TEACHER ASSISTANT TRAINEE

Neighborhood House Association•San Diego, CA

1d•$22 - $23

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor or designated teaching staff, the Teacher Assistant Trainee aids in the instruction of preschool-aged children. The role supports developmentally appropriate classroom activities aligned with Head Start curriculum, helps maintain safe and supportive indoor and outdoor environments, and assists with children’s daily care and development. The position also involves documentation, family engagement, staff collaboration, required training, and referrals to community resources as appropriate. This is a two-year position. Within 12 months of employment, the employee must complete at least six units of Child Development or Early Childhood Education at an accredited college or university, earning at least a C. After two years, the employee must promote to a higher position or leave the position. The employee may not be left alone supervising children unless they have at least 12 college units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education. Pediatric first aid and CPR certification must be obtained within 90 days of employment, and state and county childcare licensing requirements must be met and maintained. Neighborhood House Association is a nonprofit organization. Head Start positions may be funded in whole or in part by state or federal funds, and continued employment is contingent on continued receipt of applicable funding. The organization states that it is an equal opportunity employer. Eligible employees receive the benefits listed in the posting. Medical and dental benefits are provided to regular employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED equivalency, or High School Proficiency Certificate.
Must successfully 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 obtain pediatric first aid and CPR certification within 90 days of employment.
Must meet and maintain state law and county licensing requirements for childcare-center employment, including fingerprints, TB screening, physical examination, and immunizations.
Must have at least 12 college units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education to be left alone supervising children.
Must promote to a higher position or vacate the position after two years.
Computer literate, with knowledge of computers and related software programs.
Ability to help create and maintain a safe learning environment.
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, or governmental regulations; write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; and present information and respond to questions from groups, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to observe and interact with program management, staff, clients, and others; read and interpret information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills and information; manage multiple concurrent tasks; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to stand, bend, or stoop for long periods; sit, stand, talk, or hear in person and by telephone; use hands to handle computers and standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 50 pounds.
Close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus to view documents.

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.
Assist with implementing weekly lesson plans and developmentally appropriate activities that reflect Head Start curriculum and philosophy and comply with Performance Standards.
Help develop and maintain a safe, pleasing 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 use, 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.
Assist with monthly reports on attendance, excused absences, daily sign-in/put 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 make appropriate referrals.
Help supervise outdoor play and field trips.
Assist with breaks and planning time for the teacher and associate teacher as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

15 paid holidays.
401(k) retirement plan with 6% match.
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500.
Two personal days.
Group medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Agency-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Live Well Program.
Four paid annual bereavement days, with a total of five days of bereavement leave per loss.
Health and dependent-care flexible spending accounts.
Voluntary life and AD&D, accident, short-term disability, and critical illness insurance.
Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP).