Head Start - Assistant Teacher

A. GENERAL SUMMARY OF WHAT THE POSITION DOESThis position works as a part of a teaching team to work as a partner with the teacher/lead teacher in developing activities for preschool (Head Start) children toprovide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment.

Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Assistance isgiven to the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. This position workswith families to promote parent involvement in the program. This position may be assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing expertise. This position works along with the teacher/head teacher to attain the goalsof the program.

The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers asdeemed necessary for program operations.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES Preschool Classroom Activities Assists the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities including lesson plans.

Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the culturalbackground of the children and families served.

Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.

Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.

Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.

Is familiar with each child and parent.

Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.

Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.

Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.

Makes home visits with the teacher as required or requested and documents them as requested.

Parent/Family Involvement And Community Relations Assists the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family involvement in each classroom.

Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families of the children.

Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the program,awareness of the child’s needs and development, how the activities of the program promote positive development and their roles in the child’s overall education and development.

Participates in the training of families as requested.

Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program:to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development; andto assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in basic child development.

Assists with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as volunteers and substitutes.

Assists the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and community members participating in the program.

Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.

EXAMPLES OF GENERAL JOB ACTIVITIES Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.

Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.

Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.

Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child ca relicensing regulations.

Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.

Positively promotes Head Start in the community.

Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start Head Start children,families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Becomes thoroughly familiar with Meriden YMCA Employee Handbook, Meriden YMCA Operations Manual and all other Meriden YMCA handbooks, manuals and resources and adheres to them.

PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNEDC. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Immediate supervision means those employees the position assigns, directs and evaluates.

Positions Supervised:
Head Teacher

D. PERSONAL CONTACTS Major internal and external contacts.

Internal External See Organizational Chart Head Start Parents - as needed

Community Partners - as needed

E. DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS This section will describe the kinds and impact of decisions and commitments;the effects, influence and significance of these decisions; the consequence oferror and the limitation of the finality of decision-making.

Decisions and commitments involving the education program are very important andaffect the children and continued funding of the programs. Following the guidelines andthe regulations of the program are of the utmost importance to ensuring quality services for the children and families.

Supervisor decisions regarding staff are important to ensure compliance with…