Position: Teacher Assistant
Classification: HS 01-04 ($14.65- $15.68 - $16.76 - *$18.59)
Work Weeks: 40-45 Hours: 40/week
Supervisor: Teacher
Positions Supervised: None
Essential Function of Job:
Under the direction of the Head Start teacher, the Head Start teacher assistant works collaboratively with the teacher to ensure the implementation of the Head Start program in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Child Day Care Licensing Requirements.
Examples of Work:
(Any one position may not include all the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in the positions of this class.)
- Provide a safe, healthy, and organized environment for children through daily monitoring of activities and maintenance of the classroom environment.
- Review and evaluate child outcomes reports from MyTeachingStrategies® and use data to develop individual child and classroom goals.
- Assist in planning and implementation of daily program as directed by the teacher.
- Familiarize and follow all policies, procedures, and requirements as set forth in Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child Day Care Licensing, and Foundations for Quality.
- Collaborate with the Practice-Based Coaching team to implement teaching practices that lead to positive outcomes for children.
- Fully participate in various monitoring activities, visits, and review sessions, as directed.
- Actively implement behavior management strategies as directed by the teacher.
- Participate in planning, conducting, and documentation of home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
- Assist in conducting ongoing child screening and assessment activities with accuracy and timeliness.
- Evaluate daily activities with the teacher and modify when needed.
- Support Family Service staff in achieving family engagement outcomes as promoted by the Office of Head Start, actively promoting and supporting parents as their children’s first and most important teacher.
- Generate required inkind and complete necessary documentation.
- Communicate positively with children, parents, volunteers and staff in verbal and non-verbal interactions.
- Assist in record keeping as assigned by the teacher.
- Recruit, coordinate, and encourage parents and other volunteers to be involved in the program and create a feeling of respect and comfort within the program.
- Attend and assist with Parent Committees and Events and as directed by management staff.
- Notify Supervisor in advance if unable to work and is responsible for obtaining substitute.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Requirements of Work:
- Experience working with young children.
- Ability to plan and follow through.
- Ability to effectively monitor an active preschool classroom.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- A demonstrated ability to interact positively with parents and children in a non-judgmental way.
- An initial health examination (that includes screening for tuberculosis) and a periodic re-examination (as recommended by health care provider or as mandated by State or local laws).
- Absence of exclusionary findings on a Comprehensive Criminal History Check.
- A valid Michigan driver’s license and satisfactory driving history.
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Effective, January 31, 2022, the Office of Head Start (OHS) requires all Head Start staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Exemptions may be granted for individuals who request and receive an exemption from vaccination because of a:
- Medical condition, or medical necessity requires a delay in vaccination, as documented by a licensed medical practitioner (as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act)
- Sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance (established under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964).
Those who are granted an exemption for one of the reasons listed above are required to undergo weekly testing for current SARS COV-2 infection.
Aside from those who are granted exemptions for one of the reasons above, there is no testing option as an alternative to the vaccine requirement.
Required Minimum Training and Experience:
- Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, a valid Child Development Associates Credential (CDA) for Preschool or an Associates Degree in a Child-Related Field (Child Guidance/Counseling, Child Psychology, Family Studies or Social Work) with 12 semester hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
- Successful completion of all training topics, as required by Child Day Care Licensing, within specified timeframes.
- Completion of 16 clock hours of professional development training, annually.
* In order to be eligible for H.S. 04 level, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to your position.
