Teacher Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description Summary :

The Teacher Assistant works collaboratively with the Teacher to support classroom instruction and activities, reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Educational Services . In the Teacher’s absence, the Teacher Assistant is prepared to assume full instructional responsibilities. Key duties include assisting with activities that promote individual goals and foster intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development for all students.

Position Requirements Summary :

Education & Experience:

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associate degree. 
• Preferred: Child Development Credential Program (or must be completed within one year of hire). 
• Alternative Qualifications: Basic understanding of child development and age-appropriate activities, plus either:

• Six semester hours in Child Development, or
• Ninety-clock hours or equivalent approved training.
• Experience: Minimum one year in a licensed childcare center or equivalent college experience.

Technical Skills:

• Strong math and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other software applications for data retrieval, spreadsheet creation, and reporting.

Professional Standards:

• Must always maintain confidentiality.

Communication Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively, appropriately, and professionally in both written and verbal formats with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and vendors.

Responsibilities and Duties :

Engage with children and parents in a respectful and meaningful manner. 

• Model positive social and emotional interactions with staff and students. 
• Greet each child daily with joy and enthusiasm, using their name and asking about their well-being. 
• Always utilize and model appropriate language. 
• Sit and converse with children during mealtime, discussing the meal, extending learning opportunities, and encouraging language development. 
• Use positive redirection techniques to guide behavior. 
• Extend learning during choice time by asking open-ended questions. 
• Welcome parents into the classroom and foster a collaborative environment.

Assist the Teacher in maintaining a safe environment for all children.

• Help set up classroom learning centers and maintain an inviting environment, including posting materials at eye level.
• Monitor children continuously to ensure safety.
• Always maintain appropriate teacher/child ratios.
• Assist with implementing reactive strategies for individual child behaviors.

Assist the Teacher with curriculum preparation.

• Assist the Teacher with curriculum preparation.
• Maintain a clean, safe learning environment that stimulates curiosity and exploration.
• Assist in developing and implementing lesson plans that support each child’s needs.
• Use appropriate teaching strategies to enhance learning experiences.
• Support the social/emotional curriculum in the development of young children.

Assess children as directed by the Teacher and on a regular basis.

• Take photographs and complete observations for documentation.
• Write anecdotal notes and other approved forms of documentation for each child.
• Assist Teacher with completing, implementing goals, and updating IEPs and ICPs.
• Assist with the two required center conferences.

Demonstrate professionalism and maintain professional credentials.

• Maintain professional personal appearance, body language, and voice tones. 
• 0btain 6 CEUs as per Office of Child Care requirement, annually
• Submit verification of all training, grades/and or transcripts to Education Coordinator and the Human Resources Department.
• Must attain and renew a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within 2 years.
• Must apply for within the introductory period and maintain enrollment with the 

Maryland Child Care Credential Program

• Work with Education Coordinator to develop individual and professional development plans.

Work as an effective team member.

• Always maintain a positive work environment 
• Support the teaching team through active participation.
• Demonstrate and support the Head Start mission. 
• Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills to resolve issues. 

Serve as Nutrition as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Licenses or Certificates:

• CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential must be obtained within one year of employment.

Special Requirements:

• State and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check.
• National Sex Offender Public Registry Check.
• Physical examination and Tuberculin PPD Tine Test at hire and annually (or as required by physician).
• Pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.

Physical Demands:

• Effort Level: Moderate physical effort
• Requirements:
  • Ability to lift preschool children or up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
  • Active participation in programs for young children
  • Tasks include: 
    • Lifting children
    • Getting up and down from the floor
    • Engaging in lively outdoor activities
    • Moving furniture

Application Instructions:

Apply by:

• Mail: SMTCCAC, Inc. – Human Resources Department P.O. Box 280 Hughesville, MD 20637
• Online:  

Required Documents:

• A Completed application 
• A current resume

⚠️ Incomplete applications or submissions with missing information will not be considered.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer