Bilingual Spanish Teacher Assistant, Head Start

Open Positions at Start Early•Beach Park, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Start Early Lake County provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old. As a program that serves low-income families, Start Early’s research-based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication. Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do! The Teacher Assistant works closely with the Preschool Certified Teacher to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports the developmental needs of young children in accordance with federal, state, and local standards for 3-5 year olds. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education and committed to fostering positive self-images and experiences of success for all children.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) Or Associate’s degree (in an unrelated field) and will need to complete Birth-5 Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
A minimum of 1 year experience working in an early childhood program.
Bilingual Spanish/English required.
Must be able to effectively speak, read, and write in both English and Spanish to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
Proficiency with basic computer applications and adaptability to learn and effectively use new technology and software programs as needed.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with diverse families, children, and professionals.
Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information and materials.
Respectful and responsive communication that demonstrates care, professionalism, and concern for others.
A collaborative and supportive approach to working effectively as a member of a team.
Understanding of Early Head Start, Head Start, and other developmentally appropriate early childhood programs, including the application of program practices and requirements.
Knowledge and application of child development and early childhood principles, practices, and curricula appropriate to the assigned age group (birth–3 or 3–5 years).
Capacity to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds as required by the position.
Comfort and physical mobility to participate in classroom activities at children’s level, including floor-based activities that require sitting, kneeling, bending, and squatting.
Responsiveness and mobility to move quickly and appropriately to meet children’s needs, including following or safely intervening when a child runs or moves away from a designated area.
Active participation in and support of children during play and outdoor activities.
Safe and appropriate response to children’s needs in a variety of classroom and emergency situations, including providing supervision and assistance as needed.
Capacity to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Employees must complete all required health screenings, assessments, and documentation within the designated timeframe.

Nice To Haves

The organization will provide support and cover the cost of obtaining the CDA for eligible employees who are hired without the credential.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Preschool Certified Teacher and Team to develop, maintain and monitor individual child education binders, ensuring all confidential information is protected.
Follow Education timeline in accordance with program regulations.
Assist in creating a vibrant classroom environment based on ECERS guidelines and integrate CLASS concepts into daily teacher child interactions and routines, aligning with the IELDSs/Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
Active participation in lesson planning sessions and assisting with the implementation of the researched-based Creative Curriculum practices.
Complete required program documentation and submit to Preschool Certified Teacher.
Utilize child assessments, screening results and observation data to design developmentally appropriate experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development for every child.
Schedule and conduct two parent-teacher conferences and home visits each year, building strong relationships and partnerships with families to support children’s growth.
Participate in Family Child Reviews.
Adhere to Individualized Education Programs and Family Service Plans, and/or Individualized Health Care Plans (IHCPs) as directed by Education Managers or Consultants.
Incorporate children’s interests, cultures, and school readiness goals into individualized and group learning opportunities, celebrating the richness of our community.
Adhere to state licensing standards, Head Start guidelines, and ISBE regulations by implementing active supervision strategies to ensure the safety of all children, ensuring that no child is ever left alone or unattended.
Implement positive discipline guidance in the classroom to create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages positive interactions.
Support with observations and document each child’s health, skills, and development, helping curriculum planning sessions to set clear learning objectives based on findings.
In collaboration with classroom teacher, identify developmental concerns regarding children and follow agency protocols for reporting.
Adhere to all Head Start/Preschool For All regulations, DCFS State licensing standards, Standards of Conduct and Start Early philosophy, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.
Monitor and ensure daily attendance, health checks, parent sign/scan in, and meal participation reports are completed.
Assume the Lead Teacher’s responsibilities in their absence, including management of the classroom and delegation of child development and documentation tasks.
Keep the classroom environment, ensuring organization, and addressing the diaper or potty-training requirements of the children as necessary.
Attend and actively participate in required meetings, training, data dialogues and reflective supervision.
Participate in recruitment activities to maintain full enrollment in the program, engaging with families in the community to spread awareness about the benefits of the program offerings.
Take part in continuous professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in supporting children’s school readiness goals.
Perform other duties as assigned, adhering to all relevant regulations and agency policies.