Head Start Teacher Assistant

YMCA OF FREDERICK COUNTY•Frederick, MD

1d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position works as a part of a teaching team partnering with the teacher in developing activities for Head Start children to provide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment. This position works along with the teacher to attain the goals of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED and a current Child Development Associate (CDA); or Enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of being hired into the position; or Associate or Bachelor degree (in any area); or Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.
Some experience working with preschool-aged children
Blood borne Pathogen Training
Code of Conduct Training
Active Supervision Training
CPR, AED, and First Aid Certifications
Acceptable screening results to include comprehensive background check and initial health exam
Must have transportation to perform all duties.
Occasional need to provide gentle physical restraint to children.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
Work is typically performed in a classroom setting and some office work required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual fluency (English/ Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities including the development of lesson plans.
Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.
Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
Makes home visits with the teacher as required or requested and documents them as requested.
Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share requirement.
Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.
Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child care licensing regulations.
Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.
Positively promotes Head Start in the community.
Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Assists the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family involvement in each classroom.
Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families of the children.
Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the program, awareness of the child’s needs and development, how the activities of the program promote positive development and their roles in the child’s overall education and development.
Participates in the training of families as requested.
Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program: to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and development; and to assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in basic child development.
Assists with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as volunteers and substitutes.
Assists the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and community members participating in the program.
Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.