Head Start Preschool Teacher Assistant

Preschool Teacher Assistant

Position Summary: Assist in the planning, organizing and delivery of a developmentally appropriate preschool program based on the individual cognitive, motor, social and emotional needs of children enrolled. Support the classroom teacher in managing the classroom to create a positive, healthy, and safe learning environment. Assist with required classroom paperwork to ensure accurate and timely program recording and report generation. Partner with other staff to manage program activities. Light custodial duties. Some evening hours are required. Position contingent upon funding.

Essential Job Functions: Family Support and Engagement Assist the Teacher with the implementation of the Creative Curriculum in the classroom and on the playground according to developmentally appropriate and individual learning expectations. Assist the Teacher with the implementation of effective child guidance techniques; define and communicate appropriate limits and boundaries for children, ensure smooth transitions between activities. Assist with all aspects of the daily routine, including distributing and collecting supplies, keeping attendance records, writing child observations and completing other paperwork as assigned, serving meals, and maintaining classroom cleanliness. Keep classroom environment clean, wash and disinfect tables after snacks / meals, art projects and other classroom activities throughout the day, pick up toys, books and other materials, keep floors and sleeping areas free of debris, sweep floors, clean counters and cabinets as needed to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Follow directions from the classroom teacher working one-on-one or in small groups with children. Assist the teacher in keeping order or handling emergency situations according to center and agency policies; remain calm in a very busy or emergency situation. Observe and supervise children at all times, including the classrooms, bathrooms and playground. Maintain the safety of children at all times. Implement food service /CACFP requirements according to program policies and procedures, serve meals family style; sit, interact and eat with children during snack and meal times. Use age appropriate conflict resolution skills to assist children with learning to resolve their own conflicts. Model friendly, respectful, warm and responsive interactions with children; interact with children at eye level. Refer parents to classroom teacher for information regarding their child's day. May involve interaction with educationally, culturally, and racially diverse persons whose first language may not be English. In the teacher's absence will complete Head Start and other paperwork accurately and on a timely basis; may oversee the substitute and volunteers. Provide a supportive approach to learning, especially when dealing with students with developmental problems, emotional problems, physical limitations, or learning disabilities. Communicate with children / parents, the general public and the community in English. Cooperate with other program staff in coordinating the day-to-day operations of the center to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children and staff and smooth operational functioning of the center. May perform other tasks as assigned by the Management Team to meet unusual staffing conditions: those tasks may include but are not limited to, changing classrooms, cooking or working in the kitchen to prepare or serve meals, clean and put dishes away, riding the Head Start bus.

Essential Job Functions: Operational Collect and compile report data as required by Head Start Performance Standards and program policies. Work with other program staff to assure compliance with requirements of child care licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, child abuse and neglect reporting, and all other program policies. Assist in the documentation of the program's required non-federal/in-kind match. Comply with all program, state and federal policies, rules, and regulations regarding confidentiality. Participate in regularly scheduled meetings. Comply with program, state, and federal training and professional development requirements. Attend on-going training to maintain State of Nebraska licensing level and program requirements (may include evenings or weekends). Maintain professional and effective working relationships with co-workers and program staff. Effectively resolve conflict; remain calm in a very busy or emergency situation. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Position Qualifications / Certificates / Licenses: AA degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Basic knowledge of child development. Basic math ability. Clear understanding of verbal, written and oral communication. Compliance with other regulatory requirements as applicable. Pass criminal background check and post-employment medical examination.

Desired Qualifications / Skills / Licenses / Certifications: Experience working in early childhood center based care and education. Working knowledge of Nebraska State licensing regulations, Head Start Performance Standards; developmentally appropriate early childhood education practices; other program, state or national quality standards. First Aid / CPR Bi-lingual or basic understanding of Spanish.