Infant​/Toddler Assistant Teacher

The Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant works cooperatively to with both classroom teachers to ensure prompt and responsive care to each child, responding to their emotional, social, and physical and educational needs. Principal duties include promoting a supportive and positive classroom climate, attention and engagement in activities and play that stimulates development and frequent high quality language experiences. Further responsibilities involve child observation, assessment and adapting routines and daily experiences to meet individual child interests and abilities.

The Infant/Toddler Teacher Assistant communicates with classroom teachers regarding all aspects of each child's care and classroom management and conducts child observation and assessment of children assigned in the classroom, while ensuring the individual needs of the children are met as mandated by Head Start, NAEYC, federal, state and local standards. This is a union position.

The starting pay for this role is $19.23 per hour

Application Requirements :

To be considered for a position in our early learning program, applicants must submit the following with their application:

* Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.

* Valid credentials or certifications, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state-specific teaching licenses.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

* Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.

* Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.

* Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.

* 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.

* Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.

* Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

* Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope of Responsibilities:

* Provide responsive caregiving and continuity to help children develop secure relationships while focusing on the children's social and emotional well-being.

* Support and embrace the agency written plan for continuity of care.

* Assist in the planning, preparation and delivery of age-appropriate instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences and promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child. This includes both indoor and outdoor activities

* Assist the Early Head Start Teacher in rigorous academic instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) that will support children's academic, intellectual and linguistic development.

* Maintain awareness and supervision of the needs of the entire classroom and ensure the health and physical safety of children, at all times, whether indoors and outside.

* Meet the individual needs of each child, at their physical level (kneeling, bending, or sitting on the floor)

* Interact with and assist children individually or in small groups in order to guide and reinforce learning concepts.

* Assist with the completion of daily recording of health checks, communication logs, attendance, and meals.

* Guide and support all children, including dual language learners and those with special needs.

* Model and promote appropriate English grammar, language, positive interactions and discipline and interactions for children and parents.

* Establish a professional rapport and work cooperatively with adults assigned to the classroom (i.e., Teacher, Aide, Parents, and Volunteers), establishing clear expectations for roles and responsibilities.

* Develop effective communication and professional relationships with families and encourage parent involvement through a variety of methods (e.g., classroom parent meetings & events, center-wide activities).

* Participate and support agency/center efforts toward recruitment, enrollment, attendance and retention of eligible families.

* Adhere to Head Start Performance Standards, Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Two's.

* Discreetly handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality at all times

Lesson Planning and Classroom Management

* Collaborate with classroom team members to develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities and parent involvement.

* Gather, arrange and display children's work to help in a manner appropriate for their eye level

* Assist classroom team to maintain an attractive, clean, safe and engaging classroom…