Teacher Assistant

Description

SUPERVISOR: Teacher

SUPERVISES: None

WORK PERIOD: 10 months per/year

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting teachers in the day-to-day duties and operations of the classroom. Collaborate with Coordinators to ensure an integrated balance of Head Start services as per the program work plans to meet Head Start Performance Standards. Additionally, must know of and support the Agency’s mission, vision and code of ethics, and strategic plan for helping people, and changing lives.

No overtime may be worked without prior authorization. Overtime must be approved in advance by the Head Start Director. Must comply with drug and alcohol-free workplace policy. Position contingent upon continued program funding. Hiring is subject to Policy Council approval. Head Start parents will be given preference.

• Promote the Head Start philosophy and educational objectives.
• Attend staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training provided by the agency (may include some overnight training).
• Help maintain an appropriate classroom environment needed to support the goals of the education component.
• Help maintain a safe, orderly, and clean learning environment.
• Provide supervision of children.
• Communicate with children at their developmental level.
• Participate in activities with the children.
• Help assess children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis.
• Help implement weekly lesson plans.
• Promote and participate in healthy eating at meal times.
• Support Teacher to ensure two home visits and two parent‑teacher conferences are conducted by teaching staff each program year for each child.
• Support the ECKAN code of ethical conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality of all agency information.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records per policies and procedures.
• Orchestrate and manage developmentally appropriate environments for preschool‑age children.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma/GED and a CDA (or higher), or able to secure a CDA within first year of employment.
• Be able to pass required KBI, background and health tests.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to participate in daily kneeling, stooping, bending and sitting on the floor, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and comply with ECKAN insurance standards, as applicable.
• General office and computer skills.