Teacher Assistant

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties, Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agency in early childhood education is seeking a classroom assistant to support preschool children's educational needs. This role involves assisting the teacher, overseeing daily activities, and collaborating with families and staff to ensure a positive learning environment. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, a current CDA, and experience with young children.

Benefits

Generous leave including vacation and sick days

Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with preschool-age children.
• Must be willing to train in all areas of Head Start.
• Current CDA or Certificate of Mastery in Child Development required.

Responsibilities

• Works with the Teacher in planning and carrying out daily activities for preschool children.
• Assists with classroom activities and guidance techniques.
• Coordinates with the Family Advocate for health and nutrition forms.

Skills

Ability to work with diverse cultures

Education

High school or GED

Current CDA or Certificate of Mastery in Child Development

Job description

This position is considered safety sensitive under the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act. Therefore, those applicants testing positive for marijuana will not be hired even when in possession of a valid medical marijuana license.

Generous leave including 13 days of vacation, 13 days of sick leave and 13 paid holidays annually. A comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

JOB SUMMARY:

• Works as a team with the Teacher in planning and carrying out the day-to-day activities of the classroom to support meeting the educational needs of program-eligible pre-school children.
• Trains to become knowledgeable of all Head Start (ACF) Policies, performance standards, and CAA procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Learns proper classroom teaching techniques through training and observation to become proficient in the preschool classroom environment.
• Assists with the guidance of classroom activities by choosing or designing appropriate materials, answering questions, guiding discussions, and using guidance techniques that build independence.
• Assists with housekeeping tasks such as attendance records, meal census, lunch and snack routines, bathroom and tooth-brushing routines, and group activities in the classroom.
• Initially observes the recording of ongoing assessments of each child’s growth and development to assume responsibility for the assessment and development of assigned children.
• Must become knowledgeable and work toward proficiency in all areas of screening and assessments to include the overall curriculum and the LAP-D instrument.
• Participates with other staff members in the accomplishment of other ongoing center activities such as recruitment, volunteer orientation, placement, planning special events, and substituting in other classrooms as needed.
• Works with the Teacher in identifying the needs of each family in the areas of health, nutrition, and social services. Participates in the team approach with the Family Advocate to make appropriate written referrals and ensure necessary follow-up.
• Follows written lesson plans and class schedules.
• Coordinates with the Family Advocate with the completion of all necessary forms required for health, nutrition, and social service.
• Trains to assist the Teacher in the development of plans, emphasizing the parent as the prime educator of their child. Trains on the use of the information contained in medical, family, and child records.
• Coordinates with the Teacher in developing a parent/teacher team approach in planning activities to meet the child’s needs. Trains to make home visits and to conduct parent/teacher conferences. Attends parent meetings, etc. Trains to become proficient in recording all contacts on Contact Record in family folders, coordinating with the Family Advocate.
• Performs other related duties as required to accomplish the Head Start mission.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in a licensed childcare facility with children ages from one to twelve years of age, most of the children are between the ages of three and five.
• Activities are performed in all areas of the building including the classroom, restrooms, cafeteria (if separate from the classroom), and the playground.
• Activities are not limited to the center but will include field trips to child-oriented activities.
• Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning the body as to be on child’s level and floor level.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and able to run or walk hurriedly for a child’s safety.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• High school or GED graduate.
• Current CDA or Certificate of Mastery in Child Development.
• Two (2) years of experience in working with pre-school age children. Volunteer services in a Head Start program may be credited.
• Must be willing to train in all areas of Head Start.
• Have no physical restrictions that would preclude working with pre-school-age children.
• Must meet all applicable requirements established by state and funding sources to include fingerprinting.
• Have transportation available and a valid Oklahoma State driver’s license.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures.
• Meet required Work Environment standards.

DESIRED:

• Associate Degree or higher.

EOE