Head Start Teacher Assistant

Job Title:

Head Start Teacher Assistant (TA)

Department:
Early Childhood Education

Reports To:

Lead Teacher

Job Status:
Hourly
- Non-Exempt

Type:
Regular Full Time

Grade: A – Starting Rate - DOE

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Lead Teacher and in collaboration with the Education Coordinator, the Teacher Assistant (TA) assists in providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children enrolled in the Nooksack Indian Tribe (NIT) Head Start program. The TA supports the supervision, education, and engagement of children in the classroom, on the bus, on the playground, during field trips, and at all other Head Start activities.

Responsibilities include assisting with daily health and safety practices, preparing instructional materials, setting up and maintaining the classroom environment, cleaning and organizing the classroom at the end of each day, serving as a bus monitor when assigned, and assisting the Lead Teacher with planning and implementing classroom activities as requested. The normal work schedule is an eight-hour shift from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Occasional evening meetings, trainings, or special events may be required based on program needs. The TA must be willing and able to work at either the Everson or Deming Head Start Center based on program needs. This position is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Classroom Responsibilities:

• Assistsin supervising up to 20 children with at least one otherclassroomstaffmember,maintaininga staff-to-child ratio of no more than one adult to 10 children at all times.
• Assists with supervising, teaching, guiding, and engaging children throughout all daily classroom activities, including learning centers, group activities, mealtimes, outdoor play, and field trips.
• Maintains the safety and orderly supervision of children at all timesandremainsactively engaged and positioned toobservethe assigned group.
• Serves as a positive role model bydemonstratingappropriate behavior, helping children resolve conflicts, and providing guidance in developmentally appropriate behavior consistent with NIT Head Start curricula, policies, and procedures.
• Interacts with children in ways that encourage language development, including asking open-ended questions, reading aloud, labeling children’s artwork, engaging in conversations, andparticipatingin dramatic play.
• Assists children who experience difficultyparticipatingin group activities and, under the guidance of the Lead Teacher, provides individualized support as needed.
• Supervises children during bathroom use whilemaintainingrequired staff-to-child ratios andassistschildren in developing age-appropriate self-help skills.
• Remains in the assigned classroom or supervision areaat all timesand clearly communicates with the Lead Teacherregardingbreaks, assignments, or any need to leave the classroom.
• Assists the Lead Teacher in planning, preparing, and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson sand classroom activities.
• Assists the Lead Teacher with required classroom documentation, including attendance, health checks, screenings, assessments, lesson planning, and ongoing child progress monitoring.
• Observes and documents significant behaviors, injuries, accidents, or incidents involving children and completes the appropriate Incidentor Accident Report formsin accordance with program procedures.
• Follows all NIT Head Start health and safety policies, emergency procedures, individual child health plans, and accommodations for allergies, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, and other health needs.
• Assists children with daily health and hygiene routines, including tooth brushing, handwashing, toileting, and other personal-care needs.
• Changes diapersin accordance with approved diapering procedures, cleans and disinfects the diapering area using the required cleaning process, and documents each diaper change on the Diaper Log.
• Ensures the first-aid backpack is properly stocked, accessible, and available during outdoor play, field trips, emergency drills, and other activities away from the classroom.
• Maintains a clean,…