Head Start Teacher Aide

Function:
The Head Start Teacher Assistant works under the supervision of the Head Start Teacher. The Head Start Teacher Assistant assists with organizing classroom space and equipment to meet the individual needs of children enrolled. The Head Start Teacher Assistant assists in planning, with the supervisory staff members, activities in all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development practices, which will encourage children to: initiate activities, solve problems, explore, experiment, question and learn by doing.

Required Knowledge & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate proficiently in English with children, families, staff and community agencies and partners.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.

• Ability to operate the internet, Microsoft office, and Microsoft Outlook.

• Ability to fill in for the Head Start teacher when needed.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; stoop; bend; walk; talk; hear; use hands to grip, type; reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand or walk on uneven surfaces; climb stairs; run;
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to be a mandated reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect.

Minimum Qualifications:

• CDA certification or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Services or a related field required.

• If a candidate does not hold a CDA certification or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, they must enroll in a CDA program or an Associate Degree program upon hire and actively pursue completion.

• Proven proficiency in verbal and written communication skills.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure classroom activities (including transitions) are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy.

• Ensure classroom interactions are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy.

• Ensure playground interactions are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy/Licensing Regulations.

• Assist with the creation/implementation of lesson plans that reflect planning for individuals, small and large groups according to Policies and Procedures, including IEP goals and objectives as needed.

• Assist with the preparation of materials and supplies in advance for activities.

• Assist in creating a sense of community in the classroom through relationship building and allowing children to complete routine tasks.

• Assist in implementing approved weekly lesson plan in the classroom daily.

• Assist in preparing materials and supplies in advance for activities.

• Assist with ensuring that Teaching Strategies Gold reflects accurate information on each child.

• Assist with gathering, maintaining, and reviewing of data toward Outcomes and School Readiness Goals three times per year in TSG (Teaching Strategies Gold), and with DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile) according to program calendar.

• Assist with the research based Frogstreet Curriculum for Three Year Old and Pre-K (4-5) and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework to create a developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children.

• Use screenings, ongoing assessments, information from parents and other staff to meet the learning needs of each child (ASQ2 and ASQ3, TSG, and DRDP).

• Conduct Parent Conferences using the Child Plus Parent Report 5024.

• Assist in the provision of a daily balanced schedule of child initiated and adult initiated activities.

• Assist in ensuring that modifications are made to include children with special needs.

• Assist with providing experiences and learning materials that are representative of children's cultures. Learn and express key words in children's home language.

• Assist with all screenings, assessments, and observations on each child according to program calendar and Policies and Procedures; ensuring all required information is contained in each child's file.

• Ensure classroom compliance with State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food…