Teacher Assistant

Hill Country Community Action Association • Gatesville, TX

12d

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for a group of children or an assigned activity area. The role involves supervising and participating in children’s play, 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 completing assigned paperwork and reports, supervising children, and helping implement lesson plans.

The assistant works closely with the Center Director and Classroom Teacher to maintain a calm classroom that supports early childhood learning, and to carry out childcare routines promptly, hygienically, and in keeping with child-development principles. The role also includes assisting children during meals while maintaining family-style service, contributing to classroom curriculum and assessment, documenting children’s progress, and attending staff meetings and training. After the 90-day new-hire probationary period, Teacher Assistants must work toward and receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

During the Head Start school year, classroom staff work schedules planned by the Center Director to coincide with center hours, typically 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff may occasionally need to perform duties outside their assigned schedule. 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 all agency operations.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment.
• Ability to interact with children at their level, including sitting on the floor, sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving; lift up to 40 pounds; react quickly, including running after a child; and meet the stated hearing and vision requirements.
• Ability to analyze classroom operations and choose effective actions; handle diverse work problems, resolve problems and conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure; listen objectively, identify issues, and help bring them to resolution; and interact with employees at all agency levels.
• Knowledge of basic math and literacy skills and ability to record data relevant to Head Start Performance Standards.
• Annual pre-service training is mandatory.

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 daily, and take on 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 and hygienically, including hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitions between activities.
• Assist children at snack, breakfast, and lunch; maintain family-style meals in which children serve themselves, and sit at the table with the children during mealtimes.
• Ensure children’s safety through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, equipment maintenance, and regular practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures.
• Work as part of the classroom team to support curriculum continuity and classroom standards, and work individually with children who have difficulty during group activities.
• Document all content areas in half of the children’s files.
• Complete Individual Development Plans for each enrolled child and maintain ongoing assessment records, in writing or by computer.
• Observe, record, and appropriately share information about children’s behavior with other staff members.
• Attend all staff meetings and provided training.
• After the 90-day new-hire probationary period, work toward and receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Center Director.

Benefits

• Accrual of sick leave and vacation leave.
• Health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Up to 15 paid holidays per year.
• Options for employee-paid benefits; eligibility and terms are subject to Personnel Policies & Procedures and may change.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED