Head Start Teacher Assitant

Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission; Opp (AL); On-site; USD 16,531,000 - 22,042,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission seeks an Early Learning Support assistant to aid teachers, supervise young learners, and support health and safety in a Head Start/EOEF-aligned setting. Responsibilities include lesson prep, meal counts, family engagement, and data entry.

The role emphasizes collaboration with educators, maintaining records, and adhering to program policies while ensuring a positive classroom environment and active learning.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CDA preferred or obtainable within 2 years.
• CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain.
• Ability to pass background checks and work non-standard hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist Teachers in preparing lesson plans, materials, and meal counts.
• Supervise students and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Conduct daily health checks and document statuses.
• Maintain student folders and enter data into school databases.
• Communicate with parents and conduct home visits as required.

Skills

Safety awareness

Parent communication

Classroom assistance

Data entry

CPR/First Aid knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA certificate or pursuing within 2 years

Job description

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Center Director, the employee performs a range of tasks and duties associated with effective and efficient delivery of Center educational and other services for students aligned with Head Start and Early Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF). These tasks and duties include, but are not limited to the following: preparing lesson plans, file folders, and meal counts, supervising students, assisting Teachers, performing daily student health checks, supporting the social and emotional development of children, assisting with handling discipline in accordance with established policies and procedures, maintaining a safe and healthy student environment, conducting home visits, communicating with parents, and assist Teachers in monitoring classroom supply inventory, assist Teacher in maintaining student folders utilizing established procedures, entering accurate data into computer databases, documenting daily checks, and monitoring results.

Employees in this job attend professional development training programs and workshops, clean and sanitize teaching areas, and perform CPR and First Aid when needed. The Employee attends training workshops, staff meetings, pre-service, in-service sessions, and professional development as required. This job is considered security-sensitive and is subject to a preemployment background check.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive, and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability, which is covered by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Assists Teachers. Employee provides assistance to Teachers in providing safe and effective instruction and interactions with students.

1. Assists Teachers in preparing lesson plans, file folders, and daily meal counts
2. Supervises students to ensure safety and healthy learning environment
3. Performs daily student health checks, documenting health status into records
4. Interacts and communicates with students
5. Prepares meals for students (meals are delivered to Center)
6. Observes and evaluates student's social development
7. Prepares and maintains student records
8. Integrates Head Start components and procedures into classroom functions and activities
9. Makes home visits with student’s parent and conducts required parent-teacher conferences
10. Enters student information into system databases
11. Communicates with student’s parents / guardians

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Classroom Management. Employee assists Teacher in managing classroom conditions and operations.

1. Assists in preparing classroom prior to student arrival
2. Assists in cleaning classroom to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff
3. Assists Teacher in monitoring inventory of classroom supplies
4. Assists Teacher in providing prompt redirection for children in accordance with established policies and procedures

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

1. Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of SEARPDC, OHS, DHR, IDEA and other applicable agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures
2. Knowledge of SEARPDC organizational programs
3. Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention
4. Knowledge of effective teaching methods and practices for young children
5. Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing
6. Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, and parents
7. Writing skills to develop professional reports using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
8. Reading skills to understand and interpret state (ADHR), federal (Head Start) and SEARP&DC directives, procedures, and instructions
9. Math skills to perform basic mathematical calculations
10. Ability to prepare effective lesson plans in accordance with established guidelines and procedures
11. Ability to effectively teach young children
12. Ability to establish an effective and safe learning environment
13. Ability to prepare all required reports
14. Ability to document student progress and accomplishments
15. Ability to document student challenges and problems and to find effective ways to overcome these issues
16. Ability to effectively interact with parents concerning student progress and challenges
17. Ability to use computers and office productivity software.
18. Ability to maintain professional attitude
19. Ability to use a cellular and multiline telephone
20. Ability to deal with all contacts in a courteous and patient manner
21. Ability to prioritize work projects and multi-task
22. Ability to work with little or no supervision
23. Ability to drive

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possess a high school diploma or GED; prefer Associate degree in early childhood education or child
2. Possess a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate or be able to acquire this certificate within two (2) years of
3. Possess a current and valid driver's license and must be
4. Ability to perform effective cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid procedures when
5. Ability to pass a tuberculosis testing/screening
6. Ability to work non-standard hours or overtime when
7. Ability to pass all DHR required background checks, including but not limited to CA/N Clearance, ABI/FBI check, physical, MVR, Pre-employment drug screen, and TB test.

Physical Demands

The work requires physical exertion such as standing, walking, bending, cleaning, reaching, stooping, and carrying light items (up to 10 lbs.) on a regular basis. Duties also involve lifting and moving children and classroom materials (up to 40 lbs.) and engaging in floor-level interaction through kneeling, squatting, or sitting. Active supervision requires the ability to move quickly and safely throughout indoor and outdoor learning areas.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled classroom. The environment may be busy and moderately noisy due to active learning and group activities. Duties take place both indoors and outdoors, requiring a tolerance for varying weather conditions during outdoor play, learning activities, and transitions. Employee may experience exposure to cleaning supplies, disinfectants, and typical childhood illnesses. The role also includes daily interaction with children, families, and staff, and requires maintaining a safe, sanitary, and developmentally appropriate environment across all program areas. Travel between program sites and participation in occasional community or family engagement events may be required.