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POSITION SUMMARY: The Teacher Assistant works cooperatively with the Teacher to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the reflective supervision of the Teacher, the Teacher Assistant will ensure that all classroom activities and environment are developmentally appropriate and meet the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state and local standards and that they reflect the agencys philosophy and curriculum. The Teacher Assistant assumes the classroom Teachers responsibilities in the absence of the Teacher.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: The Teacher Assistant reports to the Teacher.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:

• Child Development
  • Observe, assess and document each assigned childs health, skills, behavior, growth and development
  • Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
  • As assigned, develop an individualized educational strength plan for children.
  • Participate in Family/Child Reviews.
  • Identify any developmental concerns regarding the children and follow agency protocol.
• Curriculum
  • In conjunction with the Teacher, plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that will promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child.
  • In conjunction with the Teacher develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children
• Classroom Environment
  • Assume responsibility for the management of the classroom during the Teachers absence.
  • In conjunction with the Teacher maintain a classroom environment which includes positive guidance techniques, that meets state and local licensing regulations, Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Ounces philosophy and curriculum.
  • Ensure all children are under appropriate supervision at all times.
  • In the absences of the Teacher, delegate child development responsibilities as needed.
• Parent Involvement
  • As assigned by the Teacher, schedule and conduct Parent/Staff conferences.
  • As assigned by the Teacher, conduct two home visits per program year.
  • In conjunction with the Teacher encourage parent participation in the program.
  • Develop effective partnerships with parents.
• Administration
  • In conjunction with the Teacher, develop and maintain confidential educational information for each child and ensure all confidential information is protected.
  • Accurately complete all required program documentation and submit in a timely manner to the Teacher.
  • Participate in recruitment efforts to help maintain full program enrollment.
  • Complete daily attendance and meal participation reports and submit to the Teacher.
• Other
  • Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing and the Ounces philosophy and curriculum.
  • Attend all required meetings and trainings.
  • Perform other duties as assigned, within the scope of the job description.

EDUCATIONAL AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRMENTS:

• Associates degree or Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD), OR two year equivalent of an Associates degree with a minimum of 18 semester hours of credit in ECE or CD.
• A minimum of six months experience in an early childhood

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIRMENTS:

• Clearance of background check by Department of Children and Family Services.
• A biannual physical examination and TB test are required as condition of initial employment and continued employment.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of and ability to implement Early Head Start/Head Start or other developmental child care programs.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement child development and early childhood principles, practices and curricula for the specific age group (0-3 or 3-5).
• Ability to remain abreast of ongoing developments in the child care field.
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low income community.
• Ability to communicate and work with diverse families and professionals.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Basic knowledge of computer applications and the ability to learn and master other computer technology /software programs as needed.
• Ability to communicate and respond in a manner that demonstrates respect and concern.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Must be able to physically interact with children, including talk, hear, sit, stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must have a good command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written.
• Must be able to remain abreast of developments in the child care field to enhance professional growth and development.
• Must be able to manually operate and use a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to clearly hear and understand telephone conversations.

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