Head Start Teacher Assistant

Job Code:25-9042

Salary: $16.10 - $19.26

Status: Full-Time, Permanent, Non-Exempt

Department: Education

Location: ELC

Reports To: Head Start Supervisor

Telecommute: No

Fleet: No

Mandated Reporter: Yes

Background: PL 101-630 & NYS OCFS

Summary: Under the general direction of the Head Start Classroom Teacher, the Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for providing children with a safe, comfortable environment enriched with a variety of hands on, age-appropriate activities that meet best practice standards and enhance each child’s level of development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 

• Mandated Reporter: Must become a mandated reporter prior to having contact with children in a job-related capacity and maintain that status throughout employment. This includes completing any necessary training and adhering to all reporting obligations as defined by applicable laws and tribal policies.
• Adhere to all policies, standards, and procedures as dictated by Tribal Personnel Policies, NYS OCFS Child Care Licensing Regulations, the ELC Behavior Management Plan, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, Head Start Program Performance Standards and all other applicable regulations pertaining to health, safety and sanitation.
• Assist Lead Teacher to implement curriculum that is responsive to children’s learning and development.
• Assist Lead Teacher in setting individual goals for the children in partnership with families and share assessment results during parent-teacher conferences and home visits. Submit all goals and lesson plans to Education Coordinator.
• Participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems.
• Always ensure developmentally appropriate practices and utilize program tools including, Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, CLASS, Pyramid Model, NYS Early Learning Guidelines NYS Core Body of Knowledge, Environmental Rating Scales, and current research and best practice.
• Create and maintain an accurate and updated profile on the Aspire Registry.
• Participate in all professional development requirements, including coaching/mentoring, and work with Education Coordinator/Coach to set professional goals and maintain an Individual Professional Development Portfolio.
• Assist in maintaining accurate documentation in the classroom monthly binder and submitting by designated deadline to administrative team.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Monitor bus runs when needed.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: There are no supervisor requirements for this position.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must always maintain strict confidentiality.

Education and/or Experience: 

• A minimum of a High School Diploma or a GED certificate AND
  • A valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential,

OR

• Currently enrolled in obtaining a CDA credential or an associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood or Child Development to be completed within two years of the time of hire,

OR

• A certificate in Early Childhood or Child Development equaling (9) Credits AND
• Two (2) years of experience in caring for children.

Other Skills and Abilities: 

• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
• Exhibit a friendly and courteous manner while maintaining a high level of professionalism in relationships with children, families, visitors, colleagues, other staff members, management, and community members.
• Positively deal with crisis situations. Dealing with hostile, aggressive people or situations.
• Be aware and sensitive to the needs that may arise when handling stressful and demanding circumstances. Immediate debriefing will be made available.
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment in the ELC.
• Promote a positive image of the ELC and foster a climate of respect and integrity.

Reasoning Ability: 

• Ability to implement regulations that govern programs for young children; acknowledging that all staff will cooperate to implement a program that far exceeds minimum regulations.
• Ability to ensure that the rights and needs of children are the highest priority, while also recognizing the needs of other family members.
• Ability to recognize when to call NYS OCFS Hotline for any and all suspected instances of Maltreatment of a Child

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and criminal background check prior to employment.