Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc.

Head Start Job Description

JOB TITLE: Teacher Assistant (10.5 months) FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Teacher/Director or Site Director ASSIGNMENT DATE: _____________

DESIGNATED HEADQUARTERS: _____________

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POSITION SUMMARY:

The Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for a group of children or area of activity as assigned, supervising play activities by participating in group games, enforcing safety rules, and intervening when children are likely to injure themselves or others. The Head Start Teacher Assistant will also act as Teacher in the absence of Director/Teacher by learning all aspects of the function of a Head Start Classroom, such as completing all assigned paperwork and reports, supervision of children, and sharing in the implementation of lesson plans.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for developing, writing, and conducting a planned lesson at least once a month; more frequently as experience is gained.
Prepare and conduct at least one center activity a day, such as circle time, science, home or other. Will be responsible for additional center activities under the guidance of Center Director and or Classroom Teacher as needed.
Work closely with the Center Director and Classroom Teacher to maintain a calm classroom conducive to good early childhood learning standards without resorting to physical punishment.
Ensure that childcare routines are carried out in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, and consistent with good child development principles. This includes routines related to hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitions between activities accomplished through working and communicating with Center Director/Teacher.
Assist the children at snack, breakfast, and lunch time; assure that the Head Start philosophy of serving family style meals is maintained and that the children serve themselves. The Teacher Assistant and Teacher will both be seated at the table(s) with the children at mealtime.
Ensure the safety of children through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, proper maintenance of equipment, and regular practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures.
Work as a member of a team to ensure continuity of curriculum and high standards of equality in the classroom; work individually with children who have trouble during group activities.
Responsible for documentation in ½ of the children's files in all content areas.
Complete Individual Development Plans for each enrolled child; continue the on-going assessment process, maintaining written or computer records on each child.
Observe, record, and report any child's behavior, sharing information appropriately with other staff members.
Attend all staff meetings and other training as provided.
After the new hire probationary period (90 days) Teacher Assistants must work toward and receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the Center Director.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

ANNUAL PRE-SERVICE TRAINING IS MANDATORY

EDUCATION: Minimum: High School Diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE: Some experience and ability to work with pre-school children.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must have a warm, supportive, pleasant, and positive attitude toward young children and parents. Must be reliable. Must be flexible in receiving assignments or adapting to changes in the program. Must be willing to accept supervision to improve work performance.

OTHER: Professional manner and attire. No record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment. Must have a valid Class C driver's license and a reliable vehicle with current liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA's vehicle insurance policy. A Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire. Must maintain CPR and First Aide certifications. Must comply with all HCCAA Policies and maintain confidentiality and courtesy in all phases of agency operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

Must be able to operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires interacting with the children on their level at times (on the floor), and sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving. Must be able to lift to 40 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment. Requires a normal range of hearing and vision. Must be able to react quickly (run after a child).

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to analyze the effectiveness of classroom operations and choose the most effective course of action for the Head Start program at any given point in time. Must handle new and diverse work problems daily. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive the real problem and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with employees at all levels within the agency. Bilingual skills are encouraged. Knowledge of basic math and literacy skills. Ability to record data pertinent to Head Start Performance Standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

During the Head Start school year the classroom staff is scheduled to work an alternate work schedule to coincide with the center's hours of operation. (As assigned for those working less than full time). The center hours of operation are typically 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. The Center Director will plan the work schedule for each employee. To meet program goals, classroom staff will occasionally be required to perform duties outside their alternate work schedule. Some out-of-town and overnight travel are required.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Accrual of sick and vacation leave, health insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and up to 15 paid holidays per year. Options for employee paid benefits. Note: Eligibility for benefits is based on Personnel Policies & Procedures and benefits are subject to change.

FLSA STATUS DISCLAIMER:

FLSA status is based in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Any changes in the act which will affect the FLSA status will be adhered to. When wages exceed the position entry level due to tenure, the Exempt/Non-Exempt status will be designated accordingly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT:

I have reviewed the Head Start Teacher Assistant Job Description and acknowledge receipt of same. I understand that my job may not necessarily be limited to those listed, as their exact nature may vary as program, project elements, and priorities change in the future. I understand this job description may be updated as needed.

___________________________ _________________________

Signature of Employee Date

As supervisor of the Teacher Assistant position, I have received a copy of this job description and acknowledge its receipt with my signature below.

____________________________________________ _________________________________________

Supervisor Signature Date

Background & Criminal History Authorization

By submitting this application, I authorize [Company Name] to conduct a background investigation, which may include a criminal history check, in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). I understand that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify me from consideration. Each applicant is evaluated individually based on the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position.

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