Teacher Assistant - Head Start

Teacher Assistant - Head Start

2026-2027 School Year 

General Statement of Job

The responsibilities of the Teacher Assistant are supportive in nature. Under the supervision of the Lead Teacher, the duties of the Teacher Assistant are instructional.  These include assisting with planning and program implementation, clerical duties, housekeeping duties, and caregiving, as well as bus duties.

Required qualifications

• Associate degree in early childhood or at a minimum, high school diploma or GED
• Must have completed EDU 119 or enroll and complete within 6 months of employment
• First Aid and CPR certification required or must be obtained and kept current
• Complete training on the Foundations, the NC early learning standards for preschoolers.
• Applicant must hold a valid NC state driver’s license.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Assists with arranging the physical environment to meet physical, social, and emotional needs of each child.
• Assists in selecting developmentally appropriate materials for a minimum of 7 interest centers and safe areas that meet curriculum and ECERS guidelines.
• Assists in following a balanced daily classroom schedule that meets ECERS and curriculum guidelines.
• Assists with creating a positive social and emotional climate.
• Assists in maintaining a clean and healthy classroom.
• Accepts direction from lead teacher.
• Lead teacher and assistant plan together effectively.  As a minimum, all classroom staff are aware of each day's activities in advance.
• Leads learning experiences to meet individual and group needs.
• Assists in creating, selecting and modifying materials.  Assists rotating materials often.
• Implements and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities planned by the teacher utilizing Dial 4/Brigance screening data, Parental Input Information, IEP and curriculum goals relating to all areas of the curriculum.
• Assist students in experiences initiated by the Lead Teacher.
• Effectively uses appropriate guidance and classroom management techniques including those outlined in CSEFEL.
• Accompany the Lead Teacher on home visits and parent conferences as needed, including after regular work hours.
• Assists the teacher in completing Dial 4/Brigance screenings.
• Assists in documenting a minimum of one anecdotal record per week per child.  Assists in using information for individual and group planning.
• Works with classroom teachers to provide the best possible learning environment and resources for children in your care.
• Coordinates with the teaching team to carry out classroom responsibilities.
• Collaborate with other teaching staff for idea sharing as directed by the Lead Teacher.  Provides input in an appropriate manner.
• Assists in coordinating with program staff and professionals outside the program to ensure a smooth transition into or out of the program as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Under the direction of the lead teacher, cooperates with Mental Health Consultant for information sharing and problem planning.
• Works cooperatively/communicates with Teachers and Family Advocates in updating and monitoring social services, parent involvement, disability, and health records and concerns.
• Assists in daily transition activities as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Initiates activities without being asked when appropriate.
• Assists in supervising volunteers.
• Assists in planning and implementing parent/family activities held after school hours and attends events as directed (orientation, parent committee, open house, etc.)

Additional duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Classroom Teacher and/or Site Administrator.

Essential knowledge and abilities

• Ability to respond appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or a crisis situation.
• Adheres to professional ethics and standards.
• Does not discuss children or families with other staff members, in front of children, or outside the program.
• Is present and punctual and adheres to an established work schedule.  Contact the supervisor as soon as possible when absence or tardiness is necessary.
• Maintains up-to-date CPR and First Aid certification.  Keeps personnel requirements up to date including annual physical and in-service training.
• Has received training in Foundations, Early Learning Standards for NC Preschoolers and Strategies for Guiding their success.
• Always maintains a professional attitude.
• Frequent significant decisions to assure developmental progress of children.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise preschool children and ensure a safe learning environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in the classroom, outdoor play areas and other areas in the school setting.
• Requires the physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds; stand for extended periods of time; participate in floor activities with children; walk up and down stairs; sweep, mop, vacuum floors, clean bathrooms on a daily basis; interact with children inside and outside in gross motor activities.
• Has a basic understanding of the curriculum, ECERS and the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework.
• Submits neat, accurate and punctual program paperwork.
• Participates in opportunities for professional development including attending staff meetings and local training.

The abilities described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.