Head Start Teacher Assistant

Summary

As part of the cocopah head start education team, and under the general supervision and direction of the director and lead teacher, the teacher assistant is responsible for the support, planning, and participation in the classroom, playground, and the day-to-day head start activities. All head start activities are designed to enhance and foster all areas of the children's development.

Essential functions

* assists the teacher in developing a careful and creative program suitable for cocopah head start children.

* implements creative curriculum in the classroom.

* performs and understands head start performance standards.

* provides each child with a safe, nurturing, stimulating, enjoyable, and culturally appropriate environment.

* facilitates activities for the teacher, arranges equipment and materials in the classroom.

* under the direction of the teacher, writes weekly observations into the teaching strategies gold program.

* performs all of the activities listed in the daily schedule: storytelling, educational play, music and movement, etc.

* assist in helping children improve their social competencies, gain social skills, and build self-esteem.

* attends staff trainings, meetings, and parent meetings as requested.

* assists in conducting the daily health checklist.

* assists the teacher in the completion of required reports: monthly reports, checkpoints, milestones, parent-teacher reports, etc.

* assists in recruiting parents and families of head start students to volunteer in the classroom, for field trips, etc.

* distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information to families, as instructed by the director or teacher.

* assists the teacher in the implementation of any i.e.p. (individual education plan) or i.f.s.p. (individual family service plan).

* actively participate in the development and implementation of the teacher assistant professional development plan.

* assists with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and any other meals as necessary by eating with and assisting children in the development of social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices using family-style dining;

* maintains established standards of sanitation, safety, and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments;

* maintains cost control, budget, and inventory systems based on cafcp procedures, including records of food service and attendance.

* assists with all necessary cleaning.

* act as bus monitor for children pick-up and/or drop-off.

* accepts supervision and follow-through on recommendations made by teacher, director, administration, and/or service providers, and consultants.

* is required by the state of arizona, the office of head start, and the cocopah tribal social services to be a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect.

* other duties may be required.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

* excellent understanding or the ability to obtain the understanding of the principles of child development and head start educational practices and standards.

* experience working in a team setting and excellent communication and instructional skills.

* ability to work with the teacher to plan, organize, and implement classroom activities and responsibilities.

* ability to learn computer programs such as chidplus, teaching strategies gold, readrosie, facebook, and class dojo.

* must be able to travel and must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.

* demonstrate effective and appropriate interpersonal relationships with students, staff, and parents.

* maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, family, and staff of head start; be discreet in dealing with parents and educational personnel.

* must be able to lift a minimum of 55 pounds.

* implement safety and sanitation guidelines for classrooms.

* experience working with a culturally diverse staff and clients.

Working conditions

* possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues

* possible exposure to communicable diseases

* job requires standing for long periods of time, stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching, and running.

* job requires a moderate amount of driving.

Qual…