Head Start Preschool Teacher Assistant

Position Summary:

Assist in the planning, organizing and delivery of a developmentally appropriate preschool program based on the individual cognitive, motor, social and emotional needs of children enrolled. Support the classroom teacher in managing the classroom to create a positive, healthy, and safe learning environment. Assist with required classroom paperwork to ensure accurate and timely program recording and report generation. Partnerwithotherstafftomanageprogramactivities.Light custodial duties.Some evening hours are required. Position contingent upon funding.

ReportingRelationships:

Supervisor: Teacher and/or Education Specialist

DirectReports: N/A

OtherRelationships:ProgramDirector, Parent, Family, & Community Engagement Specialist, & Health Specialist

Essential Job Functions:FamilySupportand Engagement

• Assist the Teacher with the implementation ofthe Creative Curriculum in theclassroomandontheplayground according todevelopmentallyappropriate andindividuallearning expectations.

• Assist the Teacher with the implementation ofeffective child guidancetechniques;defineand communicateappropriatelimitsand boundariesforchildren,ensuresmoothtransitionsbetween activities.

• Assist with all aspects of the daily routine, including distributing and collecting supplies, keeping attendance records, writing child observations and completing other paperwork as assigned, serving meals, and maintaining classroom cleanliness.

• Keep classroom environment clean,wash and disinfecttablesaftersnacks/meals, artprojectsandotherclassroom activitiesthroughout theday,pickuptoys,booksandothermaterials,keep floorsand sleeping areasfree ofdebris,sweep floors,cleancountersandcabinets as neededto ensure asafeand healthyenvironment.

• Follow directions from the classroom teacher working one-on-oneor in small groupswithchildren.

• Assist the teacher in keeping order or handling emergency situations according to center and agency policies; remain calm in a very busy or emergency situation.

• Observeand supervisechildren at alltimes,includingthe classrooms,bathroomsandplayground.

• Maintain thesafety ofchildren at all times.

• Implement food service/CACFP requirements according toprogrampoliciesandprocedures,servemealsfamilystyle; sit,interactandeatwith children during snackand mealtimes.

• Use ageappropriateconflictresolution skillstoassistchildren with learning toresolve theirownconflicts.

• Modelfriendly, respectful,warmandresponsive interactionswithchildren;interactwithchildren ateyelevel.

• Refer parents to classroom teacher for information regarding their child’s day.

• Mayinvolveinteraction with educationally,culturally,and raciallydiverse personswhosefirst languagemaynotbeEnglish.

• In the teacher’s absence will complete Head Start and other paperwork accurately and on a timely basis; may oversee the substitute and volunteers.

• Provide asupportiveapproach to learning,especiallywhen dealing withstudents withdevelopmental problems,emotionalproblems,physical limitations,orlearning disabilities.

• Communicatewith children/parents,the generalpublicand thecommunity inEnglish.

• Cooperate withother program staff in coordinatingthe day-to-day operations of thecenter toensureasafe and healthy environmentfor childrenand staff and smoothoperationalfunctioningof thecenter.

• Mayperformothertasksasassignedbythe Management Teamto meetunusualstaffing conditions:those tasksmayincludebut are notlimitedto,changing classrooms,cookingorworking inthekitchen toprepareor servemeals,clean and putdishesaway, riding the Head Start bus.

Essential Job Functions:Operational

• Collectandcompile reportdata asrequiredbyHeadStart Performance Standardsandprogram policies.

• Workwithother program staff toassure compliancewithrequirementsofchildcare licensing,HeadStart Performance Standards,child abuse and neglect reporting, andall otherprogrampolicies.

• Assist in the documentation of the program's required non-federal/in-kind match.

• Comply with all program, state and federal policies, rules, and regulations regarding confidentiality.

• Participate inregularlyscheduled meetings.

• Comply with program, state, and federal training and professional development requirements.

• Attendon-going training to maintain StateofNebraska licensing level andprogramrequirements(mayincludeevenings orweekends).

• Maintain professionalandeffectiveworkingrelationshipswith co-workers andprogram staff.

• Effectively resolveconflict; remaincalmin avery busyor emergencysituation.

• Performotherduties asassigned.

Required Position Qualifications / Certificates/ Licenses:

• AAdegree inEarly Childhood Educationor related field.

• Basicknowledgeof child development.

• Basicmath ability.

• Clear understandingof verbal,written andoral communication.

• Compliancewithother regulatoryrequirements as applicable.

• Pass criminal background checkand post-employmentmedical examination.

Desired Qualifications / Skills/ Licenses/ Certifications:

• Experienceworking in earlychildhood centerbasedcareandeducation.

• WorkingknowledgeofNebraska State licensing regulations,Head StartPerformanceStandards;developmentallyappropriate earlychildhoodeducation practices;otherprogram,stateor nationalqualitystandards.
• FirstAid/ CPR
• Bi-lingual or basicunderstanding ofSpanish.

Condition of Employment:

• Teacher Assistants who do not have a CDA or an AA at time of hire must begin or be working toward attainment. Individuals who do not meet and/or continue to comply with education and or professional development requirements may be dismissed or moved to another position as appropriate.

EssentialPhysicalRequirements:

• Safelylifta childor children with totalweightof approximately 50pounds.

• Conductactivitiesinvolvingsubstantial standing,walking andmoderatesitting; stooping kneeling,bending,crouching,crawling,twisting, andreachingona frequent basis.
• Mustbeableto stoop,bendandkneelonthefloorwithoutassistance.
• Mustbeabletoassist with bus transportation.
• Push,pull,playground equipment,art supplies,manipulate officeequipment,etc.
• Participate in routineconversation in personor viatelephone and distinguishtelephone radio/pagersignals,alarmsandotherauditorytones.

EnvironmentalConditions:

• Children’s indoor classroom environment.
• Outdoorclassroom environment.
• Bus

EquipmentUsed:

• OfficeEquipment:Telephone, cell phone, IPad, computer,fax,calculator,copier,andsimilarofficeequipment.
• Useofmild cleaning chemicals.
• Lightcleaning equipment:Vacuumcleaner, plunger,mop,broom.
• Educationalmaterials:Artsupplies,toys,readingmaterials,other learning materials andsupplies.
• Outdoorequipment:playground equipment,pull wagons.

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