JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Teacher Aide / Support Staff Reports To: Teacher or assigned teacher assistant

Supervises: Volunteers Salary Range: See Current Payroll Chart for more information

1. General Character of Duties

Under the supervision of the teacher or assigned teacher assistant, the teacher aide helps provide a well-planned, developmentally appropriate curriculum for children in assigned classroom and carry out supplementary activities related to the education program. Child safety, to include count / location of children, is essential. The position is generally scheduled for 150 paid days per year, with the average work day determined by availability to drive bus or complete other assignments, generally 7.00 or 7.25 hours per day. May act as assistant teacher if an approved training plan to earn a CDA within 24 months, or an Early Childhood degree, as described in the Head Start Act and federal guidance.

2. Example of Specific Duties

Helps assess children’s developmental level and plans to meet their individual needs, follows the lead in organization of the classroom to meet the needs of the children and provides the best environment for the curriculum; helps implement lesson plans and individualization tasks, involves parents in the education of their child and encourages them to become involved in all aspects of the program; supervises volunteers, and assists in training activities for parents, makes home visits for specific needs and completes training assignments. Frequently serves as a bus aide or driver and completes cleaning assignments to include assisting or substituting for nutrition staff.

3. Minimum Qualifications

The teacher aide should demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities as follows: knowledgeable about child growth and development and the needs of children and the ability to communicate with children and adults. These qualifications express the minimum standards of education and experience for this position. Other combinations of education and experience, if evaluated as equivalent, may qualify an applicant for consideration. A High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one year of paid or volunteer experience in working with young children.

4. Desirable Qualifications

The ability to engage children in a well-run and orderly classroom in a safe, literacy rich and nurturing environment. Teacher aides are encouraged to seek/hold CDA credentials and/or ECE coursework, as CDA or higher education is required for teacher assistant. Bus driver status, computer skills, Spanish training a plus.

5. Other Significant Facts

Ability to secure a commercial drivers licenses may be required in some centers, and adequate personal transportation, including adequate auto liability coverage and proof of a satisfactory driving record is required. Ongoing training is necessary; for advancement the employee should seek a CDA credential and other training. Staff hired after January 15, 2001, must pass state DHS fingerprinting process prior to hire. Select staff may be eligible for additional education supplements with the Director’s approval.

6. Physical Requirements

Must have a past job offer physical prior to working with children and a drug test and evidence of a negative T.B. screening. A pre-employment drug screen is also required by the Agency. Physical demands of this position include lifting (over 50 pounds in emergency situations), stooping, sitting in child size furniture, ability to hear conversations, vision adequate to supervise three and four year olds is needed. No item considered an essential function is designed to exclude a person with a disability.

Signature: Program