Head Start Assistant Teacher

EARLY LEARNING CONNECTIONS

Job Description

POSITION: HEAD START/HSSAP ASSISTANT TEACHER

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head Teacher/Program Manager

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Works in conjunction with the teaching team to ensure that the education program objectives and activities are carried out in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards and with fidelity of curriculum implementation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION:

• Assists the Head Teacher in planning program activities that will enhance the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of the children.

• Assists in planning and preparing the learning environment, setting up centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies under the direction of the Head Teacher and in accordance with the curriculum and performance standards.

• Assist the Head Teacher in administering screening and education assessments.

• Assume responsibility of the classroom when the teacher is absent.

• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.

• Participates in recommended training programs/coaching sessions, conferences, courses, and other aspects of professional growth including maintaining PA Keys Registry Career Pathway.

• Proficient with technology as required for record keeping and documentation.

• Support the program-wide adoption of the teaching pyramid model (PBIS) to promote the development of young children's social-emotional competence and address challenging behavior.

• Create and maintain a positive organizational culture by demonstrating the program-wide behavioral expectations in their social interactions with children, families, community members and colleagues.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT:

• Travel to other classrooms in the program to help provide coverage as needed

• Communicates all progress and concerns with tact and professionalism to head teacher

• Maintains a clean, orderly physical environment ensuring classroom materials, furniture, and supplies are clean and sanitary.

• Supervises group and individual activities of children as assigned while following the agency active supervision policy.

• Contributes needs and ideas to Head Teacher

• Assists with toileting/diapering.

• Observes and records behavior of individual children as guided by the Head Teacher to assist in planning and activities.

• Documents observations through Smart Teach/Teaching Strategies/Child Plus/BIR data.

• Assists in carrying out plans to create a positive classroom climate.

• Helps with general housekeeping tasks as well as sanitation and hygiene of the classroom

• Establishes a positive rapport with parents of the children, outside services working in their classroom and all staff within the agency.

• Follows all ELC active supervision policies and procedures

• Enthusiastic personality that will engage preschool children

• Excellent organizational skills.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATIN:

• Build and maintain positive relationships with families.

• Interacts with parents, with the knowledge of the Head Teacher, to help provide a trusting atmosphere between parents and staff.

• Promote the organization in the community by commonly sharing the responsibility of active recruitment of children.

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Head Teacher/Program Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• CDA credential or state awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential OR enrolled in a program that will 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 REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to always maintain visual and auditory supervision of children to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground, and on field trips.

• Must be able to communicate with parents and pre-school children.

• Must be able to climb, stoop, crawl, kneel, and bend to speak to children at the child's eye level, play with the children, and pick up toys and equipment from the floor.

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout the classroom

• Must be able to lift to 45 pounds at a time

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.