HS Teacher Assistant

City of Chattanooga•Chattanooga, TN

6h•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Chattanooga Head Start classifies this a hard-to-fill position; thus, a hiring incentive of $500 will be issued to the hired candidate after they have completed their probationary period. Salary: With High School Diploma $18.00/hr With Preschool CDA $19.00/hr With Technical Certificate $20.00/hr With AA-ECE $22.00/hr FLSA Status: This is a non-exempt position. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This position works 195 days per year, 7.5 hours per day. Schedules may vary due to work assignments, locations, projects and program needs. In addition, this position is expected to remain on duty for approximately 10 working days beyond the end of Head Start closure until the end of Hamilton County Schools academic calendar. These additional days will be compensated at the employee’s true hourly rate. Department: Early Learning Location: This position supports one of the HCS Head Start Pre-K Classrooms: Calvin Donaldson Elementary, Orchard Knob Elementary, East Brainerd Elementary, Woodmore Elementary, or Hardy Elementary. SUMMARY: Maintains a safe, healthy and cognitively organized learning environment and ensures the safety of children at all times. Assists the teacher in supporting the physical health and development of children to ensure they are ready for kindergarten and lifelong learning. All employees employed by Chattanooga Head Start may work directly with children.

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
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
Knowledge of: Experience working with young children in a group setting
Knowledge of: Experience working with culturally diverse staff and clients
Knowledge of: Confidentiality and respecting the rights of children, families, and staff
Skills in: Successful experience working in a team setting
Skills in: Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with a Teacher Assistant and Aide, assisting him/her in increasing knowledge and skills
Skills in: Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
Skills in: Ability to plan, organize, and implement position requirements
Skills in: Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients
Skills in: Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Skills in: 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
1 year experience working with young children, either as a paid worker or as a volunteer, preferred
Knowledge of: 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 co-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.