Teacher Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Works under the administrative supervision of the Mentor Coach and day-to-day task supervision of the assigned Teacher (III/IV).  Responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations as defined in HSPS 1302 and any regulatory standard regarding classroom activity.  This position is assigned to a classroom and is responsible for the total classroom operation when a Teacher (III/IV) or Associate Teacher is absent.  Responsible for providing day-to-day task supervision for the assigned classroom staff or volunteer and responsible for involving the classroom staff person in the execution of daily classroom activities.

SPECIALIZED FOCUS

• Provide specialized focus centers for classrooms as determined with the MT-MC/SD and classroom staff such as outdoor play, cooking, science, music, storytelling, art, math and social-emotional connections
• Assist with assignments that ensure high quality services are provided to children and families including but not limited to recruiting parents to attend events, helping set up for special events, setting up outdoor centers and/or indoor nooks, lamination, substituting in classrooms etc.

COMPLIANCE (EDUCARE LEARNING NETWORK, DHS, OHS, NAEYC)

• Use research based strategies from LEP evaluation information and accredited organizations to drive program practices (Ex: safe sleep)
• Understand and support core features of Educare Learning Network (ELN)
• Comply with the educational content mandates of the Head Start Performance Standards, program assessment, and work plans as well as NAEYC accreditation standards and DHS licensing requirements
• Administer Ages and Stages Questionnaires for initial and continuous developmental screening when assigned as the 2nd teacher for longer than 1 week
• Complete required documentation including, but not limited to:  Attendance, Meal Count, Family Contacts, Accidental Injury Reports, ASQ and Internal referrals, emergency contacts, infant/toddler daily sheets, file sign in/out sheets when assigned as the 2nd teacher
• Attend and assist with home visits and parent conferences when assigned as the 2nd teacher for longer than 2 weeks

HIGH QUALITY TEACHING PRACTICES

• Utilize Teaching Strategies to track each child’s ongoing developmental skill level in the eight domains as required by the Head Start Performance Standards when assigned as the 2nd teacher
• Utilize Conscious Discipline theory and application to promote child social emotional development and well-being as well as classroom management
• Utilize data provided by our Local Evaluation Partners (LEP) to build on and improve classroom practice
• Ensure rituals and routines are understood and followed
• Assist in the daily operations of the classroom when assigned as the 2nd teacher

TEAMWORK AND COMMUNICATION

• Build and maintain good relationships to encourage collaboration, reflection, family engagement, high quality teaching practices and community relations with peers, families, volunteers and community partners
• Attend pre-service and other workshops that may include overnight and out-of-area travel as requested by TEI management
• Implement an interdisciplinary approach to build effective teams
• Complete classroom responsibilities when substituting as the 2nd person in the classroom
• Perform other duties as assigned or required to assist with maintaining high standards in the classroom

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

Works under the administrative supervision of the Mentor Coach and day-to-day task supervision of the Teacher (III/IV). No supervisory responsibility.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Must have proven successful interpersonal relationship skills to maintain effective and satisfactory working relationships with intra-department and inter-department staff, vendors, clients, visitors, and contractors.  Ability to follow oral and written instructions with ability to read, interpret, and present information efficiently and effectively.  Must be able to accurately audit records and ensure compliance with written or oral guidelines.  Ability to take initiative, multi-task and work well under pressure.  Must maintain strict confidentiality of extremely sensitive data, records, files, conversations, etc. Must be driven to follow Tulsa Educare's shared values: Kindness, Reciprocity, Positive Problem Solving, Inclusiveness, Data-driven Decision Making and Courage.  

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (with appropriate endorsement) or Certificate of Mastery.

OTHER

Classroom position with some local travel (exposure to normal traffic hazards). Work requires bending, stooping, lifting, squatting, kneeling, crawling, stretching, pushing and pulling throughout the day.  Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.  Regular and reliable attendance required.