Teacher Assistant

Job Description: Early Head Start (Infant/Toddler) Assistant Teacher

Department: Early Learning Program

Reports To: Education Coordinator

Supervises: N/A

Starting Salary: $17.37 /hour

40 hours per week year-round

Full benefit package (starting the 1st of the month after 30 days)

403B day one, match up to 7%

Professional development opportunities

Accrued vacation time

Accrued sick time

17 holidays including your birthday

18% discount on qualifying cell phone bills

On-Site Work Only

_Job Summary_

The Assistant Teacher assists the Classroom Teacher plan and implement a program of developmentally and culturally appropriate activities for infants/toddlers enrolled in ACE of NEPA's Early Learning Program. Responsibilities include supervising the children and assessing their progress, performing specific teaching activities to encourage their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, preparing the room for meals and rest periods, visiting families’ homes, maintaining related records and attending to their health, safety and well-being in the classroom setting. The Assistant Teacher assumes the responsibilities of Teacher when necessary.​ This position requires general knowledge and ability to work with individuals or groups of diverse cultures, varying abilities and linguistic preferences to perform duties as assigned. This position requires general knowledge and ability to work with individuals or groups of diverse cultures, varying abilities and linguistic preferences to perform duties as assigned

_Essential Job Responsibilities_

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Head Start philosophy, federal Performance Standards, and other regulations/policies/procedures/administrative guidance ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and health codes
• Assists in planning and organizing the daily activities of the classroom/ home visits and participates in staff meetings. Works on a daily basis to attend to the care and maintenance of the classroom environment distributing and setting up supplies and equipment in preparation for the day’s activities.
• Follows a consistent schedule that provides for choice, small and large group experiences, music and movement, large and small motor activities, opportunities for skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities
• Develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate opportunities to meet individual child goals

• Working with the classroom team,serves children meals in accordance with food service guidelines. Welcomes parents and volunteers and engages them in food service activities as appropriate
• Maintains a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

• Assumes the responsibilities of Teacher in the Teacher’s absence including attendance at scheduled staff, planning and in-service sessions

• Encourages and supports school readiness, family engagement, and positive interventions and supports in all aspects of program(s). Works interactively with program staff to develop and implement ongoing goals
• Works with the Teacher and classroom team to implement the _Creative Curriculum_ and keeps the Teacher informed of any changes in children’s accomplishments, needs and interests

• Meets with parents to advise them on the progress of their children
• Enters child and family data into the child/family database (COPA) in a timely and accurate manner
• Submits written information to Content Area Managers as requested
• Provides care and support by tuning into children’s needs. Shows willingness to listen and take children’s feelings into consideration. Asks questions in a supportive way.
• Supervises and supports children’s social activities without taking over. Fosters the development of children’s social skills by helping them think through, articulate, and solve the day-to-day social challenges they encounter.
• Observes and documents children’s behavior, assesses progress and needs, and prepares records and reports as required
• Works to understand the children’s special needs and accepts individual differences . Actively participates in planning with Special Services and management staff and community professionals to meet those needs

• Engages in the active supervision of children at all times, ensuring no child is left unattended.

• Works with the ERSEA Coordinator to develop & implement recruitment strategies. Actively recruits for all program options on an ongoing basis
• Maintains a developmentally appropriate and culturally & linguistically responsive classroom environment
• Keeps children safe by creating and maintaining a Culture of Safety that engages people in identifying safety concerns and working with others to improve strategies used in homes and in centers.
• Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served
• Maintains strict confidentiality of the programs children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures and applicable law
• Functions as mandated reporter reporting any allegations of alleged child abuse/neglect to appropriate Child Welfare Agency
• Works with a supervisor to set goals for professional development. Participates in training, self-assessment and classroom/staff meetings as required
• Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
• Performs related work as required

_Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities_

• Knowledge and use of best practices to engage in positive supportive conversations and interactions with young children
• Knowledge and use of best practices for integrating family engagement in positive behavior interventions and supports
• Ability to visually assess children's health and behaviors and make frequent significant decisions to assure their health and safety
• Ability to recognize and use sensitivity in addressing individual differences
• Ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices for young children in the classroom, playground and bus settings.
• Displays an approach to service delivery that is consistent with the mission of the Early Learning Program
• Basic computer skills including data entry & e-mail for communication purposes. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, Google Drive, and on-line database systems
• Ability to communicate with children and to gain their cooperation and participation in activities
• Ability to carry-out oral and written instructions
• Ability to work cooperatively with others
• Knowledge of First Aid and CPR through coursework, certification and maintenance of credential

_Required Education/Experience_

A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education -OR- an Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus 12 credits in early childhood education or a CDA credential (specific to the age group).

Valid Driver’s License and automobile insurance required.

_Work Environment _

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues; Possible exposure to communicable diseases; Tasks that involve handling implements or utensils, use of public or shared bathroom facilities or telephones. Job requires sitting for a long period of time (during planning and reporting) and standing for long periods of time (during observations and training), as well as stooping, squatting, and kneeling. A moderate amount of driving is required.

_Physical Demands_ The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this Position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate and handle keyboards and office and/or classroom equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

There is occasional lifting and/or moving items 25 pounds or less.

_Non-Discrimination Statement_ ACE of NEPA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in every location in which the Agency has facilities. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

The Agency will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended (ADAAA).

_Disclaimer_

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

ACE is a Drug Free Workplace.