ability to perform physical requirements of bus monitor duties. Sufficient vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination to perform job duties.

Exposure to Hazards: Unpredictable child and family behavior, hazardous chemicals, contagious conditions, work with personal computer and other office equipment. Riding in motor vehicles and school buses.

EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON:

Pre-employment health screening as required by Agency and position (may include, but is not limited to: drug screening, occupational health screening and/or functional testing)

Central Background Registry enrollment

Proof of current personal automobile insurance in accordance with agency policy

Reports to: Site Manager and/or Head Teacher