Head Start Teacher Assistant

Innovative Network of Knowledge; Victoria (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovative Network of Knowledge is seeking an early childhood professional to support preschool learning, safety, and family engagement. You will work with teachers to implement developmentally appropriate activities, protect children’s health, and maintain organized classrooms in line with Head Start standards.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED with Child Development training, a CDA or higher credential, and preferred bilingual English/Spanish communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and completion of Child Development.
• CDA or state credential meeting CDA requirements; program toward Associate or Bachelor’s degree; prefer Bachelor’s in ECE.
• Prefer two years of experience in preschool classroom.
• Prefer bilingual (Spanish).

Responsibilities

• Protect the health and safety of children at all times.
• Assist with responsive care, effective teaching, and organized learning aligned with Head Start outcomes.
• Assist with curriculum implementation and integration of assessments.
• Support screenings and ongoing evaluation of child progress.
• Engage with parents through conferences, home visits, and group activities.
• Maintain safe environments and incident reporting.
• Communicate observations to teachers and coordinate with staff.
• Participate in school functions and teamwork.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA or state credential

Pursuing Associate or Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

It's a great feeling to work for a company that does so much good for others around the world!

Academic Req

~ Required - High school diploma or GED, and completion of Child Development

Associate Credential (CDA) or state awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire. Prefer Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

Work Experience

Prefer two years of experience in the preschool classroom setting. Prefer bilingual (Spanish).

Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables

• Protect the physical and mental health and safety of our children and no child is left alone or unsupervised while under our care. (HSPPS
• 1302.90
• Assist with the provision of responsive care, effective teaching, and an organized learning environment that promotes healthy development and children’s skill growth aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework~ Ages Birth to Five, including children with disabilities. (HSPPS
• 1302.31
• Assist with the implementation of prescribed curricula to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences in language, literacy, social and emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development, and integrate child assessment data in individual and group planning. (HSPPS
• 1302.31, 1302.32
• Support screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of the child’s developmental level and progress in outcomes. (HSPPS
• 1302.33
• Support opportunities for parents and family members to engage in their child’s development and in program services, including but not limited to parent conferences, home visits, and group activities. (HSPPS
• 1302.34
• Follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including reporting at a minimum suspected or known child abuse and neglect, appropriate supervision of children at all times; and all standards of conduct. (HSPPS
• 1302.47,
• 1302.90
• Comply with positive adult-child interactions as measured by the CLASS~ Pre-K instrument. (HSPPS
• 1304.16
• Complete minimum training requirements as specified in state and federal standards. (HSPPS
• 1302.92
• Regular communication with teachers ensures they are well-informed about their students’ behavior, and progress.
• Maintain child files, classroom forms, and other documentation and ensure those documents are compliant, current, and organized.
• Monitor classroom and make certain it is free from physical and environmental hazards.
• Ensure incident reporting occurs within the timeframes designated in program policy and protocol.

Other Responsibilities

• Use age-appropriate equipment, materials, supplies and physical space for indoor and outdoor learning environments, including functional space, and change materials periodically to support children’s evolving interests and development.
• Support teachers’ response to classroom observations through modifications to teaching strategies and lesson plans in accordance with prescribed curricula.
• Communicate child observations to teachers, including the identification of potential interference with a child’s development and school readiness.
• Support teachers’ coordination with education, family, mental health and/or child development professional program staff to address identified needs.
• Participate in school functions, scheduled meetings and team decision and operations.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members, service providers and professionals.
• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
• Effective written and verbal communication in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Ability to maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times.
• Working knowledge of all INK policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently.
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Complete and pass health examination
• Confirm work eligibility status
• Successfully pass driving history check
• Clear criminal background check
• Required to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Required to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, and other hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, at risk neighborhoods, etc.
• Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train may also be required associated with attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community, and social events such as field trips.

English (United States)

If you like to work with people that believe they can make a difference in the world, this is the company for you!

EEO Statement

In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state laws (e.g., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees equally regardless of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, or any other classification made unlawful or prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws, such as age, citizenship status, veteran or military status, or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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