Head Start Assistant

Job Description

JOB LOCATION:

Shamokin Children's Center, 115 N 7th St, Shamokin, PA 17872.

JOB ASSIGNMENT:
Head Start Classroom – Regular Year

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:
The Head Start Assistant receives daily instruction from the Head Start Instructor or the Head Start Regional Team Supervisor. This position is supervised by the Head Start Regional Team Supervisor and, in their absence, by the Head Start Programs Manager.

JOB DEFINITION:
The Head Start Assistant’s main job is to assist the Head Start Instructor in carrying out the Head Start program.

• Participate in all classroom activities, including planning and preparation of daily activities.
• Assist with parent involvement in the Head Start program.
• Help with assessment and planning for each child.
• Carry out special programs for individual children.
• Prepare breakfast or snack.
• Consult with parents about a child’s needs and progress, including education, health, nutrition and social service components at parent‑teacher conferences by phone or in the child’s home.
• Facilitate volunteer involvement in the classroom (e.g., foster grandparents, college and high school students).
• Follow universal precautions when cleaning up bodily fluids.
• Maintain necessary student and program records.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start programs, students and parents at all times.
• Serve as a school bus rider for a minimum of one run daily and as needed.
• Arrange transportation for children and parents when required for Head Start functions.
• Attend and engage in appropriate training.
• Participate in center staff, planning, and parent meetings.
• Substitute for an absent Head Start Instructor when properly credentialed and as requested by the program supervisor or designee.
• Assist in recruitment of children (usually by making referrals) and volunteers for the program.
• Communicate effectively with children and adults.
• Use computer for program record keeping and communication.
• Promote a positive Head Start image in the community.
• Maintain a current physical on a biennial schedule.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designee.
• Attend evening events or activities as appropriate.

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Completion of training to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within two (2) years of employment start date.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload, and a professional attitude.
• Ability to accept cultural diversity and accommodate a changing student caseload.
• Interest in and concern for children and their families, with some experience interacting with children and/or families.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co‑workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times in accordance with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances, renewed as required.
• Current, approved Act 126 mandated reporter training certificate, showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours of training every five (5) years.

• Obtain and maintain a valid CDA certificate within two years of employment start date.
• Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for continuous CDA certification for full‑time staff.
• Attend training seminars and in‑service programs important to the operation of the instructional program.
• Maintain training in First Aid.

• Strength and ability to lift young children (approximately 45 lbs) and teaching materials/bags (approximately 20 lbs).
• Ability to tolerate considerable bending, stooping, and squatting.
• Ability to assist children with self‑help skills.
• Se…