Teaching Assistant

Job Title

Qualifications and Requirements:

• A two year degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
• Qualifications of an assistant child care worker as stated in the applicable ODJFS licensing requirements
• Knowledge and experience with the basic principles of child development
• Proof of a physical examination within the last six months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and comply with other background checks as required by the Agency and/or ODJFS licensing
• Emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Participate in grantee pre-service training
• Implement required curricula in the classroom
• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans
• With the teacher, guide and facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children
• Write weekly observations per assessment procedure
• Accompany lead teacher on home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations
• Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices
• Guide children's acquisition of social skills
• Attend staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested
• Assist in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy developmentally appropriate environment
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment checklist
• Assist in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed
• Assist the teacher in the completion of required reports
• Complete timely and accurate time sheets
• Assist, as requested, in transition activities
• Distribute newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of professional development goals
• Perform other duties, as may be required