Teacher Assistant

Teacher Assistant

Assist Teacher in the delivery of high-quality infant, toddler, and preschool services as defined by the Head Start Performance Standards, State Licensing Rules, program work plans, and program goals. Assist with day-to-day operations of assigned classroom. Maintain quality environments with attention to safety and health prevention measures.

• Ensure children are supervised at all times and maintain appropriate ratios and group sizes.
• Ensure children are signed in and out of class and bus and released only to authorized adults.
• Clean and sanitize classrooms, equipment and materials according to policies and procedures.
• Complete daily classroom and playground safety checks, as assigned.
• Assist teacher in providing responsive care, effective teaching practices, and an organized learning environment for all children.
• Assist teacher to implement The Creative Curriculum to fidelity to provide quality, developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
• Assist in integrating physical activity and utilize program resources to enhance daily lesson plans.
• Provide input and support to ensure learning environments include age-appropriate, and culturally and linguistically responsive supplies, materials, equipment and space, including accommodations for children with disabilities, with periodic changes to support interests, development and learning.
• Use positive guidance strategies to support social-emotional and behavioral health.
• Provide family-style meal service with sufficient time for children to eat, following food safety guidelines for all food service.
• Track daily attendance for each child and implement program attendance follow-up procedures, as assigned.
• Assist Teacher in completing screenings and assessments, as assigned.
• Perform Teacher job duties in the temporary absence of the Teacher.
• Complete additional tasks and job duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Assist teacher in delivery of appropriate services to children with IFSP/IEP's.
• Provide supportive environments individual supports.
• Support team implementation of individual plans for special health needs, including asthma, diabetes, emotional or other conditions that require additional service provisions.
• In coordination with Teacher, regularly share information with families regarding their child's routines, activities, and behaviors (conversations, phone calls, notes home, etc.)
• Encourage ongoing parent participation in classrooms, site family events, and other program activities.
• Adhere to federal, state and program documentation requirements.
• Participate in on-going team communication to support service delivery, promoting problem-solving and conflict resolution within assigned team.
• Support outreach and recruitment efforts by communicating the program's eligibility, selection, and enrollment policies and practices to families, other service providers, and the general public.
• Provide supervision to parents, assigned volunteers and practicum students
• Provide constructive ongoing feedback and support in professional growth

Team Expectations:

• Teamwork
  - We join our individual strengths together creating teams and circles of cooperation to promote innovative thinking and bring opportunity to our community.
• Partnerships
  - We create collaborative community partnerships to best leverage all resources available for the benefit of the community.
• Diversity
  - We welcome and accept differences and honor our co-workers and clients by treating each person with equality, dignity, and respect.
• Confidentiality & Ethics
  - We maintain a high standard of ethics and integrity to respect the confidentiality of clients and staff.
• Physical Safety
  - We respond promptly to address health and safety needs or concerns for clients and staff.
• Communications
  - We encourage timely, open-minded, respectful, and direct communication to alleviate controversies and foster a safe, productive workplace.
• Health & Sustainability
  - Recognizing the importance of physical, emotional, and environmental health, we seek to inspire and model healthy, sustainable living.
• Public Relations
  - We recognize that each of us represents the entire agency in our public interactions and strive to act in a consistently professional and unbiased manner.
• Professional Growth
  - We provide an environment supportive to personal and professional growth, cross training, and advancement.

Individual Expectations:

• Attend staff meetings, center meetings, and/or other workshops/meetings as notified
• Maintain a positive attitude regarding ORCCA and all its programs along with the Head Start program and philosophy
• Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity
• Maintain respect and positive communication regarding all children, families and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and staff information.
• Maintain open, two-way communication with staff
• Accept suggestions and guidance from supervisor and other management staff
• Seek feedback on job performance and evaluate suggestions and guidance to…