HS Teacher Assistant

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

2d•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Chattanooga is seeking an HS Teacher Assistant to join their Early Learning Department. This role is crucial in maintaining a safe, healthy, and cognitively organized learning environment for children, ensuring their readiness for kindergarten and lifelong learning. The assistant will support the teacher in various aspects of classroom management, curriculum implementation, and child development. This position is part of the Head Start/Early Head Start program and requires a commitment to public service and child well-being.

Requirements

Minimum education: High School Diploma or GED
Preschool CDA or a State Technical Early Childhood Certificate required, or must be willing to obtain credential within 6 months.
1 year experience in working with young children, either as a paid worker or as a volunteer, preferred
Any combination of equivalent experience and education to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
Knowledge of Preschool child growth and development
Knowledge of ECE best practices
Knowledge of Classroom management
Knowledge of Importance of relationships and responsive caregiving
Knowledge of Child safety and supervision
Experience working with young children in a group setting
Experience working with culturally diverse staff and clients
Knowledge of Confidentiality and respecting the rights of children, families, and staff
Successful experience working in a team setting
Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with a Teacher Assistant and Aide, assisting him/her in increasing knowledge and skills
Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
Ability to plan, organize, and implement position requirements
Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Proficient use of computer applications, including word processing, data-entry into web-based software applications, and email communication

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred
Tennessee Child Care Licensing Rules is not required but is desired

Responsibilities

Implement curricula in the classroom with fidelity.
Perform the functions of this position with a working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, State of Tennessee Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations, and Agency policies and procedures.
Plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy and phonemic, print, numeric awareness, and language-including English as a second language if applicable, with a thorough knowledge and application of CHS School Readiness Goals.
Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including; daily activities and selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
Guide children’s acquisition of social skills.
Work with the Teacher and/or Aides to use and develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment, following all Head Start and TN State Standards. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained, cleaned, and stored.
Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure that the playground is safe.
Ensure that the daily health and environment checklist is complete.
Assist in implementing, individualizing, and monitoring children’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan), if applicable, documenting progress and seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood.
Provide clear behavioral expectations and use effective methods to prevent and redirect misbehavior.
Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion.
Actively assist in transition activities.
Effectively communicate with families concerning classroom calendar, parent meetings, and special events.
Encourage parent participation within the program.
Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Professional Development Plan and performance review.
Ensure that documentation and files are complete, accurate, and confidentiality maintained.
Accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.