Head Start Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

EASTCONN's Head Start is a federally funded program for children, ages 3 to 5. Head Start programs promote school readiness by collaboratively enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services to enrolled children and their families. Benefits of Head Start include strong family involvement and support with child development, education, health, nutrition, mental health, and safety. Income guidelines apply.

The EASTCONN programs are committed to high-quality early childhood programming, including highly qualified teachers and home visitors, ongoing professional development, small class size, a low child-to-staff ratio, and parent engagement in their children's learning.

This 10 month position of Assistant Teacher assists in the instruction of preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social-emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Assistant Teachers are also responsible for assisting the Teacher in the general day-to-day operations of the Head Start classroom and report directly to the Head Start Teacher or Education Manager. The Assistant Teacher assists in creating and nurturing strong partnerships with families and ensuring that instruction is consistent with best practice and at the highest level of quality, in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards. Makes routine decisions around day-to-day execution of the job. Good time management and organizational skills. Works closely with management to ensure program compliments Head Start Program Performance Standards. Keeps manager informed of important issues. Builds effective relationships within the program, the children and their families.

Job Summary:

• Maintain working knowledge of EASTCONN Head Start and Head Start philosophy and all regulations and performance standards (Head Start, NAEYC and OEC).
• Engage with children during all activities throughout the day; provide constant supervision of children during all learning activities indoors and outdoors and ensure safe environment.
• Assist in planning and conducting activities with Head Start Teacher to meet individual needs of children in accordance with the daily schedule.
• Guide and facilitate activities with Head Start Teacher including classroom projects, centers, and family involvement.
• Maintain classroom management using developmentally appropriate techniques.
• Provide a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment; interact with children one-on-one and in small groups.
• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time
• Serve as a liaison between staff and parents; collaborate with parents in the education of their children including encouraging classroom involvement and home activities.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences to discuss children's individual development and progress.
• Eat with and assist children with eating at mealtime to teach social, self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• Assist children in health and personal habits, such as resting, brushing teeth and toilet habits.
• Assist the Head Start Lead Teacher in record keeping; conduct and document observations, assessments and screenings.
• Participate in staff meetings, committees and training sessions.
• Assist in the mobilization and documentation of matching-in-kind activities, goods and services.
• In cooperation with supervisor, develop and document progress on professional development plan.
• Will be required to take lead in absence of teacher.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in early childhood education, child development or related field; or coursework leading towards the completion of an associate's degree.
• 2-3 years related work experience with young children in an early childhood setting.
• Knowledge of early childhood education including developmentally appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of child growth and development.
• Ability to manage and relate to children with behavioral, learning, physical and medical problems.
• Ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
• Organizational skills, flexibility, problem analysis, and the ability to follow directions.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Ability to perform and follow Head Start Performance Standards.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to adapt to new software.
• Provide current physical and negative TB test upon hire.
• Must maintain a current motor vehicle license and have access to reliable, insured transportation.

EASTCONN offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees that may include:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Participation in the Connecticut State Partnership Health Plan (where applicable)
• Retirement plan participation
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal leave (as applicable)
• Paid holidays
• Employer paid life insurance and voluntary employee paid supplemental life insurance available

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement (where applicable)

Eligibility for benefits is based on position and scheduled hours.

At EASTCONN, we believe that diversity is key to our success. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every listed qualification. Your passion, drive, and perspective are what matter most to us.As an EEO/AA employer, EASTCONN provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our policies.AA/EOEM/F/D/V