Teacher Assistant- Head Start

Position Summary

Come join our NAEYC accredited program as we pilot a new multi‑lingual program in our infant classroom. By combining baby sign language, Spanish, and utilizing the “tune‑in, talk more, and take turns” method, we will create a language‑rich environment in which you will help our children gain the skills they need to become bi‑lingual. Nurture curiosity through purposeful experiences to create a future full of lifelong learners.

Help meet the diverse needs of our families in our program. Implement Reggio‑Emilia Inspired Approach while bringing joy, warmth, patience, and understanding to the classroom every day, encouraging children to learn and grow. Inspiring children to be lifelong learners, implementing curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, verbal, and cognitive development. Committed to making their school successful and creating meaningful relationships with children, parents, and families plays a crucial role in that success.

• Support the lead teacher in organizing and preparing opportunities for children and families to create meaningful connections with the community.
• Always provide a safe environment with supervision of children at all times, consistently applying active supervision and emergency procedures.
• Assist with planning intentional ongoing experiences that enhance the cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic, and physical development of young children in cooperation with the lead teacher.
• Assist with submitting weekly lesson and unit plans that support each child’s identified goals, in cooperation with the lead teacher, reflecting an integrated approach across all content areas.
• Assist with endorsing and implementing the Reggio Emilia Progettazione in alignment with NAEYC, Indiana Early Learning, and Head Start standards.
• Support the lead teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques, including Conscious Discipline in alignment with Paladin’s image of the child.
• Keep necessary reports and documentation, including but not limited to assessment data, developmental screening, behavior intervention plans, and conference notes.
• Appropriately implement CACFP procedures and comply with all USDA laws.
• Assist the lead teacher with planning for, utilizing, and training volunteers for the classroom, playground, gross motor area, and field trips.
• Assist the lead teacher with providing parents opportunities to give input into the daily curriculum and document input on lesson plans.
• Assist with planning and implementing meaningful parent engagement opportunities.
• Attend parent meetings.
• Build respectful, culturally responsive, and trusting relationships with families.
• Engage in effective collegial relationships and interact with other staff using the highest standards of professionalism.
• Support the team by providing coverage for breaks, lunches, and illnesses as needed.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Organize time to allow for planning, preparation, and parent/teacher conferences.
• Be responsive to mentor/coaching/management feedback and demonstrate a willingness to assist the lead teacher with implementing new strategies.
• Provide customer service in reception, greet, and direct visitors at the site.
• Perform other relevant responsibilities as required by the program or assigned by supervisor.
• Assist the teacher in maintaining a clean, sanitary, safe and welcoming classroom.
• Model the respectful workplace policy when interacting with Paladin clients, community members, and colleagues.
• Be able to handle confidential material, organize effectively, and work independently.
• Assure that a positive image of Paladin is always portrayed.
• Maintain current, valid driver’s license and liability insurance on any personal…