General Summary

To assist the teacher and cooperate in a supportive role carrying out developmentally appropriate activities. To promote the health, nutrition and education of the children and to attend to their safety and welfare. Complies with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, TDPRS Minimum Standards, School Readiness Goals and other Federal, State and any local regulations, policies and procedures.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Assists in implementing screening procedures that identify concerns in the developmental, behavioral, motor, language, social, cognitive, and emotional skills of each child in the classroom within 45 calendar days of the child’s entry into the Program.

2. Assists in implementing with fidelity a research-based curriculum with effective teaching practices that promote positive outcomes by promoting growth in the developmental progression described in the Head Start Early learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five. Integrate child assessment data and developmentally appropriate learning experiences in planning and implementing a collaboratively designed lesson plan.

3. Assists in conducting Parent-Teacher conferences at least two center visits and two home visits, with more frequent conferences conducted as appropriate.

4. Assists in implementing the classroom’s emergency procedures, including the posting of procedures, locations and telephone numbers of emergency response systems, emergency evacuation routes and other procedures and the maintenance of up-to-date family contact information and authorization for emergency care. Conducts and documents monthly fire drills. Conducts and documents severe weather and lock down drills four times per year.

5. Assures that the child’s outdoor and indoor environments are safe and clean at all times, including storing outdoor equipment such as wagons and tricycles and storing dangerous materials and potential poisons under lock and key. Sanitize classroom equipment and supplies and maintains a clean classroom including restrooms and kitchen area.

6. Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of all children in the classroom at all times. Assures that the classroom’s environment is developmentally appropriate for each child.

7. Assists in conducting activities in the classroom to conform to the Program’s written program plans, Performance Standards, Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, Minimum Standards for Licensing, CACOST’s Head Start Birth to Five Program policies and procedures, School Readiness Goals and the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework.

8. Assists in the implementation of children’s IEPs or Plans of Care for children with Disabilities.

9. Maintains a cooperative attitude of working with the teacher, volunteers, parents and program staff.

10. Assists with meal service as needed.

11. Assists with children arriving late and facilitate activities.

Work Experience

Prior supervisory experience is preferred.

Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) is preferred.

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Must pass DFPS background check.

Must pass an annual physical.

Must attend 24 clock hours of professional development and staff training per year to included training on methods to handle suspected or known child abuse and neglect cases, that comply with applicable federal, state, local and tribal laws, training that builds their knowledge, experience and competencies to improve child and family outcomes and any other trainings as outlined by the Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standards from the State of Texas.

Education/Certifications/Licensure

Have a Child Development Associate certificate within two (2) years of hire as per the Head Start Act Section 648A.

An Associate Degree in child development, early childhood education or equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.

Skills

Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, parents and community resources.

Assist Teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including: assessments, IEP documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.

Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.

Ability to supervise pre-school children and ensure a safe environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom and outdoor play areas. This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to insure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.