Head Start - Pre K Teacher Assistant

Regina Coeli Child Development Center•Covington, LA

About The Position

Assist classroom staff in implementing individualized goals and objectives for children identified as needing specialized assistance. The aide observes and records behavioral data and progress toward targeted goals, and routinely communicates observations and progress with program staff, consultants, and parents. The role supports children’s participation, communication, play, socialization, care, and learning in the classroom. The assistant adapts planned activities, materials, and equipment for children with special needs; implements behavior-management techniques; and helps staff carry out curriculum and individualized goals. The position also includes attending meetings and professional development, serving as a second bus monitor at centers with bus transportation, generating in-kind contributions, and performing other duties as requested. Employees must follow Head Start Program Performance Standards, Louisiana licensing requirements, the RCCDC written work plan, and agency policies and procedures. They must maintain professional relationships with staff and families, respect cultural diversity, protect confidentiality, maintain regular attendance, and meet the stated health, background-check, training, driving, and physical requirements.

Requirements

Have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years, have a college degree from an accredited institution, or be enrolled in a program leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education, child development, or a related field.
Ability to closely monitor and supervise children with special needs.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to respond to behavioral issues using appropriate behavior-management processes.
Ability to make routine decisions, including when to communicate with teachers and parents, when program changes are needed, and how to respond when emergencies arise.
Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or crisis situation.
Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance and a stable work attendance record.
Pass a criminal background check.
Pass a physical examination every three years.
Complete a tuberculosis (TB) test every three years.
Maintain current First Aid and CPR credentials; training is provided.
Maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record that complies with RCCDC's insurance-carrier requirements.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to kneel, stoop, bend, and sit on the floor daily to attend to children's needs.
Ability to work in an active environment with changes in climate and noise level.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Assist classroom staff in implementing individualized goals and objectives for children requiring specialized assistance.
Adapt planned activities, materials, and equipment to facilitate participation by children with special needs.
Promote communication, play, and socialization between children with special needs and other children in the classroom.
Perform caregiving activities such as feeding, toileting, and dressing.
Implement behavior-management techniques and monitor their progress and effectiveness.
Observe, record, and monitor children's classroom progress and behavioral data.
Assist staff in implementing curriculum and individualized goals to support growth and learning across developmental areas.
Routinely communicate observations and progress with classroom staff, consultants, and parents while maintaining professional ethics and confidentiality.
Follow Head Start Program Performance Standards, Louisiana licensing requirements, the RCCDC written work plan, and agency policies and procedures.
Maintain professional relationships with staff and families, with respect for culture, diversity, and ethnicity.
Participate in annual program self-assessment and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Monitor and ensure confidentiality of children's records.
Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
Serve as a second bus monitor for centers with bus transportation.
Generate in-kind contributions.
Sit with children during family-style meals and eat the same Head Start lunch to model good nutritional habits.
Occasionally drive for home visits, sometimes in outlying areas.
Maintain regular and consistent attendance and report to work on time.
Perform other duties as requested.