Head Start Teacher Assistant (Augusta Locations)

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta•Augusta, GA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Center Manager/Director, the Head Start Teacher Assistant works cooperatively with the Head Start Teacher to plan and conduct learning experiences and activities and assists with day-to-day management of an assigned classroom. The role supports children’s learning, development, safety, health, and classroom routines, and includes collaboration with families, teachers, and site staff.

Requirements

Child Development Associate (CDA).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to meet physical requirements, including kneeling, bending, squatting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects or children weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, including criminal record check, drug screening, motor vehicle record check, and reference check, in accordance with company policy.
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
Associate degree in early childhood education, or a combination of education and experience teaching preschool-aged children.

Responsibilities

Organize classroom space into functional areas in collaboration with the teacher; keep it orderly and materials accessible.
Maintain a clean, healthy, and safe indoor and outdoor classroom environment, with constant supervision of children during activities.
Observe children’s physical conditions and development, use designated screening and ongoing assessment processes, refer suspected concerns to the teacher, and provide input on progress evaluations.
Prepare lesson plans, materials, and classroom environments with the teacher, and conduct activities suited to children’s developmental levels and the daily schedule.
Assume primary classroom-management responsibility in the teacher’s absence.
Provide varied art materials, display children’s work, and conduct individual, small-group, and large-group activities in a sequential manner.
Plan and participate in a balanced program of open learning and structured activities, using community resources and field trips for enrichment.
Make home visits and conduct parent-teacher conferences during the school year.
Establish age-appropriate classroom rules with teachers, use positive behavioral management, and support smooth transitions between activities.
Communicate supply needs to the teacher.
Record and total daily attendance, submit accurate attendance and other reports, and provide monthly roll-book attendance documentation before the third day of the following month.
Count, record, and submit daily meal counts to food service staff after each meal.
Attend and participate in required team, site, and agency meetings, trainings, professional development, and continuing education.
Participate in family-style meal service, modeling good nutrition and appropriate social skills.
Follow site guidelines for health, safety, classroom organization, aesthetics, and sanitation.
Follow mandatory reporting procedures for suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, repair needs, complaints, accidents, and injuries.