Teacher Assistant I (Orange Cove)

Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission•Fresno, CA

About The Position

With guidance from the Teacher, assists teacher in the implementation of educational curriculum goals, objectives, classroom activities and parent engagement per Head Start Program Performance Standards, philosophy and mission. When appropriate, assists the Teacher by interpreting.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED.
Twelve (12) units in Child Development (CD)/Early Childhood Education (ECE) (core courses as identified in the CD Permit Matrix) required.
California Associate’s Teacher Permit required within 90 days of employment.
Must maintain continuous enrollment in college until completion of Associate’s Degree in CD/ECE or related field with a minimum of thirty (30) CD/ECE units required within two (2) years of employment.
Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by State law, and insurability by agency carrier for those driving agency vehicles. Proof of insurance will be required.
Obtain a valid AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Certification within the first three (3) days of employment.
Pass and maintain annual Basic Pest Management in a Child Care Settings Training/Quiz as required by the California Healthy Schools Act (HSA) within 60 days after employment.
Physical examination, TB screening clearance and signed federal criminal record declaration are required within 7 days after employment.
Pass required reference checks and fingerprint clearance under Title 22 regulations: Department of Justice/FBI, Criminal Record Statement Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) and background investigation as needed prior to employment
Immunized against influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and measles. The influenza vaccination must be obtained annually during flu season, August 1 through December 1. A person is exempt from the immunization requirements for the following circumstances: 1. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician declaring that because of the person’s physical condition or medical circumstances, the immunization is not safe. 2. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician providing that the person has evidence of current immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and/or measles. 3. The person submits in writing declaration that he or she has declined the influenza (flu) vaccination. This exemption only applies to the influenza (flu) vaccine.
Bilingual in English and Spanish or other secondary language may be required based on the needs of the clients and the program.

Nice To Haves

Twelve (12) months’ work experience with pre-school age children preferred.
Former Head Start 0 to 5 parents preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides a safe and healthy environment as required by Community Care Licensing regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.
Provides appropriate visual supervision of children at all times.
Assists Teacher(s) and/or Teacher Director in tasks such as toileting, meals and snacks, room set-up, cleaning of furniture and equipment, safety, etc.
Assists Teacher(s) in activity planning and program implementation of curriculum.
Assists Teachers’ effort to support all children reach individual goals, including those with a disability.
Participates in classroom day to day routine, record keeping and planning procedures.
Develops skills in methods of teaching and as skills are gained, takes on more responsibility in classroom planning and preparation.
Observes children and provides feedback to the Teacher for screening and on-going assessment of children.
Assists in completing classroom documentation tasks such as: daily sign-in/out of children, ChildPlus, meal service, developmental screenings and all other duties necessary for the maintenance of a smoothly running classroom.
Assumes leadership role in absence of Teacher as assigned by Teacher Director/Center Director.
Confers with appropriate staff member(s) prior to intervention in any potential stressful situations with families.
Participates in home visits, parent/teacher conferences and case conferences as requested. Acts as an interpreter when appropriate.
Attends and participates in scheduled center meetings, staff in-services and required trainings/workshops.
Occasionally will be required to work at additional centers/classrooms outside of regularly assigned classrooms/centers.
Maintains strict compliance with universal precautions in the classroom or during home visits and when administering first aid.
Serves as a bus monitor, as assigned.
Assists in the preparation, service and clean-up of meals and snacks.
Maintains confidentiality of records and information on Early Head Start/Head Start staff, children and families.
Assists the teacher in promoting parent/family engagement in various program activities, such as family/child home activities, volunteering in the classroom, attending program workshops and meetings, etc.
Models professionalism for staff, parents, children, clients, and community members. Promotes a collaborative environment within the service areas, program, and agency.
Observes children and provides feedback to Teacher for on-going assessment & servicing of children.
Adheres to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA-2010) which prohibits discriminatory actions toward children and/or adult with disabilities. In particular, children with disabilities are enrolled in the classroom as mandated by Federal Law.
Travels for agency business using reliable transportation
Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
Works evenings and weekends as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.