Head Start Teaching Assistant-Float

KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Job Description

Job Title: Head Start Teaching Assistant Float

Job Title Code: 01642

Salary Grade: Z03-H - Z05-H

Department: Office of Early Learning

Reports To: Director of Head Start

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Purpose of Job: The HS Teaching Assistant Float works with both the Head Start and possibly the Early Head Start programs as a support position for absent teaching staff to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities that supports children’s health, social-emotional and cognitive development, as well as support staffing needs due to breaks and paid time off.

• Collaborates with the Early/Head Start Classroom Instructors to develop and implement weekly lesson plans utilizing the approved curriculum, assessment and daily classroom routine.
• Assists with data collection to support the ongoing developmental assessment process utilizing the DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile). This requires the use of an iPad and other technology methods.
• Promotes and supports children’s social, emotional and physical development. Plans, facilitates and nurtures the development of each child’s self-esteem, trust, and growing autonomy.
• Individualizes instruction to promote the development of each child’s cognitive and language skills by preparing the environment for pre‑k, infants and toddlers to learn through active exploration and interaction with caregivers. Responds quickly to children’s personal needs (verbal and non‑verbal cues), temperament styles, and abilities.
• Promotes an environment that is consistent with the philosophy of Head Start, Trauma Smart, and Conscious Discipline classroom management techniques. Establishes and maintain respectful and responsive interactions. Supports the development of adaptive skills.
• Supports a classroom environment that aligns with CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System). This includes creating a positive climate, engaging in meaningful interactions, and promoting language and critical thinking skills.
• Maintains a safe and healthy classroom environment as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards. This includes the effective supervision of children, utilizing C.A.S.E. when transitioning children from one location to another and maintaining the required classroom ratio. Monitors the arrival and departure of children and records attendance accurately and consistently.
• Participates in assigned trainings (minimum 15 hours annually), professional learning communities, and collaborates professionally with Head Start content leads and management team.
• Treats children, families and colleagues with professionalism and supports a positive work environment that aligns with the philosophy of KCPS Head Start, Trauma Smart and Conscious Discipline. Engages families in classroom volunteer activities.
• Follows district guidelines for reporting incidents of suspected abuse, neglect or contagious disease.
• Utilizes relevant district and Head Start software and technology effectively in the performance of duties. Completes paperwork according to assigned timelines and follows code of conduct and confidentiality policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

• Possess a Preschool Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or be enrolled and complete the CDA or degree within 2 years per MARC
• Experience working with preschoolers and infants and toddlers
• Successful completion of required background check and submission of an initial physical and TB screening.

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood or Related Field

• Three (3) years successful experience working with birth to five
• Experience working with teen parents
• Experience working in culturally diverse communities
• Experience working with Head Start programs

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job requires that the employee be able to: sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, use hands, fingers, reach with hands and fingers; bend, stoop, lift objects/children of at least forty pounds; use stairs; move quickly from one space to another; spend extended time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions; visual ability requires mono and color vision.

Length of work year: 10 months

Benefits: Health and Dental Insurance are provided. KCPS Defined Benefit Pension plan – mandatory 9% contribution is required from employees and matched by KCPS;
Voluntary retirement savings plans are also available.

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