Columbus Urban League | Assistant Teacher

Human Resources - Assistant Teacher

Job Title:	Assistant Teacher
Department:	Head Start
Reports To:	Teacher
Status:	Non-exempt

Summary:

This position works as a part of a teaching team to work as a partner with the Teacher/Lead Teacher in developing activities for preschool (Head Start) children to provide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment. Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Assistance is given to the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to implement educational objectives and performance standards. This position works with families to promote parent involvement in the program. The assistant teacher may be assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing expertise. This position works along with the teacher/lead teacher to attain the goals of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Assists the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities including lesson plans.

Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.

Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.

Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good nutrition and proper social skills.

Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.

Is familiar with each child and parent.

Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and knowledgeable about the needs of each child.

Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises

Takes charge of the class in the teacher’s absence.

Make home visits with the teacher as required and documents them as requested.

Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied toward the non-federal share.

Health and Sanitation:

PARENT/FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATONS

Assists the teacher in meeting the program’s needs for parent/family involvement in each classroom.

Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families of the children.

Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the program awareness of the child’s needs and development, how the activities of the program promote positive development and their roles in the child’s overall education and development.

Participates in the training of families as requested.

Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program:

to emphasize their role as the principle influence on the child’s education and development

to assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and experienced in basic child development

Assists with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classrooms as volunteers and substitutes.

Assist the teachers with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and community members participating in the program.

Positively promotes Head Start/Early Head Start in the community.

Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom

TRAINING

Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.

Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child care licensing regulations

Successfully completes and maintains Basic First Aid and CPR certification.

Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associate with prevention of occupational disease and injury including the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.

Works toward obtaining the CDA credential.

All other duties as assigned, ensuring the implementation of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum requirement is high school diploma or GED plus some experienced working with preschool children. CDA credential or higher preferred. Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish). Must be willing and able to obtain Basic First Aid and CPR Certification and maintain certification. Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records check and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment. Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children. Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program. . Knowledge of local resources, language and customs helpful. Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work with staff, parents and families. Ability to follow directions and take initiative. Ability to keep all information regarding families strictly confidential. Ability to communicate effectively with children families and staff. Ability to work with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Ability to communicate both written and orally. Ability to follow directions from both written and oral instructions. Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to community with families and children in a positive and helpful manner. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from community. Bilingual skills helpful (English/Spanish).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasional need to provide gentle physical restraint to children.

May be required to lift up to 45 pounds.

Some exposure to communicable diseases.

Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.

Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required associated with attendance at conferences, meeting and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.

Work is typically performed in a classroom setting and some office work required.

Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent - teacher conference, Parent Committee meetings, social and community events.