Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Department: Early Childhood and Family Services  

FLSA Status: Non-exempt  

Hours/Weeks: Part Year, Full Time 

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): Yes

Level: 2

Hiring Range: $17.17 - $20.01 

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

Head Start Teacher Assistants assist in maintaining a respectful classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning. They create meaningful relationships with children and their families, while also supporting teachers in the planning and preparation of lessons and activities. They foster an environment that is centered around social-emotional learning and school readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standards of Conduct.
• Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with supervisor, Individualized

Professional Development Plan 

• Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol                                                                                                              
• Participate in center staff meetings, monthly content area meetings, pre-service, and in-services and incorporate relevant knowledge and skills into practice
• Attend and participate in staff, agency, and service provider meetings deemed necessary for job performance

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A, this position does not supervise any staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Attend to the personal care needs of all children in the center                                                                                       
•  Join children in all settings, observing and engaging them in conversations at eye level to extend and deepen children’s learning
•  Participate in obtaining heights, weights, sensory and developmental screenings for children enrolled
•  Assist in planning and implementing classroom curriculum through age-appropriate activities that include organized learning areas allowing a variety of choices each day based on child and family’s needs, interests, culture, home language and assessment information
•  Assist teachers in providing individualized activities for a minimum of 3 focus children a week
•  Assist teachers in completing objective and factual observations of each child on a monthly basis
• Participate in IEP and Individual Health Plan team meetings as requested
• Assist in implementing Individual Education Plans for children with special needs
•  Encourage parent/guardian participation in the program
•  Participate in special center-level events (i.e., Open House, center celebrations, etc.)
•  Actively participate in program and family/child staffing as required                                                                    
•  In partnership with center team, participate in collecting and documenting non-federal share in-kind match
•  Participate in implementation of center recruitment plan

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in a classroom environment with controlled temperature conditions. This position may include time outside during calm moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work involves sitting and standing for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require bending and lifting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment.

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities. 

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.

 POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a Child Development Associate credential or Child Care Certificate
• 2 years relevant experience
• At least 18 years of age
• Experience working with young children in a group setting preferred
• Obtain CPR certification and First Aid within six months of employment

Core Competencies:

•   Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community. 
•   Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications. 
•   Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
•   This position is considered a mandated reporter. 
•   Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent) 
•   Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations. 
•   Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
•   Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.
•   Maintain confidentiality.
• Core Values: nl required training and professional development.

Core Values:

•  Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values.
•  Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change.
•  Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.
•  Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.
•  Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.
•  Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.
•  Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.
•  Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety.
•  Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.
•  Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users. 
•  In-person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.
•  Be respectful and sensitive to participants’ unique situations and challenges.
•  Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission.

Background Checks: Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records.
Transportation Requirements: This position necessitates that employees possess a valid driver's license and have access to dependable transportation.