Head Start - Pre K Teacher Assistant

Regina Coeli Child Development Center•Covington, LA

About The Position

Assist classroom staff in implementing individualized goals and objectives for children identified as needing specialized assistance. Observe and record behavioral data and progress toward targeted goals, and routinely communicate observations and progress to program staff, consultants, and parents. The role supports children’s participation, communication, play, socialization, care, development, and learning in the classroom while maintaining professional relationships and confidentiality.

Requirements

A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or enrollment in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years; alternatively, a college degree from an accredited institution or enrollment in a degree program in Early Childhood Education, child development, or a related field.
Ability to closely monitor and supervise children with special needs.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to respond to behavioral issues with appropriate behavior management processes.
Ability to make routine decisions, including when to communicate with teachers and parents, when program changes are needed, and how to respond to emergencies.
Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or crisis situation.
Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance and report to work on time.
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Ability to pass a physical examination every three years and complete a tuberculosis test every three years.
Current First Aid and CPR credentials; training is provided.
Valid driver's license with a driving record that meets RCCDC insurance carrier requirements.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and kneel, stoop, bend, and sit on the floor daily.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Follow Head Start Program Performance Standards, State of Louisiana licensing requirements, the RCCDC written work plan, and agency policies and procedures.
Maintain open, friendly, and professional relationships with staff and families, respecting culture, diversity, and ethnicity.
Participate in annual program self-assessment and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Monitor and protect the confidentiality of children’s records.
Adapt planned activities, materials, and equipment to facilitate participation by children with special needs.
Promote communication, play, and socialization between children with special needs and other children in the classroom.
Provide caregiving, including feeding, toileting, and dressing.
Implement behavior management techniques and monitor their progress and effectiveness.
Observe, record, and monitor children’s classroom progress.
Assist classroom staff with curriculum and individualized goals to support growth and learning across developmental areas.
Routinely communicate observations and progress to classroom staff, consultants, and parents while maintaining professional ethics and confidentiality.
Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
Serve as a second bus monitor at centers that provide bus transportation.
Generate In-Kind.
Perform other duties as requested.
Closely monitor and supervise children with special needs and respond to behavioral issues using appropriate behavior management processes.
Make routine decisions about communicating with teachers and parents, changing program approaches, and responding to emergencies.
Sit with children during family-style meals and eat the same Head Start lunch to model good nutritional habits.
Occasionally drive for home visits, including visits in outlying areas.
Maintain regular, consistent, and punctual attendance.
Pass a criminal background check and a physical examination every three years.
Complete a tuberculosis test every three years and maintain current First Aid and CPR credentials; training is provided.
Maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record meeting RCCDC insurance carrier requirements.
Lift up to 50 pounds and perform daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and floor sitting to attend to children's needs.
Perform duties in an active environment with changing climate and noise levels.