Head Start Teaching Assistant

Community Action of Central Texas; Kyle (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action of Central Texas is seeking a dedicated classroom assistant for early childhood development. The role focuses on building positive family relationships, supporting classroom instruction for children aged zero to three, and ensuring safety and cleanliness of the learning environment.

You will follow Head Start guidelines, assist with materials, and participate in meetings. A High School Diploma or GED is required, with CDA credential pursued within one year of hire.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Willingness to obtain CDA credential within one year of hire.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Criminal Background Check required.

Responsibilities

• Communicates and builds positive relationships with families.
• Assists in setup of classroom, instructional activities, parent meetings, supervision, and documentation.
• Follows Head Start standards, policies, and licensing requirements.
• Prepares instructional materials and cleans up after lessons.
• Adheres to safety guidelines for lifting and with equipment.
• Reports to Site Supervisor in absence of Site Leader.
• Reports suspected child abuse per policy.
• Arrives on time and follows assigned hours.
• Maintains a flexible schedule and may work at alternative locations.
• Provides appropriate care for children including diapering/toileting and sanitation of the classroom.
• Assists with recruitment of parents and staff.
• Submits time sheets and mileage accurately and on time.
• Attends staff meetings and serves as a positive role model.
• Maintains confidentiality and professional conduct.

Skills

Bilingual: Spanish & English

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Current CDA Credential (preferred)

Job description

Helping Central Texas improve economic self-reliance through a wide range of services and community partnerships.

STRATEGIC FUNCTION

Provides educational leadership to the classroom by designing and implementing classroom instruction and lesson plans appropriate to meet the individual needs of every child. Primary duty is to impart knowledge to children zero to three years of age. Secondary duty is to provide challenging appropriate educational activities.

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

• Lifelong Learning: Seeks innovative opportunities to expand knowledge, skills, and experiences.
• Effective Communication: Provides well thought-out, concise, and timely oral and written information.
• Teamwork: Considers group effort more important than individual effort.
• High Personal Standards: Sets challenging goals and continuously seeks feedback and opportunities to improve performance.
• Flexibility: Accepts other viewpoints, shifts strategies if necessary, and adjusts to changing work priorities.
• Concern for Accuracy and Effectiveness: Considers how work impacts both short term and long-term operating efficiencies.
• Initiative: Is proactive rather than reactive.
• Courteous and Respectful: Ensures all business dealings and relationships are conducted fairly and honestly.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

May include the following:

1. Communicates and develops a positive relationship with families.

2. Assistsin the set-up of the classroom, instructional learning, parent meetings, active supervision, and documentation in cooperation with the Teacher One.

3.Knows and adheres to all policies and procedures, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and child care licensing standards at the classroom and center level.

4.Assists with preparation of materials for instruction and the cleanup of materials after lessons.

5.Follows safety guidelines when lifting equipment and picking up children, upkeep, and age appropriateness of all equipment which children use.

6.Reports to Person in Charge in absence of Site Supervisor.

7.Reports all suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 and in accordance with agency policy.

8.Arrives on time and works designated hours (unless otherwise specified by immediate supervisor)

9.Flexibility with work schedule and location as needed based on program needs.

10.Provide appropriate care for children including following appropriate diapering/toileting procedures, and maintaining a sanitizes classroom, such as; hand washing, change of bedding, and sanitation of toys, equipment and all surfaces.

11.Assist with recruitment of parents and staff.

• Submits time sheets accurately and on time to supervisor.
• Submits mileage accurately and on time to supervisor.
• Attends all staff and other meetings as assigned.
• Be a positive role model.
• Maintains confidentiality: records, client services, and staff.
• Adheres to agency's best practices related to time and leave.
• Dress is appropriate to work environment.
• Maintains a safe, orderly and clean environment.
• Willing to work at alternative locations.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENT/QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred:

• CurrentChild Development Associate (CDA) Credential
• Six months of experience in an early education or child development center setting
• Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish and English

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Willingness to obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in the appropriate age group within one year of hire
• Basic computer skills

Physical Requirements:

• Be able to lift 25-30 lbs.
• Be able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on floor, see, hear and speak with children to ensure children’s health and safety.

Other Requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• Criminal Background Check required at the agency’s expense
• Fingerprinting required at the employee’s expense
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation
• Vehicle Insurance (Personal injury and liability)
• Initial Health Exam required at the agency’s expense
• Initial and annual TB screening at agency’s expense