Job Title:  Teaching Assistant (Infant/Toddler) 

Department: Early Childhood and Family Services   

FLSA Status: Non-exempt   

Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Full Time  

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N):  Yes 

Level: 2 

Hiring Range:  - $17.17 - $20.01

NEKCA Mission Statement: 

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive. 

SUMMARY: 

Head Start Teacher Assistants assist in maintaining a respectful classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning. They create meaningful relationships with children and their families, while also supporting teachers in the planning and preparation of lessons and activities. They foster an environment that is centered around social emotional learning and school readiness. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

•Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standard of conduct. 

•Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with supervisor, Individualized 

Professional Development Plan  

•Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol                                                                                                               

•Participate in center staff meetings, monthly content area meetings, pre-service, and in-services and incorporate relevant knowledge and skills into practice 

•Attend and participate in staff, agency, and service provider meetings deemed necessary for job performance 

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:  

N/A, this position does not supervise any staff. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•Provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately.  

•Support and implement a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language.  

•Support and implement appropriate daily lesson plans, based on the approved curriculum, that promote the cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development of children.  

•Assist in conducting ongoing assessment and individualization documentation in a timely manner.  

•Support in the completion of developmental screening within 45 days of child entering the program  

•Participate in completion of HS/EHS application as requested   

•Participate in planning and implementation of registration activities   

•Participate per center plan in obtaining heights and weights and sensory screenings for children enrolled after screening day and returning children as requested  

•Assist and implement a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.  

•Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment, which includes adding new and interesting materials each week.  

•Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques.  

•Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourages their social and emotional development.  

•Assist in care-giving routines i.e changing diapers/assisting in potty training   

•Conduct daily health checks on each child.  

•Encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.  

•Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.  

•Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.  

•Follow infants’ individual feeding schedules and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding.  

•Communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.  

•Have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Employees in this position work primarily in an classroom environment controlled temperature conditions. This position may include time outside during calm moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work involves sitting and standing for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require bending and lifting. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

_____________________________________________________________________________ 

The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment. 

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA.  Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.  

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 

Education and Experience: 

• Minimum of a Child Development Associate credential or Child Care Certificate 

•2 years relevant experience 

•At least 18 years of age 

•Experience working with young children in a group setting preferred 

•Obtain CPR certification and First Aid within six months of employment 

Core Competencies: 

•  Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.  

•  Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.  

•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems. 

•  This position is considered a mandated reporter.  

•  Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent)  

•  Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.  

•  Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team. 

•  Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them. 

•  Maintain confidentiality. 

•  Complete all required trainings and professional development. 

Core Values: 

• Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values. 

• Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community. 

• Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes. 

• Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community. 

• Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout. 

• Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct. 

• Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety. 

• Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers. 

• Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users.  

• In person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor. 

• Be respecftul and sensitive to participant’s unique situations and challenges. 

• Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission. 

Background Checks: 

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records. 

Transportation Requirements: 

This position necessitates that employees has access to dependable transportation.