Part-Day Teacher Assistant

Pinal Gila Community Child Services•Casa Grande, AZ

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant works directly with children in a Head Start classroom and assists the classroom teacher in planning and implementing appropriate early childhood activities, including activities supported by parent volunteers. The role works under the Teacher’s supervision and may temporarily perform teaching duties assigned by the Site Manager. The position supports children’s daily routines, learning and development, family engagement, classroom safety, and program requirements. It includes assisting with lesson planning and IEP/IFSP goals, screenings and referrals, meals, behavior management, home visits, parent meetings and conferences, documentation, recruitment, and maintaining confidentiality. The Teacher Assistant also participates in staff meetings, training, CDA/ECE classes, and career development. Work is performed in a classroom/office setting, generally during regular business hours, and averages at least 40 hours per week. Hours may vary for special projects, deadlines, and other concerns. The position may involve occasional exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials when providing first aid, and rare 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 of hire.
At least 18 years old.
Six months of BCCL or Head Start parent/volunteer experience in Head Start or child care.
Advanced computer skills in word processing, Internet use, and email.
Arizona driver’s license, proof of insurance, fingerprint card, Social Security card, CPR and First Aid credentials, and a vehicle 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.
Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English.
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 apply them in the role.
Excellent oral and written communication and teamwork skills, with professional communication toward internal and external customers.
Ability to supervise birth-to-preschool children as appropriate and maintain a safe learning environment, including monitoring and responding to events in classrooms, outdoor play areas, and on field trips.
Ability to prioritize work, remain flexible, make frequent decisions supporting children’s developmental progress, and respond appropriately to emergencies or crises, mentally and physically.
Ability to understand the DCS reporting system and recognize signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, including specified vision, hearing, and speaking capabilities; walking, sitting, standing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and moving objects up to 40 pounds; running 50 feet; and demonstrating exercises such as jumping jacks and leg lifts.

Nice To Haves

CDA/ECE Certificate or AA/AAS degree; education must be from an accredited institution.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise and assist children with daily activities at the Head Start Center.
Participate in classroom operations, including developmentally appropriate lesson-plan support, IEP and assessment goals, language and pre-math development, staff-child interaction, room arrangement, classroom environment, 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 per year.
Assist in planning and implementing parent meetings and related activities.
Assist with parent-teacher conferences and help ensure parents are informed about their child’s progress.
Help children serve food and practice appropriate table behavior and good nutritional habits in accordance with CACFP guidelines.
Assist with children’s screenings, documentation, and follow-up on referrals.
Assist children with differing abilities in daily routines, including diapering and feeding.
Help staff incorporate IEP/IFSP goals into classroom activities as directed.
Complete assigned reports accurately and promptly.
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.