Teacher Assistant

Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA•Scranton, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher assists the Classroom Teacher plan and implement a program of developmentally and culturally appropriate activities for infants/toddlers enrolled in ACE of NEPA's Early Learning Program. Responsibilities include supervising the children and assessing their progress, performing specific teaching activities to encourage their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, preparing the room for meals and rest periods, visiting families’ homes, maintaining related records and attending to their health, safety and well-being in the classroom setting. The Assistant Teacher assumes the responsibilities of Teacher when necessary. This position requires general knowledge and ability to work with individuals or groups of diverse cultures, varying abilities and linguistic preferences to perform duties as assigned. This position requires general knowledge and ability to work with individuals or groups of diverse cultures, varying abilities and linguistic preferences to perform duties as assigned

Requirements

A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education -OR- an Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field plus 12 credits in early childhood education or a CDA credential (specific to the age group).
Valid Driver’s License and automobile insurance required.
Knowledge and use of best practices to engage in positive supportive conversations and interactions with young children
Knowledge and use of best practices for integrating family engagement in positive behavior interventions and supports
Ability to visually assess children's health and behaviors and make frequent significant decisions to assure their health and safety
Ability to recognize and use sensitivity in addressing individual differences
Ability to apply developmentally appropriate practices for young children in the classroom, playground and bus settings.
Displays an approach to service delivery that is consistent with the mission of the Early Learning Program
Basic computer skills including data entry & e-mail for communication purposes.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, Google Drive, and on-line database systems
Ability to communicate with children and to gain their cooperation and participation in activities
Ability to carry-out oral and written instructions
Ability to work cooperatively with others
Knowledge of First Aid and CPR through coursework, certification and maintenance of credential

Responsibilities

Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Head Start philosophy, federal Performance Standards, and other regulations/policies/procedures/administrative guidance ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and health codes
Assists in planning and organizing the daily activities of the classroom/ home visits and participates in staff meetings.
Works on a daily basis to attend to the care and maintenance of the classroom environment distributing and setting up supplies and equipment in preparation for the day’s activities.
Follows a consistent schedule that provides for choice, small and large group experiences, music and movement, large and small motor activities, opportunities for skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities
Develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate opportunities to meet individual child goals
Working with the classroom team,serves children meals in accordance with food service guidelines.
Welcomes parents and volunteers and engages them in food service activities as appropriate
Maintains a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
Assumes the responsibilities of Teacher in the Teacher’s absence including attendance at scheduled staff, planning and in-service sessions
Encourages and supports school readiness, family engagement, and positive interventions and supports in all aspects of program(s).
Works interactively with program staff to develop and implement ongoing goals
Works with the Teacher and classroom team to implement the Creative Curriculum and keeps the Teacher informed of any changes in children’s accomplishments, needs and interests
Meets with parents to advise them on the progress of their children
Enters child and family data into the child/family database (COPA) in a timely and accurate manner
Submits written information to Content Area Managers as requested
Provides care and support by tuning into children’s needs. Shows willingness to listen and take children’s feelings into consideration. Asks questions in a supportive way.
Supervises and supports children’s social activities without taking over.
Fosters the development of children’s social skills by helping them think through, articulate, and solve the day-to-day social challenges they encounter.
Observes and documents children’s behavior, assesses progress and needs, and prepares records and reports as required
Works to understand the children’s special needs and accepts individual differences . Actively participates in planning with Special Services and management staff and community professionals to meet those needs
Engages in the active supervision of children at all times, ensuring no child is left unattended.
Works with the ERSEA Coordinator to develop & implement recruitment strategies. Actively recruits for all program options on an ongoing basis
Maintains a developmentally appropriate and culturally & linguistically responsive classroom environment
Keeps children safe by creating and maintaining a Culture of Safety that engages people in identifying safety concerns and working with others to improve strategies used in homes and in centers.
Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served
Maintains strict confidentiality of the programs children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures and applicable law
Functions as mandated reporter reporting any allegations of alleged child abuse/neglect to appropriate Child Welfare Agency
Works with a supervisor to set goals for professional development. Participates in training, self-assessment and classroom/staff meetings as required
Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
Performs related work as required