Position Data: Teacher Assistant Full- Time

37.5 hours per week $16.89- $18.89/hour

Grade: T1 – T4 Non-Exempt 10 mo.

Reports to: Center Director

Basic Function or Position Summary:

Responsible for the supervision, care and education of a classroom of children; implements developmentally appropriate activities under the direction of the teacher. 

Position Responsibilities and Specific Duties:

• Utilize nurturing and responsive practices and interactions that foster trust and emotional security; are communication and language rich; promote growth in the developmental progressions described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five   
•  Implement well-organized learning environments with developmentally appropriate schedules, lesson plans, and indoor and outdoor learning experiences that provide adequate opportunities for choice, play, exploration, and experimentation 
•  Support and implement a daily schedule of program activities that offers reasonable regularity in routines. 
•  As directed, lead or support individual and group activities. ? Support the development of the home language for dual language learners. 
•  Promote learning through approaches to rest, meals, routines, and physical activity. 
• Assist in completing/obtaining a current developmental screening to identify concerns regarding a child’s developmental, behavioral, motor, language, social, cognitive, and emotional skills within 45 calendar days of when the child first attends the program 
•  Integrate child assessment data in individual and group planning. 
•  Communicate with parents to ensure they are well-informed about their child’s routines, activities, and behavior.  
• Implement IEP’s, IFSP’s, and behavior plans with fidelity. 
• Assist with conducting parent conferences and home visits with each family. 
• Provide a safe and healthy learning environment. 
• Ensure the health and safety of children by ensuring competent supervision of all children in care.  
• Utilize CAPTAIN/Teacher Strategies Gold for tracking and maintaining all children records along with documentation of individual family contacts. 
• Conduct daily health checks for children 
•  Participate in assigned tasks necessary for the preparation of learning centers, activities, and materials required for planned activities.  
• Together with the teacher, maintain accurate, complete and timely records, including but not limited to attendance, meals and observations of children. 
•  Serve meals to children ensuring dietary restrictions and safety for allergies are followed; model eating new and diverse food options. 
• Maintain personal hygiene of children, including provide learning opportunities for washing of hands and use of restroom facilities 
• Assist volunteer staff with their assigned tasks. 
• Participates in service enrollment and recruitment strategies  
• Support the planning and implementation of family events  
• Promotes agency mission. ? Maintains confidentiality and complies with the code of ethics. 
• Maintains consistent professional customer service. 
•  Job performance incorporates integrated service delivery model while promoting self-sufficiency. 
• Other duties as designated by supervisor 

Key Working Relationships:

A. Internal: COI Management and staff

B. External: Community Agencies, Transportation Provider, Volunteers and Parents

Supervisory Scope:

A. Number of staff supervised: 0

B. Titles supervised: None

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Adheres to all policies and procedures.
• Gathers appropriate documentation and tracks outcomes.
• Participates in organizational committee structures as appropriate.
• Participates in organizational and divisional management system.

Knowledge, Skills Required:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• One year experience working with children.
• Must obtain CDA credential within two years of employment.
• Ability to work on a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer skills required.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. 

Special Requirements:

• Meets OCFS training requirements and maintains OCFS training log
• Flexibility in work schedule.
• Must be able to provide consistent even tempered customer service at all times.
• Completes all required NYS background clearances 
• Pre-employment physical exams and TB Testing
• Valid Driver's license 
• Works compassionately with a diverse population.