TEACHER ASSISTANT TRAINEE

NHA•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor or designated teaching staff, the Teacher Assistant Trainee assists with instruction and care of preschool-aged children. The role supports developmentally appropriate activities and Head Start curriculum, helps maintain a safe and supportive classroom and outdoor environment, and contributes to children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. This is a two-year position. Employees must complete at least six units of Child Development or Early Childhood Education at an accredited college or university, earning at least a C, within 12 months of employment. After two years, the employee must promote to a higher position or leave the role. The trainee may assist with breaks and planning time for teachers and associate teachers. The trainee may not be left alone supervising children unless they have at least 12 units of Child Development or Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED equivalency, or High School Proficiency Certificate.
Computer literacy, including knowledge of computers and related software programs.
Ability to help create and maintain a safe learning environment for children and others.
Ability to work effectively with children, parents, families, and the community.
Regular, consistent attendance.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Sensitivity to the needs of culturally and ethnically diverse groups.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals and to present information effectively and respond to questions.
Ability to observe and interact with program management, staff, clients, and others; read and interpret information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math; learn and apply new skills; handle multiple concurrent tasks; and maintain effective working relationships.
Obtain pediatric first aid and CPR certification within 90 days of employment.
Meet and maintain state law and county licensing requirements for childcare center employment, including fingerprints, TB screening, physical examination, and immunizations.
Complete at least six units of Child Development or Early Childhood Education at an accredited college or university within 12 months of employment, earning at least a C.
Must have at least 12 units of Child Development or Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university to be left alone supervising children.
After two years, promote to a higher position or vacate the position.
Able to meet the physical demands of standing, bending or stooping for long periods; sitting, standing, talking, hearing, handling equipment, and reaching; and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Child Development or Early Childhood Education units from an accredited college or university, or ROP training in a Child Development Program.
Ability to speak a second language.

Responsibilities

Assist in instructing preschool-aged children.
Help implement weekly lesson plans with developmentally appropriate activities that reflect Head Start curriculum and philosophy and comply with Performance Standards.
Help develop and maintain a safe, pleasant environment that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
Assist with screening children using appropriate assessment tools; do not translate or interpret assessments.
Help meet children’s daily hygiene needs by modeling tooth brushing, hand washing, bathroom routines, and mealtime routines.
Help ensure the safety of the classroom and outdoor playground.
Provide emotional support and encourage children’s self-esteem.
Participate in required training.
Administer first aid when needed.
Participate in center-level case management meetings as needed.
Observe the development of IEPs for children with special needs.
Help prepare monthly reports on attendance, excused absences, daily sign-in/sign-out sheets, in-kind contributions, and CCFP meal counts.
May help conduct home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
Participate in cross-component tasks and work with community resources to identify child and family needs and refer them to appropriate assistance.
Help supervise outdoor play and field trips.
Assist with breaks and planning time for teachers and associate teachers as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.