Teacher Assistant

Oregon Coast Community Action•Charleston, OR

17d•$16 - $18

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant supports the Teacher in delivering high-quality infant, toddler, and preschool services in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing rules, program work plans, and program goals. The role assists with the daily operation of the assigned classroom and maintains safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Depending on assignment, the position may also serve as a bus monitor.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
For preschool assignments, upon hire, must enroll in a Childhood Development Associate (CDA) program to complete it within two years, or enroll in an associate degree program with a professional development plan to achieve Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher within two years.
A current Oregon Driver’s License.
Proof of automobile liability insurance with limits of $100,000/$300,000 and the ability to maintain those limits.
Reliable transportation to work.
Must be free from illegal drugs and may be subject to suspicion testing.
Ability to perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
Regular attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Paid experience working with infants and toddlers.
Paid experience working with preschoolers.
For infant/toddler assignments, an AA in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or higher; Oregon Registry Step 9 or higher; an Infant/Toddler CDA credential; Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher; or enrollment in an Infant/Toddler CDA credential program.
For preschool assignments, an AA in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or higher; Oregon Registry Step 9 or higher; a Preschool CDA credential; or Oregon Registry Step 7 or higher.

Responsibilities

Supervise children at all times and maintain required ratios and group sizes.
Ensure children are signed in and out of class and buses and released only to authorized adults.
Clean and sanitize classrooms, equipment, and materials; complete assigned classroom and playground safety checks.
Assist the Teacher with responsive care, effective teaching practices, and an organized learning environment.
Help implement The Creative Curriculum and provide developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
Integrate physical activity and program resources into daily lesson plans.
Help maintain age-appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive learning environments, including accommodations for children with disabilities.
Use positive guidance strategies to support children’s social-emotional and behavioral health.
Provide family-style meals and follow food safety guidelines.
Track daily attendance and carry out assigned attendance follow-up procedures.
Assist with screenings, assessments, and services for children with IFSPs or IEPs.
Perform Teacher duties during the Teacher’s temporary absence.
Support individual plans for children’s special health needs, including asthma, diabetes, emotional conditions, and other needs requiring additional services.
Share information with families about children’s routines, activities, and behaviors in coordination with the Teacher.
Encourage parent participation in classrooms, family events, and other program activities.
Follow federal, state, and program documentation requirements.
Communicate with the team to support service delivery, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
Support outreach and recruitment by communicating eligibility, selection, and enrollment policies and practices.
Supervise assigned parents, volunteers, and practicum students, and provide constructive feedback and support for professional growth.
When applicable, ride the bus to and from class and on field trips; greet children and parents, share information, perform health checks, and monitor children for safety.
Follow direction from the Bus Driver to support safe transportation.
Attend required staff and center meetings, workshops, and trainings; maintain regular attendance and open communication with staff and supervisors.
Follow agency procedures as a mandated child abuse reporter and maintain confidentiality.
Develop an individual training plan and commit to further training as appropriate.