Assistant Teacher

a Job Summary

To work as a team member and be responsible for assisting teacher(s) to prepare and implement all classroom duties. Works with the teacher(s) to ensure developmentally appropriate experiences for all Head Start children.

b Specific Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Assists in planning and providing training for parents in child development to reinforce learning activities in the home and identify the children with special needs.
• Assists in the annual review of the Education Plan that details the philosophy, objectives and strategies of the program.
• Conducts and documents ongoing assessments of each child's growth and development through the use of observation, parental input, developmental screening, etc.
• Ensures all potential sources of danger that have a chance of causing injury or harm to humans are kept out of the reach of children.
• Maintains a clean, safe and emotionally supportive environment that is conducive to learning and is centered on the needs and abilities of the children.
• Meets regularly (weekly, etc.) with the teacher to determine the needs of the classroom.
• Participates in team teaching, staff meetings, conferences, institutions of higher learning, etc. to enhance professional development.
• Periodically conducts conferences with the teacher(s) and parents to discuss the child's development and to involve them in program planning.
• Provides assistance to the assigned teacher(s) to focus on child development techniques, safety practices and principles while establishing a warm and friendly atmosphere.
• Provides classroom data to assist in writing the monthly report.
• Uses physical dexterity to push, pull, carry, climb, balance and kneel to assist and perform activities with children.
• Works with the teacher to prepare and implement the daily lesson plans and ensures a high level of interaction with children.
  
  

Non-Essential Functions

• Assists in writing Individual Education Plans as needed.
• As assigned, assists in planning and providing in-service training and job related workshops for teachers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

c Required Job Qualifications

• Must have an Associate's (or higher) degree program in Early Childhood Education.
• Sensitivity to children and their families.
• Ability to clearly relate the program to families, communities and its resources.
• Good dexterity with ability to lift 40 pounds, push, pull, carry, climb, balance and kneel to assist and perform activities with children.
• Flexible to changing demands of the program.
  
  

Additional Requirements/Conditions Of Employment

Successful results of pre and continued employment assessments including fingerprinting, drug testing, medical examinations and background check(s).