Teacher Assistant

Description

Position Overview:

Assist the teacher in implementing a preschool classroom in compliance with Head Start, GSRP and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) licensing requirements, Agency Policies and Procedures with minimal direction from supervisor. Work closely with program staff and community partners to fulfill the objectives of the Program and Agency.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability during workday and throughout the year due to staff changes and program requirements.
2. Work cooperatively with all team members, including community partners.
3. Participates in team meetings, case conferences, education plans and IEP meetings.
4. Participate in Agency and community trainings.
5. Understand the confidential nature of the work involved and treat information gained accordingly.
6. Assist team members with completion of all required Agency paperwork in a timely and accurate manner per program procedures.
7. Work cooperatively with team members to promote parent participation in all program areas. Work as a team in planning, organizing and implementing family engagement activities with a possibility of evening functions.
8. Supervise children at all times, always using a calm voice in a patient and approachable manner; maintain and communicate accurate count throughout the day with team members.
9. Represent the Agency in a professional and positive manner in all settings including social media.
10. Establish a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive classroom environment, which fosters the child’s development according to Creative Curriculum, NAEYC, PQA and CLASS requirements.
11. Work as a team in sharing responsibility for cleaning and organizing the classroom.
12. Work as a team in individualizing for children and implementing activities.
13. Work as a team in aiding children in toileting and changing of clothing.
14. Work as a team in assessing children using the assessment system, data implementation and ongoing documentation.
15. Develop a positive and respectful relationship with children taking into account developmental levels. Able to individualize using data from observations and assessment.
16. Work as a team in planning, organizing and implementing family engagement activities with a possibility of evening functions.
17. Sit with children during meal times and model good nutritional habits including family style serving, manners and conversation. Staff are expected to participate and eat with children.
18. Be available for other job-related tasks as requested by supervisor.

Other Hiring Contingencies: Must be able to pass all required background checks. Show proof of a physical exam signed by a licensed physician that declares, to the best of the physician’s knowledge, the physical capability of the staff member to perform the essential duties required or obtain a physical through CAA’s provider. A negative TB test within the last 12 months or before starting position.

Training: All staff will participate in professional development training and ongoing CAA trainings as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

1. Education: Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and or age appropriate CDA.
2. Work Experience: One (1) year experience working with children in a preschool classroom setting.
3. Transportation: Must have reliable transportation throughout the workday
4. Basic Skills: Must be competent in reading, mathematical, verbal and written communication skills. Must be computer literate and able to demonstrate computer skills. Knowledge of community resources, organizational and time management skills; ability to work cooperatively in a team approach.
5. Problem solving, Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills: Independent judgement to complete routine tasks. Establish and maintain positive relationships with people of all economic levels, cultures and capabilities. Ability to mediate and diffuse difficult situations.
6. Physical and Mental Capabilities: Ability to go into classrooms and home situations and operate in a non-handicap accessible environment in all types of weather. Must be able to participate in classroom activities, which includes bending, stooping, squatting, walking, lifting (50 pounds, or more at times) and walking at a brisk pace and ability to run, (must be able to chase children), ability to work in an environment with elevated noise level.