Part-Day Teacher Assistant

Pinal Gila Community Child Services•Casa Grande, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant works directly with children in a Head Start classroom and supports the classroom teacher in planning and carrying out appropriate early childhood activities, including activities involving parent volunteers. The position works under the Teacher’s supervision and may receive temporary teaching assignments from the Site Manager. The role is evaluated on job-specific skills, dispositions, and behaviors as well as general expectations for agency employees. The Teacher Assistant supports children’s daily routines and development, classroom planning and operations, family engagement, health and safety, screenings and referrals, and implementation of IEP/IFSP goals as directed. The role also includes completing assigned reports, recruiting eligible Head Start families, maintaining confidentiality, and participating in meetings, training, and career-development activities. Work is generally performed during regular business hours in a classroom/office setting and averages at least 40 hours per week. Hours may vary for special projects, deadlines, and other concerns. The position may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials when providing first aid, and seldom exposure to vibration, toxic conditions, odors, dust, mold, or poor ventilation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Enroll in a CDA credential program and complete it within two years from the date of hire.
Be at least 18 years old.
Six months of BCCL experience or Head Start parent/volunteer experience in Head Start or child care.
Advanced computer skills in word processing, the Internet, and email.
Arizona driver’s license, proof of insurance, fingerprint card, Social Security card, CPR and First Aid, and a vehicle available for program business.
Complete a health questionnaire at hire and update it every three years.
Meet agency, state, and federal immunization requirements or have an approved exemption on file.
Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
Obtain a Food Handler’s Card or Certificate within 30 calendar days of hire.
Knowledge of early care and education principles, adult learning styles, cultural and ethnic diversity, and family dynamics.
Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and CACFP and how to implement them in the position.
Excellent oral and written communication and teamwork skills, with professional communication with internal and external customers.
Ability to supervise children from birth through preschool age and maintain a safe learning environment, including monitoring and responding to events in the classroom, outdoor play area, and on field trips.
Ability to prioritize workload, remain flexible, make frequent decisions to support children’s developmental progress, and respond appropriately mentally and physically to emergencies or crises.
Ability to demonstrate or develop an understanding of the DCS reporting system and signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
Meet the physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation, including specified vision and hearing abilities, clear speech and directions, mobility and movement tasks, lifting or moving objects up to 40 pounds, running 50 feet, and demonstrating exercises.

Nice To Haves

CDA/ECE Certificate or AA/AAS degree.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise and assist children with daily activities in the Head Start Center.
Participate in classroom operations, including supporting developmentally appropriate lesson plans, IEP and assessment goals, language development, pre-math skills, staff-child interactions, room arrangement, observations and assessments, family-style meals, and behavior management.
Encourage parents to participate and volunteer in classroom and other Head Start activities.
Communicate with families daily.
Maintain a clean and safe classroom.
Assist with two home visits per child each year.
Assist with planning and implementing parent meetings and related activities.
Assist with parent-teacher conferences and help keep parents informed of children’s progress.
Assist children with serving food, appropriate table behavior, and good nutritional habits in accordance with CACFP guidelines.
Assist with children’s audio, vision, height/weight, anemia, IEP, mental health, and developmental screenings; assist with documentation and referral follow-up.
Assist children with differing abilities in daily routines, including diapering and feeding.
Help staff incorporate IEP/IFSP goals into classroom activities as directed.
Complete supervisor-assigned reports accurately and on time.
Participate in recruiting eligible Head Start children and families.
Maintain strict child confidentiality.
Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, CDA/ECE classes, and related career development.
Use virtual platforms to support communication and collaboration.