HS Teacher Assistant - Sams Valley

Southern Oregon Head Start•Central Point, OR

2d•$19 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant develops nurturing relationships with children and supports the classroom teacher in providing a developmentally appropriate learning environment and meaningful experiences that prepare children for kindergarten. The assistant leads the class when the teacher is absent, prepares classroom materials, helps maintain classroom facilities, and assists with nutritious meals and snacks in the center kitchen as assigned. The position is responsible for meeting Head Start performance standards and following agency policies and procedures. The role works directly with children individually and in groups; supports curriculum implementation, classroom activities, child observations, safety, guidance, and required documentation; communicates and debriefs with staff; and may serve as a bus monitor on assigned runs and field trips. Duties also include classroom and center cleaning and upkeep, and providing childcare for assigned parent or Policy Council meetings. Bilingual Teacher Assistants additionally support assessment of dual language learners and provide interpretation for children, families, and the public as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Step 8 in the Oregon Registry Pathways program; alternatively, current enrollment in a CDA program to be completed within two years of hire, or enrollment in a program leading to Step 8 in the Oregon Registry Pathways program.
Enrollment in the Oregon Registry Pathways program.
CPR/First Aid, Food Handler, and TS Gold Inter-Rater Reliability certifications; these may be obtained at Head Start after hire.
One year of experience working with children from birth to age 8.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and basic computer knowledge.
Ability to perform general clerical tasks and apply understanding of developmentally appropriate activities to support children's social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand and follow procedures, ensure safety, and complete required documentation.
Ability to be organized, flexible, and resolution-oriented; multitask, make sound judgments, model appropriate behavior, maintain full attention to children, and work as a team member and independently.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds for 25 feet and push or pull up to 40 pounds for 20 yards.
Sufficient mobility, strength, range of motion, stamina, vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination to perform the listed duties safely and effectively, including standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and using steps.
Ability to react quickly to children's physical actions and sit for extended periods as required.
Bilingual Teacher Assistant: ability to understand and support the teacher-family relationship by providing interpreting assistance for children, families, and the public as required.

Nice To Haves

Preschool-age-specific experience.

Responsibilities

Work with children individually and in small and large groups, supporting their safety, guidance, and educational development.
Assist the classroom teacher with curriculum development and implementation and classroom activities.
Prepare, plan, clean up, and maintain classroom activity environments and materials.
Follow child guidance procedures and assume responsibility for the class when the teacher is absent.
Take and record child observations, and inform the teacher of unusual behavior, symptoms, or relevant information from parents.
Ensure children receive services in compliance with child health and safety policies, including medication administration and continuous counting and sign-in/sign-out procedures.
Communicate and debrief with center and classroom staff; attend staff meetings, trainings, and other relevant meetings.
As a bilingual TA, ensure observations for assessing dual language learners are completed and developmental levels are assigned in collaboration with the teacher, and facilitate interpretation for children and families requiring assistance.
Serve as a bus monitor on assigned runs and field trips; ensure children use appropriate safety restraints, are signed in and out, and that accurate messages are transmitted to parents; assist with bus pre-trip as needed.
Perform daily cleaning and sanitation, and maintain or repair equipment and materials inside and outside the center.
Provide childcare for Policy Council meetings and/or center parent meetings as assigned.
Interact positively and nurturingly with children, parents, and coworkers; respond quickly and safely to situations involving children.
Maintain a safe and pleasant workplace and follow safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
Perform other related duties within the scope of the position as assigned.