Early Head Start Teacher Assistant

Carey Services•Marion, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The EHS Teacher Assistant, under the direct supervision of the EHS Classroom Supervisor (and informally to the EHS Teacher) is responsible for assisting primary teachers, working with very young children, their parents, other staff, volunteers, and community partners to provide developmentally appropriate quality childcare in a center-based environment that is in compliance with all Head Start Program Performances Standards and any related State Licensing requirements. Teaching Assistants support the lead teacher by providing compassionate care, maintaining a safe classroom, and actively engaging with children. They demonstrate patience, professionalism, initiative, and a willingness to learn. Great Teaching Assistants understand that every moment matters. Through kindness, teamwork, reliability, and a genuine love for young children, they help create an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.

Requirements

Must be 21 years or older
Must possess a valid driver’s license, adequate automobile insurance, and meet agency insurability requirements
Must hold a high school diploma/GED
Must be willing to obtain CDA for infant/toddler after employed
Must be willing to pursue additional education as required by ongoing regulations, such as effective communication and safety practices for infants and toddlers, etc.
Must be willing to pursue additional education, as required by State and Federal standards and regulations
Must demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher/child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment, and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
Must have a thorough understanding of childcare program and possess effective communication with and safety practices for infants and toddlers
Must be able to learn (instruction provided) basic principles of teaching
Must have good basic mathematical computation and English Language writing knowledge
Must possess nurturing skills, be able to implement positive and anticipatory guidance with children, and be able to move and play with small children both in and out of doors, including routine tasks such as diaper changing, feeding, moving toys, washing laundry and dishes
Must possess the skills to communicate in a meaningful and appropriate manner with young children
Must be highly organized, detail oriented, and able to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
Ability to walk, bend, stoop or stand for extended periods
Must be able to pick-up, hold, and move 40+ lbs.
Must have the sensory capacities to successfully execute essential job functions.
Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as but not limited to: gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, shoes, ear plugs, etc.
Must be able to follow all required safe and universal precaution practices during a pandemic and as required otherwise
As required by specific job requirements must know first aid, health & safety measures or build an acceptable competence level by post-hire training.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
Associates Degree with experience in Early Childhood related field may be substituted.
CDA infant/toddler is preferred

Responsibilities

Assisting in implementing developmentally appropriate classroom instruction, based on each child’s individual needs.
Providing responsive care to all children.
Ensuring the safety of all children by checking toys, equipment, building, and grounds daily.
Assisting in integrating all aspects of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and any related licensing requirements into the schedule and curriculum of each classroom child.
Communicate daily with primary teachers and children, and in a secondary capacity to the parents and families.
Providing assistance in indoor and outdoor settings as directed by supervisor or primary teacher.
Encouraging and respecting the particular ethnic background of all EHS and Carey Services families, children, clients and staff.
Completing all paperwork requirements in an accurate and timely manner.
Completing additional educational requirements to meet State and Federal Standards.
Participating in ongoing training activities as assigned.
Adhering to all plans, policies, and procedures of Carey Services and Early Head Start.
Promoting agency-wide safety and housekeeping as well as takes a proactive approach to preventive maintenance and delivery of quality service.
Adapting to flexible schedules based on EHS needs.
Performing other duties as assigned.