Head Start - Pre K Teacher Assistant

Nature of Work
Assist classroom staff in implementing the individualized goals and objectives set forth for a particular child/children that has been identified as needing specialized assistance. Aide will observe and record specific behavioral data as well as targeted goals and objectives and routinely communicate observations and progress with program staff, consultants and parents.
Education
A child development associate (CDA) credential or be enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within 2 years; or have an college degree from an accredited institution or be enrolled in a program leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), child development (CD) or related field.
Essential Functions
• Be familiar with and adhere to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, State of Louisiana licensing requirements, the RCCDC written work plan, and agency's policies and procedures
• Maintain an open, friendly, professional relationship with all staff and families, to include respect for culture, diversity and ethnicity.
• Participate in annual program self-assessment and continuous quality improvement initiatives of the overall program.
• Monitor and ensure confidentiality of children records
Position Specific Essential Functions:
Classroom Activity
1. Adapt planned activities, materials and equipment to facilitate participation by special needs child/children.
2. Help promote communication, play and socialization between the special needs child/children and other children in the classroom.
3. Perform required care-giving activities for child/children, i.e. feeding, toileting, dressing etc.
4. Implement behavior management techniques and monitor progress & effectiveness
5. Observe, record and monitor child's/children's progress in the classroom
Collaboration with Classroom Staff
1. Assist staff in implementing curriculum and individualized goals for the special needs child/children to promote growth and learning in all developmental areas.
2. Routinely communicate observations and progress with classroom staff, consultants and parents. Insure that professional ethics and confidentiality are maintained.
Additional Job Responsibilities
1. Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
2. Serve as 2nd bus monitor for centers with bus transportation
3. Generate In-Kind.
4. Other duties as requested.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to closely monitor and supervise special needs child/children.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.
• Ability to respond to behavioral issues with appropriate behavior management processes
• Routine decision making such as when to communicate to teachers and parents and when changes in program are needed, when emergencies arise etc.
• Sits with children during family style meal times and eats the same "Head Start" lunch as the children, providing a model for good nutritional habits.
• Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
• Occasional driving for home visits sometimes in outlying areas.
• Must be able to maintain regular and consistent attendance. Reports to work on time, maintains a stable work attendance record.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Employees within this classification are required to:
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Pass a physical examination every three years
• Complete Tuberculosis (TB) test every three years.
• Maintain a current First Aid, CPR, ( training provided )
• Maintain a valid driver's license with a driving record in compliance with RCCDC's insurance carrier requirements.
• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs
• Perform duties in an active environment with changes in climate and noise level.