Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• At a minimum, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, is enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree, or is enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
• Prior experience with children ages 0-5 years.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; demonstrated flexibility to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Dependable transportation is required daily with a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record (subject to annual MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) check and policy), current auto liability insurance and be bondable by AVANCE, Inc.
• Travel required up to 10% of the time for work-related site visits, meetings, and functions.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of developmentally appropriate lessons using the ISD and AVANCE approved instructional materials.
• Foster a collaborative relationship that ensures shared responsibility for classroom instruction and child outcomes.
• Utilize small-group, whole-group, and individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
• Integrate language, literacy, math, and social-emotional learning throughout the daily routine.
• Support on conducting ongoing observations and documentation.
• Collaborate to analyze assessment data and adjust instruction to support individual learning goals.
• Maintain accurate records and portfolios for each child in accordance with AVANCE and ISD requirements.
• Develop respectful and trusting relationships with families through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, home visits, and family meetings.
• Partner with families to support children's learning and development, promoting culturally responsive practices and family participation in the classroom.
• Support teacher to establish and maintain a well-organized, safe, and engaging classroom environment that encourages exploration and learning.
• Promote social-emotional development and self-regulation using positive guidance strategies.
• Ensure daily routines support predictable structure while remaining responsive to children's needs.
• Follow and adhere to ISD district safety protocol and procedures.
• Adhere to all Head Start Program Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and ISD district policies.
• Participate in program monitoring, self-assessment, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information.
• Collaborate with the Accessibility & Mental Health Coordinator, Education Coordinator, ISD interventionists, and other support staff to implement individualized accommodations and strategies.
• Support dual language learners by incorporating culturally and linguistically responsive instruction and materials.
• Attend all required training, in-service days, and professional learning communities offered by AVANCE and the ISD.
• Engage in reflective practice, professional goal setting, and continuous improvement aligned with CLASS, TPOT, curriculum fidelity, assessment data, and Head Start program goals.
• Participate actively in co-teaching planning sessions and joint problem-solving with the co-teacher and ISD and AVANCE support staff.
• Support teacher on scheduling and completing two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences each year.
• Encourage and engage family members to serve as classroom volunteers.
• Collaborate with family services staff to support families in PCEP and in implementing family life practices, extending learning into the home, and meeting expectations for attendance.
• Collaborate with ISD and AVANCE support staff.
• Prepare or modify weekly lesson plan and classroom environment in collaboration with teacher.
• Maintain required documentation of activities, including child and family information, assessment data, volunteer logs, etc.
• Follow health and hygiene practices including handwashing, sanitizing, and universal precautions.
• Ensure active supervision and safety of children at all times.
• Collaborating with the Teacher in the preparation of daily lesson plans.
• Post lesson plans for parents, volunteers, and visitors in the classroom.
• Participate in ongoing reflective coaching and self-assessment.
• Conduct daily health/safety monitoring of the indoor and (as requested) outdoor environment.
• Support implementation of ISD’s/AVANCE’s chosen curriculums with fidelity, being aware of the big ideas while also following all assigned guidance and resources.
• Prepare or modify weekly lesson plans and prepare to implement small-group activities, read-aloud, circle time, and other curriculum components.
• Follow all guidance and expectations to support implementation of AVANCE’s Parent-Child Education Program.
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment.
• Ensure classroom arrangement, materials and displays are organized and conducive to children’s learning.
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment, including full supervision of children at all times, in accordance with the ISD, Head Start and childcare licensing requirements.
• Follow all health and hygiene practices, including handwashing, sanitizing, and universal precautions.
• Support the social and emotional development of children.
• Establish positive and productive relationships with families focusing on building trust and rapport.
• Know and understand School Readiness Goals and strive to help all children achieve them.
• Performs any and all other duties as assigned.
• Model appropriate classroom practices.
• Work with the Supervisor and Teacher to develop and support the individual development plan for assigned volunteers.
• Assist the Teacher in devising work methods and procedures that support improvements in existing work practices; supporting the volunteers you supervise in developing and setting goals, priorities and timelines.
• Maintain the plan to meet changing or emergent program requirements within available resources and with minimum sacrifice to quantity or quality of work.
• Participates in assigned meetings, events and training as required.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance