Assistant Teacher, Preschool

A. JOB SUMMARY :

The Head Start Assistant Teacher, in conjunction with the Lead Teacher is responsible for providing a developmentally appropriate, educational atmosphere where children can grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. The Head Start Assistant Teacher will assist in planning activities, implementing lesson plans, and working with the families to ensure compliance with the Head start Performance Standards sections 1302.30 – 1302.34, Subpart C, and Ohio licensing regulations in all divisions of the program.

• SPECIFIC DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1. Compliance with standards and policies _(__

• HSPPS §
• __1302.90 & __
• __1302.47)_ :

Ø Ensure full compliance with all state child care licensing requirements, including mandatory child abuse reporting and child health and safety protocols.

Ø Adhere to all policies and procedures established by the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, Inc. (CAA of CC, Inc.) and the Head Start Program, including the Active Supervision Policy.

Ø Uphold the Head Start Code of Conduct and ensure that all classroom staff adhere to the same standards.

Ø Maintain a professional and positive representation of CAA of CC, Inc. and the Head Start Program at all times, serving as a role model for staff and families.

2. Education and Child Development _(__

• HSPPS §
• __1302.31__& __
• __1302.32)_ :

Ø Prioritize

• Active Supervision
• and maintain a
• safe, healthy, and well-organized
• learning environment.

Ø Collaborate effectively with the

• Site Supervisor, Lead Teacher, and Family Advocate
• to ensure smooth classroom operations.

Ø Maintain appropriate

• staff-to-child ratios
• at all times.

Ø Provide the Lead Teacher with input on the lesson plan.

Ø Implement the _

• Creative Curriculum for Preschool
• _, using research-based strategies to guide learning.

1) Assist the Lead Teacher in maintaining an Evidence Binder, including one piece of evidence for each TSG indicator.

Ø Establish and maintain nurturing relationships with all children.

Ø Encourage

• experimentation, exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice-making
• through open-ended questioning to promote further learning and thinking.

Ø Create a

• positive classroom climate
• and use
• appropriate behavior management
• techniques.

Ø Prepare the classroom and materials to support

• developmentally appropriate
• learning experiences.

Ø Follow a

• consistent daily schedule
• and ensure the schedule is displayed.

Ø Assist in maintaining education files by following and updating the Portfolio Tracker.

Ø Read, review, and implement strategies to meet

• IEP goals

Ø Assist the Lead Teacher in completing two home visits and two parent conferences throughout the school year.

1) An initial In-Home Visit must be completed on all children entering the program within two weeks and documented on the Initial Home-Visit form.

2) Dates for the second home visit and parent conferences are located on the staff calendar.

Ø Collaborate with staff to generate In-kind contributions.

Ø Maintain accurate classroom attendance and meal counts.

1) Is aware of the number of children present.

2) Meal counts taken at Point of Service.

Ø Follow all nutrition or health plans in place for children in the classroom.

Ø Is familiar with the expectations of the CLassroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and the Early Language & Literacy Classroom Observation (ELLCO).

Ø Assist in diapering and potty-training.

Ø Assume bus, kitchen, and janitorial duties, as needed.

3. Developmental and Behavioral Screening Requirements _(HSPPS __

• __1302.33 & __
• __1302.42) : _

Ø A BRIGANCE screening must be completed on each child enrolled in the program within the first 30 calendar days of attendance.

Ø A DECA must be completed on each child enrolled in the program within the first 45 calendar days of attendance.

4. Family Engagement _(HSPPS __

• __1302.50 - 1302.51 & __
• __1302.70) : _

Ø Support the role of families as the first and primary teachers of their children.

Ø Actively promote parent involvement in the child’s education process, health care, and the program.

Ø Assist with the recruitment process.

Ø Ability to handle situations in a non-threatening and professional manner.

Ø Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with families.

Ø Support all transition procedures.

5. Professionalism _(HSPPS __

• __1302.90 & __
• __1302.92)_ :

Ø Adheres to the agency dress code, daily.

Ø Represents the agency in a positive manner.

Ø Maintains a positive attitude about their work and others during the work day.

Ø Assumes responsibility for meeting his / her individual professional development goals.

• B. Staff Qualifications
• (HSPPS §1302.91 – Staff Qualifications & Competency Requirements
• ) :

1. Must have a high school diploma, or GED and be enrolled in CDA or college courses. CDA courses must be completed within two years of the time of hire.

• 2. Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• 3. Strong computer skills;

4. Must have a valid driver’s license / reliable transportation / automobile insurance coverage or be working on obtaining a valid driver’s license and complete within one year of employee being hired and have reliable transportation while obtaining.

• C. Additional Requirements AND Conditions of Employment :

1. Pass all background checks to acquire an ODJFS Background Clearance for childcare.

2. Physical exam and drug testing (updated when requested by CAA of CC. Inc.).

3. Training in First Aid / CPR, Child Abuse, and Communicable Disease provided by program.

4. Continuing education credits or units.

5. Initial 90 day job evaluation followed by annual job evaluation.

• D. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; run; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

2. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.

• E. WORKING CONDITIONS :

1. Work directly with children including the various noises and behaviors associated with children from birth to 5 years old.

2. Ability to work in a fast-paced and often high-stress environment making quick, sound decisions while maintaining calm in potential emergency situations.

3. Working with children, staff, and families who at times will require patience and support.

4. Exposure to cleaning supplies utilized in the site.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $13.11 - $17.11 per hour

Expected hours : 40 per week

Benefits :
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule :

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education :

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience :

• Classroom : 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location : In person