Head Start Teacher Assistant

JOB CODE: 25-9042 SALARY: $15.02 - $19.26

STATUS: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Permanent DEPARTMENT: Education

LOCATION: ELC REPORTS TO: Head Start Classroom Teacher

TELECOMMUTE: No FLEET: NO

SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Head Start Classroom Teacher, the Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for providing children with a safe, comfortable environment enriched with a variety of hands on, age-appropriate activities that meet best practice standards and enhance each child’s level of development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

· Adhere to all policies, standards, and procedures as dictated by Tribal Personnel Policies, NYS OCFS Child Care Licensing Regulations, the ELC Behavior Management Plan, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, Head Start Program Performance Standards and all other applicable regulations pertaining to health, safety and sanitation.

· Assist Lead Teacher to implement curriculum that is responsive to children’s learning and development by engaging in and documenting a continual planning-assessment cycle. Set individual child goals in partnership with families and share assessment results during parent-teacher conferences and home visits. Submit all goals and lesson plans to Education Coordinator.

· Ensure developmentally appropriate practices at all times and utilize program tools including, Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, CLASS, Pyramid Model, NYS Early Learning Guidelines NYS Core Body of Knowledge, Environmental Rating Scales, and current research and best practice.

· Effectively communicate information regarding development and learning, scheduling, duties, and all other relevant information.

· Create and maintain an accurate and updated profile on the Aspire Registry. Participate in all professional development requirements, including coaching/mentoring, and work with Education Coordinator/Coach to set professional goals and maintain an Individual Professional Development Portfolio.

· Assist in maintaining accurate documentation in the classroom monthly binder and submitting by designated deadline to administrative team.

· Promote continuous quality improvement for the achievement of stated program goals by working with program staff, service providers, consultants, and other relevant community agencies.

· Monitor bus runs when needed.

· Complete other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisor requirements for this position.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times. Knowledge of the Mohawk language and traditions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

· A minimum of a High School Diploma or a GED certificate AND

· A valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential,

OR

· Currently enrolled in obtaining a CDA credential or an Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood or Child Development to be completed within two years of the time of hire,

OR

· A certificate in Early Childhood or Child Development equaling (9) Credits AND

· 2 years’ experience in caring for children.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.

· Exhibit a friendly and courteous manner while maintaining a high level of professionalism in relationships with children, families, visitors, colleagues, other staff members, management, and community members.

· Positively deal with crisis situations. Deal with hostile, aggressive persons or situations.

· Be aware and sensitive to the needs that may arise when handling stressful and demanding circumstances. Immediate debriefing will be made available.

· Assist in maintaining a safe working environment in the ELC.

· Promote a positive image of the ELC and foster a climate of respect and integrity.

REASONING ABILITY:

· Ability to implement regulations that govern programs for young children; acknowledging that all staff will cooperate to implement a program that far exceeds minimum regulations.

· Ability to ensure that the rights and needs of children are the highest priority, while also recognizing the needs of other family members.

· To contribute to the ongoing review, evaluation and modification of services as needed by the community, families and children.

· To provide information about the services of the program to the community and to engage staff in cooperative problem solving, planning and continuing evaluation of themselves and the program.

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check prior to employment.