Gatesville Head Start Teacher Assistant

Hill Country Community Action Association•Gatesville, TX

20d•$12 - $15

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for a group of children or an assigned activity area. The role includes supervising play, participating in group games, enforcing safety rules, and intervening when children may injure themselves or others. In the absence of the Director or Teacher, the Assistant acts as Teacher by carrying out classroom functions, including paperwork and reports, child supervision, and implementation of lesson plans. The Assistant works closely with the Center Director and Classroom Teacher to maintain a calm, safe classroom that supports early childhood learning. Duties include conducting activities and lessons, supporting classroom routines and family-style meals, documenting children’s development, and working with children individually and as part of a classroom team. After completing the 90-day probationary period, Teacher Assistants must work toward and receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, some experience working with preschool children, annual pre-service training, and maintaining CPR and First Aid certifications. The role involves working the schedule set by the Center Director, typically during center operating hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional work outside the assigned schedule and some out-of-town and overnight travel are required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Some experience and ability to work with preschool children.
Warm, supportive, pleasant, and positive attitude toward young children and parents.
Reliability and flexibility in receiving assignments or adapting to program changes.
Willingness to accept supervision to improve work performance.
Professional manner and attire.
No conviction that would contraindicate employment.
Valid Class C driver’s license and reliable vehicle with current liability insurance; must be insurable under HCCAA’s vehicle insurance policy.
Complete a Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire.
Maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
Comply with HCCAA policies and maintain confidentiality and courtesy in agency operations.
Operate a computer and office machines such as a fax machine, calculator, copier, and telephone.
Ability to analyze classroom operations and choose effective courses of action; handle new and diverse work problems; resolve problems and conflict; and make decisions under pressure.
Ability to listen objectively, identify problems, assist in resolving issues, and interact with employees at all levels.
Knowledge of basic math and literacy skills and ability to record data pertinent to Head Start Performance Standards.
Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, drive, interact with children on their level, lift up to 40 pounds, and react quickly, including running after a child.
Normal range of hearing and vision and sufficient manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Attend mandatory annual pre-service training.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills are encouraged.

Responsibilities

Develop, write, and conduct a planned lesson at least once a month, with greater frequency as experience is gained.
Prepare and conduct at least one center activity each day and additional activities as needed under the guidance of the Center Director or Classroom Teacher.
Work with the Center Director and Classroom Teacher to maintain a calm classroom conducive to early childhood learning without physical punishment.
Carry out childcare routines promptly, hygienically, and consistently with child-development principles, including hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitions.
Assist children at snack, breakfast, and lunch; maintain family-style meal practices and sit with children at mealtimes.
Ensure children’s safety through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, equipment maintenance, and practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures.
Work as a classroom team member to support curriculum continuity and classroom quality, and work individually with children who have difficulty in group activities.
Document information in half of the children’s files across all content areas.
Complete Individual Development Plans for each enrolled child and maintain ongoing assessments and written or computer records.
Observe, record, and appropriately report children’s behavior to other staff members.
Attend staff meetings and provided training.
After the 90-day probationary period, work toward and receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Center Director.