Teacher Assistant, Head Start

Curriculum and

Assessment: In conjunction with the classroom teaching team, plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences that will promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child and support their school readiness. In conjunction with the classroom teaching team, develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, experiences, and outcomes for children. In conjunction with the classroom teaching team, utilize standardized and authentic assessment data to create learning opportunities to advance children’s development and learning. Develop and maintain observation, technological, and individualization skills required for assessment and lesson planning, including completing all assigned TSG modules and trainings. Establish and maintain a classroom environment that ensures appropriate child guidance and discipline techniques are implemented in accordance with Educare’s philosophy, curriculum, policies and procedures, Head Start standards, Ounce standards of conduct, and state regulations.

Classroom

Environment: Assume responsibility for the management of the classroom during the Teacher’s absence. Ensure all children are always under appropriate supervision and no child is left unattended. In the absence of the Lead Teacher, perform and delegate child development and documentation responsibilities as needed. In conjunction with the teaching team, maintain a classroom environment that reflects the use of “New Beginnings” and follows the guidelines of ITERS or ECERS. In the absence of the Lead Teacher, assume proper care and responsibility for your classroom.

Parent

Involvement: As assigned by the Lead Teacher, schedule and conduct Parent/Staff conferences and adhere to the parent/staff conference guidance policy. As assigned by the Lead Teacher, schedule and conduct home visits and adhere to the home visit guidance policy. In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, encourage parent participation in the program, including participation in parent events, home visits, conferences and volunteering in the classroom. In conjunction with the teaching team and Family Support Specialists, plan and implement three classroom meetings. Hold friendly daily conversations with families and maintain professional boundaries. Develop positive and effective partnerships with families using the Touchpoints Approach (once trained). Follow all mandates of federal regulations, state and local licensing, and the Ounce’s philosophy, agency policies and procedures, curriculum, and Standards of Conduct. Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and trainings, and reflective supervision. Perform other duties as assigned, within the scope of the job description. Administer medication as needed (ex. Nebulizer treatment, Epipen).

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD), OR sixty (60) college semester hours with a minimum of 15 semester hours of credit in ECE or CD or Unrelated degree with a current Preschool CDA. Gateways Level 4 ECE Credential for Early Head Start is required upon hire Minimum one year experience in an Early Childhood or Childcare Program . 20 hours of annual continuing education. CPR and First Aid certification, and Food Handlers certification. Additional training requirements include Mandated Reporter, Health and Safety Basics, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and Shaken Baby Syndrome. Maintain required certifications and continuing education. One year experience in Early Childhood or Child Care Program. Knowledge of and ability to implement Early Head Start/Head Start or other developmental child care programs. Knowledge of and ability to implement child development and early childhood principles, practices and curricula for the specific age group (0-3 or 3-5). Ability to remain abreast of ongoing developments in the child care field. Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low income community. Ability to work a flexible work schedule between the hours of 7:00am – 6:00pm. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials. A minimum of one year of experience in an early childhood program. Deep commitment to advancing diversity and incorporating them into interpersonal routines and practice. Efficiently establish and handle relationships with colleagues/clients and gain their trust and respect. Relief and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward. We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Salary

$40,575.00 - $41,535.00, & receive a sign-on bonus up to $3,000.00 As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes

Comprehensive Health Plans, Dedication to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months of paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.