GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Serve as an Assistant Teacher for a Head Start classroom. Share responsibility for a Head Start classroom of 3- to 5-year-old children. Work collaboratively with the teacher, family members, and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.
TASKS AND ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. The assistant teacher’s role encompasses effective practices in the following: a) CLASS™ teacher-child interactions; b) Learning environment; c) Curriculum; d) Child assessment; e) Meeting all children’s needs; f) Working with families; g) Professional growth and collaboration.
2. Use knowledge of the principles of child growth and development to work with children and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
3. Implement a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities.
4. Address challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills, and partnering with families to support the child at home.
5. Use observations of children and anecdotal notes to document children’s progress and individualize the curriculum.
6. Create partnerships with families to establish positive interaction patterns in the program, school, and home.
7. Assist in ensuring that the written curriculum includes:
a. goals for children’s development and learning;
b. the experiences through which children will achieve these goals;
c. what staff and parents can do to help children achieve these goals;
d. the materials needed to support the implementation of the curriculum
towards achieving the stated goals.
8. Responsible for collaborating with the Teacher in the preparation of daily lesson plans. Post them for parents, volunteers, and visitors in the classroom
9. Assist in developing individual plans for each child, including goal-setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established child outcomes.
10. Follow the program curriculum, providing developmentally and linguistically appropriate experiences appropriate to the age, language, and culture of the children served.
11. Implement experiential learning activities advancing the intellectual and emotional competence of infants and toddlers.
12. Provide positive guidance and discipline, supporting children as they acquire readiness skills for kindergarten and beyond.
13. Implement daily lesson plans in response to children’s needs and interests, incorporating observations, anecdotal record keeping, knowledge of early childhood development, and key experiences.
14. Implement Individual Family Services Plans (IFSPs) for children with disabilities.
15. Provide children with a consistent classroom routine.
16. Provide supervision and ensure the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with Early Head Start and day care licensing requirements.
17. Supervise and eat nutritionally prepared meals and/or snacks with the children as a curriculum activity, to model good nutrition and proper social skills for infants and toddlers.
18. Supervise all classroom field trips and outdoor activities.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:
● At a minimum, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
● Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
● Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
● Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
● Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
● Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing.
● Demonstrated computer literacy skills, using MS Office applications and other basic data systems, including internet navigation.
● Must be honest, dependable, and able to meet deadlines.
● Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Apply HereEqual Employment Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace.