Head Start Teacher Assistant

Independence School District•Mill Creek, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher Assistant will assist the teacher in implementing Head Start Performance Standards. This role is responsible for providing a nurturing and appropriate learning environment for children in the Early Education program, encouraging individual differences regardless of special abilities, talents, ethnic heritage, culture, and language. The assistant will also help maintain the physical environment, manage daily sign-in/sign-out, participate in classroom activities, and contribute to planning and guiding learning activities. This position supports a process-oriented curriculum and involves communication with families, including participating in home visits and parent conferences. Maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to district policies are essential. The role requires flexibility in working alternative hours and completing CPR training within 30 days of hire. A physical examination and tuberculin screening are required upon hire and periodically thereafter.

Requirements

Must meet one of the following: A degree with nine (9) hours in early childhood coursework
Completed CDA
Currently enrolled in a CDA program to be completed within two (2) years
Currently and continually enrolled in a degree program including at least nine (9) hours in early childhood coursework
Have a degree and are completing 120 CDA clock hours
Able to lift, carry, and hold children up to 50 pounds
Ability to stoop, crawl, kneel, and bend in order to speak to children at the child's eye level, to play with children, and to pick up toys and equipment from the floor
Submit initial physical examination upon hire and every two (2) years following
Submit initial tuberculin screening upon hire
Complete CPR training within 30 days of hire
Follow district policies and procedures
Have the ability to be flexible in working alternative hours on nontraditional program days

Nice To Haves

Successful experience working with preschool children desired

Responsibilities

Providing a nurturing and appropriate learning environment for children in the Early Education program.
Implementing a program for children that will provide experiences that encourage individual differences of the children regardless of special abilities, talents, ethnic heritage, culture, and language.
Maintaining the physical environment by assembling materials needed for the daily activities.
Being responsible for daily sign in/sign out of children.
Participating in the daily classroom activities and making suggestions in planning and guiding of the learning activities.
Supporting and implementing a process-oriented curriculum.
Assisting in communicating and establishing rapport with families.
Attending and participating in parent and staff meetings and training sessions.
Participating in at least two home visits and two parent conferences per year.
Using appropriate, positive guidance, and discipline techniques.
Maintaining visual and auditory awareness of children at all times to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground, and on field trips.
Acting as a team member in lesson planning and record keeping.
Maintaining client confidentiality according to established policy.
Attending all required meetings, including designated evening meetings.
Submitting initial physical examination upon hire and every two (2) years following.
Submitting initial tuberculin screening upon hire.
Completing CPR training within 30 days of hire.
Following district policies and procedures.
Being flexible in working alternative hours on nontraditional program days.
Performing other duties as defined and assigned.