Assistant Teacher - Head Start

Assist and perform various duties to provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences to help them develop their full potential in the areas of language, literacy, social-emotional, physical, and mathematics,

Examples of Duties for Success

• Assist in implementing daily, weekly, and monthly instructional activities in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and additional program requirements, taking into consideration the needs and skills of the children
• Assist in the instruction of children involved in various classroom activities, including educational programs to develop children's growth in socio-emotional, psychomotor, cognitive/language, health, and personal hygiene skills, using development appropriate activities, best practices, and positive discipline practices
• Assist in observing, recording, and evaluating each child's activity, performance, behavior, and development; accommodate and modify individual activities based on developmental needs or behavior
• Assist in adapting and implementing behavior plans and Individualize Education Plans to meet the goals and objectives of each child who is receiving consultation or special education services
• Assist utilizing the outcome of the developmental screening tools to discuss with the parent Child’s strengths and potential concerns, and to support the parents with activities to implement at home to support the students on his/her development and growth
• Always utilize only positive discipline practices
• Always supervise children in our care
• Work together with staff in planning and implementing policies, promoting program goals and activities, and promotion and support of parental involvement in the classroom/program
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, workshops, formal classes, in-service training, and program events to continually advance teaching skills and knowledge, as requested
• Participate in professional development opportunities and education coaching for continuous improvement
• Assist in the accuracy forms of record-keeping purposes
• Assist in maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Ensure that the classroom's appearance, cleanliness, and safe classroom environment are appropriately maintained
• Assist in various screening tools to assess children in all areas of development, then use the outcomes to create individual learning activities that support children's learning
• Assist in maintaining ongoing contact with parents; encourage and promote parent involvement; assist parents in developing and understanding their role as the primary educator of their children; assist in the reinforcement and transfer of concepts and behaviors from the school to the home setting; participate in parent conferences and home visits
• Work collaboratively with other staff members to meet the needs of all children.
• Assist in recruiting volunteer parents to assist in the classroom
• Assist in all forms of communication with parents
• Ensure all classroom/outdoor equipment is in good working condition and is used /maintained correctly
• Ensure the accuracy and completion of Record of Meals, that standards operating procedures are met and carry out job duties efficiently and in a timely manner Implement family-style mealtime
• Assist in implementing family-style mealtime and clean up, nurturing social/emotional and self-help development
• Abide by medical/nutritional restrictions
• Accept temporary work assignments within Adams County Head Start if regularly scheduled personnel are unavailable, the flexibility of center, or role assignments
• Use various forms of technology such as tablets and computers
• Basic computer skills and use of Microsoft software
• Check various communication avenues such as email, curriculum platforms, and phone calls and respond in a timely manner
• Always maintain confidentiality and abide by the program's employee standard of conduct
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required

Qualifications for Success

• Adequate understanding of early childhood principles of child development theory and early childhood education
• Use only positive discipline practices
• Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Basic mathematical principles
• Basic principles and procedures of record keeping and report writing
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Instruct and supervise children
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted during work
• Demonstrate a professional and positive attitude and appearance
• Demonstrate a willingness to serve and a passion for exceeding customer service expectations
• Basic computer skills and use of Microsoft software
• Follow pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including childcare licensing regulations
• Safely operate an automobile

More Qualifications for Success

Experience: One (1) year of experience working with preschool children.

Education and Training:

• Possession of a current Child Development Associates (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential.
• OR are enrolled in a CDA credential or degree program in Child Development, Child Psychology, Early Childhood Special Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, Elementary Education, Family and Human Development, Family Studies, Child and Family Development, or Special Education to be completed within two years of the time of hire

License or Certificate:

• Valid Colorado Driver's License and Proof of vehicle insurance
• A Motor Vehicle record check will be conducted
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification
• Ability to obtain medication administration certificate

Background Check:

• Ability to pass multiple criminal backgrounds and Central Registry checks
• A fingerprint check may be conducted
• A Motor Vehicle record check will be conducted

Other:

• Must complete physical examination and TB test upon hire
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, and climb
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds
• Exposure to childhood diseases

Ability to obtain, maintain, and ensure continued access to State and County systems in strict compliance with all applicable county and state regulations, policies, and user agreements.