POSITION SUMMARY: The Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting teachers in the day-to-day duties and operations of the classroom. Collaborate with Coordinators to insure an integrated balance of Head Start services as per the program work plans to meet Head Start Performance Standards. Additionally, must have knowledge of and support the Agency’s mission, vision and code of ethics and strategic plan for helping people, changing lives. No overtime may be worked without prior authorization. Overtime must be approved in advance by the Head Start Director. Must comply with drug and alcohol-free workplace policy. Position contingent upon continued program funding. Hiring subject to Policy Council approval. Head Start parents will be given preference.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL:

• Promote the Head Start philosophy and educational objectives.

• Attend staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training provided by the agency (may include some overnight training).

• Help maintain an appropriate classroom environment needed to support the goals of the education component.

• Help maintain a safe, orderly and clean learning environment.

• Provide supervision of children.

• Communicate with children at their developmental level.

• Participate in activities with the children.

• Help assess children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis.

• Help implement weekly lesson plans.

• Promote and participate with healthy eating at meal times.

• Support Teacher to ensure two home visits and two parent teacher conferences are conducted by teaching staff each program year for each child.

• Support the ECKAN code of ethical conduct.

• Maintain confidentiality of all agency information.

• Maintain accurate and up to date records per policies and procedures.

• Orchestrate and manage developmentally appropriate environment for pre-school age children.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL:

• High School diploma/GED and a CDA (or higher), or able to secure a CDA within first year of employment.

• Be able to pass required KBI, background and health tests.

• Good written and oral communication skills.

• Must be able to participate in daily kneeling, stooping, bending and sitting on the floor, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds.

• Possess a valid driver’s license and comply with ECKAN insurance standards, as applicable.

• General office and computer skills.