Teacher Aide - Head Start

Job Title

Primary Role: To assist in the planning and implementation of daily activities for children and perform related tasks as requested by the Teacher, Education Supervisor, and/or Program Director. The Teacher Aide will assume full responsibility for the classroom in the absence of the Teacher, ensuring adherence to Head Start Performance Standards, childcare standards, and state licensing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in training new personnel to ensure smooth integration into the program.
• Assume full responsibility for the classroom in the absence of the teacher.
• Assist with collecting and inputting required TSG observations.
• Support weekly planning and implementation of activities for children, including meals, field trips, and rest time.
• Help the Teacher facilitate small group activities.
• Actively supervise children during meals and return them to their assigned classroom.
• Assist with restroom needs and tooth brushing routines.
• Provide soothing techniques to children to foster emotional comfort.
• Prepare learning centers and collaborate on classroom tasks as directed by the Lead Teacher.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness, safety, and organization in the classroom and restroom.
• Ensure the playground is free of hazards before allowing children to play.
• Actively supervise all indoor and outdoor activities.
• Attend meetings and conferences as required.
• Maintain appropriate communication with parents regarding their children's progress.
• Accurately collect and submit participant information for inclusion in ChildPlus.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Teacher or Education Supervisor.

Required Skills and Expectations:

• Understanding of child development and appropriate activities for children from infancy to age three.
• Knowledge of center-based daycare regulations.
• Familiarity with children's nutrition, health, and first aid.
• Warm personality with a willingness to respond to children's emotional needs.
• Effective communication skills with staff, parents, and participants.
• Awareness of societal dynamics such as poverty, racism, and other prejudices.
• Ability to work with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Skills to motivate and engage program participants.
• Advocacy skills for program participants.
• Commitment to a strengths-based and empowerment approach.
• Ability to work as part of a team and respect confidentiality.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Pediatric First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Role model behavior and adherence to agency policies and procedures.

Educational Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum one year of experience working with children in a childcare setting.

Performance Metrics:

• Activity Implementation: Achieve a 90% satisfaction rate from observations of daily activities conducted with children.
• Supervision and Safety: Maintain a 100% compliance rate for safety checks of the playground and classroom.
• Parent Communication: Ensure that 100% of parent communications are timely and relevant, with positive feedback from parents.
• Documentation Accuracy: Achieve a 95% accuracy rate in the collection and submission of participant information for ChildPlus.
• Training Participation: Complete all required training sessions and workshops within established timelines, aiming for 100% completion.

Standard Statement: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities or skills required.