Teacher Assistant - Alma College

Communication

Communicate positively with children, parents/guardians, teaching team, support staff, community partners, and supervisor.

Collaboration

• Work professionally and cooperatively with staff, parents/guardians, volunteers, service providers and community partners to ensure smooth operations and address any concerns.
• Emergency
• Preparedness: Be familiar with emergency procedures in order to respond effectively in the case of an emergency.
• Professional
• Development: Actively participate in professional development and training opportunities that ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and Child Day Care Licensing Regulations. Perform Other Duties as Assigned.
• Our
• CORE
• Values at
• Work
• Accountability: The Teacher Assistant demonstrates accountability by following the classroom schedule and ensuring that transitions between activities happen smoothly. This helps maintain a structured and predictable environment, which is crucial for young children’s sense of security and learning.

Communication

The Teacher Assistant utilizes open, clear, and respectful communication with children, families, staff, and community partners.

Compassion

When challenges arise, the Teacher Assistant will approach these situations with empathy, seeking to understand the root causes and working collaboratively to find solutions.

Empowerment

The Teacher Assistant will empower families in their role as the first and most important teachers in their children’s life.

Qualifications

Associate degree in early childhood education or child development, a Preschool or Birth to 5 Child Development Associate (CDA) or an associate degree in related field with 12 semester hours in early childhood education or child development. Ability to communicate effectively and positively and work collaboratively with staff, families, agency representatives, service providers, and community organizations in a respectful, professional, and non-judgmental manner. Understanding of mandated reporting requirements, including the ability to recognize, document, and report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with state law and program procedures. Must successfully complete all required state and federal background clearances. Work Environment This position operates primarily within Head Start and Early Head Start classroom settings. This role requires regular interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners in a fast-paced early childhood education environment. The employee may be exposed to noise levels typical of preschool and infant/toddler classrooms and will participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions as part of daily program operations. Travel Requirements Local travel between program sites, training locations, meetings, and community events may be required. The employee must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and have reliable transportation available for work-related travel. Physical Requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. The physical requirements of this position include: Ability to move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program facilities. Ability to supervise and actively engage with children in indoor and outdoor environments. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed throughout the workday. Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds occasionally. Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, medical flex, and a 401k with a 5% employer match on your one-year anniversary. Benefits begin on your 31st day of employment. Staff in this position may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits during periods of layoff, in accordance with state unemployment regulations.

Employment At-Will Statement This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employment with EightCAP, Inc. is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, consistent with applicable law. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement EightCAP, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.