Head Start Teacher Assistant

Wateree-Community-Actions,-In; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Wateree-Community-Actions, Inc. in Sumter, SC seeks a dedicated Teacher Assistant to support a Head Start classroom, fostering a safe, healthy learning environment in line with Head Start standards. You will assist the lead teacher with materials, activities, supervision, and family communication; you must have a CDA and an associate or bachelor’s degree or be pursuing one; preschool teaching experience is preferred. The role requires teamwork, reliability, and readiness for safety trainings.

Qualifications

• CDA credential required.
• Associate or BA degree or current enrollment in degree program.
• Experience teaching preschool children.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher in preparing instructional materials and implementing activities.
• Provide developmentally appropriate activities to support children's growth.
• Help plan, monitor, and keep records of classroom progress.
• Follow positive discipline and confidentiality policies.
• Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Attend pre-service and in-service trainings.

Skills

Child interaction

Communication with families

Team player

Reading & following directions

Education

CDA credential

Associate or BA degree / enrolled in degree program

Job description

Under direct supervision of a classroom teacher, the teacher assistant is responsible for providing children with a safe and healthy learning environment at an assigned facility in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards. This includes planning, coordinating, and supervising a classroom environment that promotes each child's total development (i.e. social, physical, emotional, cognitive and nutritional) while promoting positive, open communication with parents and children.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Ø Assists a teacher in preparing instructional materials and in implementing instructionalactivities for young children.Ø Assists a teacher in providing developmentally appropriate activities/practices whichencourage the intellectual, social, physical and emotional growth of children.Ø Assists in plan implementation, monitoring and record keeping.Ø Follows positive discipline and confidentiality policies.Ø Follow daily schedule provided by teacher.Ø Provides constant supervision of children during all activities indoors and outdoorsØ Attends all pre-service and in-service training sessionsØ Performs related activities as assigned.Education and ExperienceThe successful candidate will:Ø Have a child development associate (CDA) credential;Ø Have an associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) or be enrolled in a program leading to such a degree.Ø Have experience teaching pre-school age children.Knowledge and AbilitiesØ Must have a desire to work with young children and be sensitive to their needs.Ø Must have the ability to relate, work and communicate with children and adults from varying socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.Ø Must have a responsible and mature attitude.Ø Must be able to read, write, communicate and follow directions accurately and with clearunderstanding.Ø Must be a team player and cooperate with staff in providing a wholesome centerenvironment.Special Requirements:Ø Must be able to physically perform emergency evacuations.Ø Must respond positively to Child Abuse/Neglect, Sled/Fingerprint and Drug/AlcoholScreening.Ø Must participate when required in First Aid Certificate and CPR Training.Ø Must have an annual TB screening and current physical exam.