Teacher Assistant (1512)

This position works as a team partner with the teacher in developing activities for preschool children to provide an appropriate learning environment. Assistance is given to the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. This position may be assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing expertise.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist in developing learning materials and providing activities outlined on the lesson plan and related to the cultural background of the children and families served.

2. Provide instructional services to students under the guidance of the classroom teacher.

3. Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of progress in GOLD online system.

4. Record and maintain student records such as Portfolios, AM/PM Checklist, Toothbrushing Logs, Cleaning Logs, etc.

5. Ensures that the classroom environment is clean and orderly.

6. Assist in ensuring that all policies and procedures related to education and safety for children are followed.

7. Generates and documents in-kind and volunteer time sheets.

8. Contributes to the collection and edit processes of correct documentation for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) by entering point of service meal counts in appropriate forms or software used by program to support claim reimbursement.

9. Assist with students exhibiting behavioral/management needs.

10. Assumes the lead role in the teacher's absence.

11. Makes home visits with the teacher as required or requested.

12. Performs any other duties as may be required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

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 one year of being hired into the position;

3. An associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) with a minimum of 18 hours of ECE course work

4. Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.

Other Skills and Abilities

· Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

· Demonstrate the ability to adjust the eye to bring object into focus; judge distance (close and distant), reach with arms extended, and use of hands to manipulate a keyboard.

· Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, bend, climb, and /or be mobile.

Other Qualifications

· Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the agency.

· Ability to assume a variety of roles when required

· Maintain a positive professional relationship with colleagues.