Head Start Teacher Assistant 52 Wk

ABOUT US

At the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA), we envision an equitable community where everyone has the tools and resources to be self-sufficient.  Our mission is clear: through advocacy, high-quality programs, and strong community partnerships, our dedicated team is breaking down barriers to equity and opportunity while building self-sufficiency across generations. Our values guide us in everything we do: we serve with passion, collaborate as a team, have compassion for others, use our talents to do transformational work, and strive to continuously improve.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head Start Teacher Assistant at CHCCAA plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to expand opportunities and build self-sufficiency for our community members. This position supports the Head Start Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children. This role involves assisting with the implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum, supporting children’s learning and development, and maintaining a positive classroom atmosphere. The ideal candidate will use their skills to embody our values and contribute to our vision of a thriving, self-sufficient community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Assist the Teacher in planning and implementing daily activities and lesson plans that align with Head Start Performance Standards and help children develop socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically, including learning experiences for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
• Work with Teacher to establish a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing classroom environment that promotes positive interactions and learning, support cleanliness and safety.

• Incorporate Conscious Discipline strategies into daily interactions to promote social-emotional development and a positive classroom environment.

• Engage with children in activities that promote learning, development and pro-social behavior.
• Assist in conducting assessments of children’s development and pro-social behavior; ensure that all reports and documentation are completed accurately, with an on-time submission.
• Assist in conducting assessments of children’s development and progress and implementing IEPs for all children.
• In conjunction with the teacher, provide engaging home activities/in kinds to support learning and development.
• Promote safety practices using Active Supervision indoors and outdoors.
• Observe daily health condition of children and report results to Teacher.
• Communicate effectively with parents and caregivers about their child’s progress and needs.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and home visits as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations, including ADA and child abuse program requirements.
• Attend professional development sessions to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Additionally, CAA management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Required Education, Skills and Experience:

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential; may be enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with young children, preferably in a Head Start or early childhood education setting
• Knowledge of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practices
• Knowledge of child discipline and conflict management practices
• Experience working effectively with diverse families and communities
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Experience with the Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards

Required Job Competencies

CAA Core Competencies:

• Passion for service to the community
• Compassion for others – empathy, respect, caring, kindness
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Position-Specific Competencies:

• Organizational skills and the ability to multi-task, plan and prioritize work   
• Interpersonal relationship-building and customer service skills 
• Problem-solving and critical/analytical thinking skills  
• Organizational skills, with strong accuracy and attention to detail  
• Verbal and written communication skills    
• Interest and willingness to learn new information and skills 

Other Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and automobile insurance must be maintained. 
• Must have reliable Wi-Fi access to support offsite/remote work as needed.  
• Must be willing to accommodate planned and unplanned travel to and from Head Start Center and other C-HCCAA or meeting/conference locations, including overnight and/or out of town travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Location – As assigned
• Work Hours – will vary as assigned between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:30 pm M-F, with evenings and travel as required 
• Work is performed in a typical early childhood classroom environment
• Planned and unplanned travel to and from Head Start Center and other C-HCCAA or meeting/conference locations, including overnight and/or out of town travel may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment 
• Walk, bend, kneel, and reach
• Lift a 20-60 lb. child, using all safety precautions
• Stand, sit, and play with infants and toddlers for long periods of time
• Conduct both outdoor and indoor activities, in both warm and cold temperatures
• Talk, hear, and communicate with parents
• See and be able to read, write, and interpret written documents