Head Start Teacher Assistant (Augusta Locations)

YMCA of Metro Atlanta•Augusta, GA

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher Assistant works under the supervision of the Center Manager/Director and cooperates with the Head Start Teacher to plan and conduct learning experiences and activities. The role assists with the day-to-day management of an assigned classroom, supporting children’s learning, development, health, safety, and classroom routines.

Requirements

Child Development Associate (CDA).
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry 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, according to 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 interest areas in collaboration with the teacher, and keep the classroom orderly with materials accessible to children.
Maintain a clean, healthy, and safe classroom environment indoors and outdoors, following applicable health, safety, organization, aesthetic, and sanitation guidelines.
Provide constant supervision of children during indoor and outdoor activities.
Observe children’s physical conditions and developmental progress; conduct screenings and ongoing assessments, refer concerns to the teacher, and contribute to evaluations of each child’s progress.
Collaborate with the teacher to prepare lesson plans, materials, and an organized, interactive, appropriate, clean, safe, hands-on learning environment.
Follow the daily schedule and conduct activities suited to children’s individual developmental levels, including individual, small-group, and large-group activities presented in sequence.
Assume primary responsibility for classroom management when the teacher is absent.
Provide varied art media and opportunities for creative expression, and display children’s work at their eye level.
Plan and participate in a balanced program of open learning and structured activities, using community resources and field trips to enrich the classroom.
Communicate the need for additional supplies to the teacher.
Make home visits and conduct parent-teacher conferences during the school year.
Establish age-appropriate classroom rules with teachers, use positive behavioral-management approaches, and support smooth transitions between activities.
Record and total daily attendance accurately, submit attendance and other required reports, and provide the monthly tabulated attendance page before the third day of the following month.
Count, record, and submit accurate 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 while modeling good nutrition and appropriate social skills.
Follow mandatory reporting procedures for suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, repair needs, complaints, accidents, and injuries.