Preschool Teacher Assistant--Carlisle--30 Hours

The Preschool Teacher Assistant will support the classroom teacher(s) in implementing the mission of Warren County Community Services and the Early Learning Centers. This position is responsible for assisting with the preparation and facilitation of developmentally appropriate activities, ensuring a safe and healthy environment, and fulfilling the requirements of Head Start performance standards and day care licensing regulations.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

"80" Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Child Development and Learning

• Responsible for preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that encourage exploration, problem solving, and basic concept development.
• Share responsibility for classroom operation in compliance with Head Start and licensing guidelines.
• Foster large and small muscle development through a variety of physical activities.
• Use open-ended questions to stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Promote creative expression through art, music, and dramatic movement without the use of models or patterns.
• Help children develop self-discipline and internal control using positive guidance techniques.
• Responsible for completing developmental records or other classroom documentation.

2. Language and Communication

• Stimulate conversation and model appropriate, grammatically correct language.
• Support children’s use of language as a method of communication.
• Support children’s emerging literacy by reading daily, labeling environments, and offering writing materials.

3. Social and Emotional Development

• Help each child develop a positive self-concept by creating an atmosphere of acceptance and respect for all cultures and backgrounds.
• Implement Conscious Discipline strategies to promote positive social-emotional development.

4. Health, Safety, and Nutrition

• Maintain clean and safe environment, including sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, and sanitizing surfaces on daily basis.
• Take action to prevent accidents and reduce health risks.
• Sit with children during family style meals.
• Support toilet training and hygiene as required.
• Assist with brushing teeth on a daily basis.

5. Curriculum and Assessment

• Complete developmental screening for assigned children within 45 days of enrollment.
• Conduct and document social-emotional, hearing, speech, and vision screenings.
• Implement Creative Curriculum Preschool through Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) and track child development.
• Maintain documentation required by Federal, State, and local policies for assigned children.
• Request and manage classroom supplies needed to implement lesson plans.

6. Family and Community Engagement

• Promote respect and support for the diverse cultures and backgrounds of children and families.
• Prepare for and conduct two home visits and two center conferences per year with each family.
• Communicate regularly with parents and involve them in classroom activities and reinforce learning at home by providing parent education.
• Assist with recruitment and enrollment activities.
• Maintain current, accurate, and confidential child records.
• Document parent contacts and in-kind contributions weekly.
• Attend monthly family engagement activities.

7. Professionalism and Teamwork

• Work as a team member by attending monthly center team meetings and supporting colleagues when others are absent.
• Follow instructions and accept supervision in a constructive and professional manner.
• Fill in for the teacher when needed.

8. Professional Development

• Attend pre-service, in-service, and other required trainings.
• After the first year of employment, begin coursework toward the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (tuition may be covered by the agency, but courses are taken on the employee’s own time).

9. Classroom Management and Routine Support

• Follow classroom routines and expectations when assigned to float between classrooms.
• Assist with classroom transitions, routines, and daily schedules as directed by the lead teacher.

"20" Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Site Administrator in alignment with the goals and mission of the Early Learning Centers.
• Adapt to new guidelines based on changes in funding.