TEACHER ASSISTANT

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate early childhood education program that promotes children's growth, learning, and school readiness. The Assistant Teacher participates in a team-teaching model and shares responsibility for planning and implementing classroom activities and experiences.

The Assistant Teacher assists with the implementation of the written curriculum, including development and learning goals, learning experiences, family and staff strategies, and materials necessary to support children's individual and developmental needs.

The Assistant Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, classroom staff, families, and other program partners to create a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Curriculum and Classroom Support

• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing the written curriculum and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Assist in ensuring curriculum activities support established goals for children's development, learning, and school readiness.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in developing weekly lesson plans and ensure lesson plans are appropriately posted for parents, volunteers, and visitors in the classroom.
• Assist in developing and implementing individualized plans for children based on identified needs, developmental goals, and established child outcomes.
• Assist in identifying appropriate objectives, activities, and learning experiences to support individual children's developmental needs.
• Participate in a team-teaching model and share responsibility for planning and implementing classroom activities.
• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Assist with classroom organization, preparation of materials, and implementation of daily activities.

Family Engagement and Communication

• Build positive and respectful relationships with children and families.
• Support meaningful family engagement and communication.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with families regarding classroom activities and program experiences, as appropriate.

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Collaborate with classroom staff and other program personnel to support children's development and school readiness.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development, and program activities as required.
• Follow Head Start Program Performance Standards, RECAP policies and procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

HEAD START COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support implementation of services in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely classroom and child-related documentation as required.
• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and agency information.
• Support an environment that promotes children's safety, development, inclusion, and school readiness.
• Follow established health, safety, supervision, and emergency procedures.
• Participate in required Head Start training, professional development, meetings, and program activities.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and reliability.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with children, families, community partners, and coworkers.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
• Support RECAP's mission, values, and commitment to providing exceptional service.
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and child-centered approach in all interactions.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in an active early childhood environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is primarily performed in a classroom and early childhood education environment.
• Home visiting is required as part of the position.
• May be required to travel between agency locations and program sites.
• Position requires frequent interaction with children, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Must be able to work effectively in an active environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• May be exposed to varying environmental conditions associated with classroom, community, and home-visiting activities.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

RECAP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

DISCLAIMER

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. RECAP reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as organizational, programmatic, or operational needs require.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have at least a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, or be enrolled in a Child Development Associate credential program to be completed within two years.
• Ability to work effectively with preschool-aged children and families.
• Ability to participate effectively in a team-teaching environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with agency policies and applicable program requirements.
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification, when required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and move throughout the classroom and program environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and assist children as required to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to participate in classroom activities and interact with children throughout the workday.
• Ability to use standard office and classroom equipment as required.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience working in a Head Start or other early childhood education program.
• Valid New York State driver’s license with the ability to travel between agency locations.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain a valid New York State driver’s license throughout employment when required for assigned job duties.
• Must successfully complete any required agency vehicle or driver requirements.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment background screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete required fingerprinting and any applicable child-care or Head Start clearance requirements.
• Must successfully complete the required pre-employment drug screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete any required physical examination or health clearance.
• Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certification when required.
• Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Must complete required agency, Head Start, and departmental training.
• Must comply with all RECAP policies, procedures, Head Start requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Must maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and organizational information.
• Must exercise appropriate discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Must perform other job-related duties as assigned.