Education: Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or are willing to enroll in a program that will lead to a CDA, Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree to be completed within two years of hire
Qualifications: Must have a minimum of a CDA (Child Development Associate Credential).
Job Goals: Assist the classroom teacher with instruction, classroom activities and when needed lead the supervision of classroom instruction and activities.
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Assist all children during instructional activities under the direction and supervision of the teacher and assume the teacher’s role, as needed.
- Instruct small groups, large groups and work one-on-one with students to increase student outcomes.
- Assist in carrying out activities to achieve the student’s goals and objectives listed on the GOLD assessment and in Individual Education Plans.
- Assist the teacher with tracking student progress through data collection, observations and completing Child Profile/Outcomes and Health Observation Checklists.
- Assist in classroom preparation for daily activities.
- Provide students with guidance and a social/emotional climate that enhances teaching, learning and developing self-management skills.
- Be responsive to students in a respectful, supportive manner with continuous interaction and engagement in accordance to CLASS through fostering a positive classroom climate, teacher sensitivity and regard for student perspective.
- Foster classroom organization in accordance to CLASS through behavior management, productivity and instructional learning formats.
- Provide instructional support organization in accordance to CLASS through concept development, quality of feedback and language modeling.
- Partner with the teacher in supervising the classroom and playground to minimize distractions, and disruptions.
- Organize and set-up developmentally appropriate learning environments that are student-centered, safe, and supportive through activities, effective communication and relationship building.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with other staff members.
- Complete clerical duties to include developing instructional materials, completing USDA food records and parent/community volunteer hours, attendance records and submit paperwork in a timely manner.
- Coordinate home visits and parent teacher conferences for the teacher and attend when appropriate.
- Attend 15 annual hours of professional development, including program specific training, social/emotional regulation and all other training and/or meetings determined necessary by Head Start personnel or necessary to obtain a CDA, Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree.
- Adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Head Start Performance Standards with all Head Start children, families, colleagues, and the community.
- Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment and Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, stand, change diapers and help children with toileting. Lift up to 60 lbs. occasionally, with the ability to reach, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, sit and or/crawl on the floor. The ability to hear and see in order to communicate clearly and concisely. Maintain mental capacity, allowing for effective interaction and communication with others. The job is performed under some temperament extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury or illness.
Terms of Employment: Nine (9) months, academic school year
Evaluation: Annual written evaluation by Classroom Teacher or Education Manager.
