Teacher Assistant Early/Head Start

Child Development Council of Franklin County; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Development Council of Franklin County is seeking an individual to lead the classroom in the absence of the teacher, ensuring a nurturing and safe environment for children. The successful candidate will assist in curriculum implementation and conduct assessments to evaluate children's progress.

A high school diploma or GED and a CDA credential are required. Responsibilities include providing direct supervision, supporting family engagement, and participating in professional development activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• CDA credential or equivalent is necessary.
• Must pass background checks for employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide classroom leadership in the absence of the teacher.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of learning experiences.
• Conduct assessments to evaluate developmental levels.

Skills

Communication skills

Child development knowledge

Basic computer skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA credential

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provides classroom leadership in the absence of the teacher to ensure consistency of the daily schedule, implementation of the lesson plan, and other activities. Always provides direct supervision of students while in the classroom.
• Ensures classroom is set up and materials are prepared for implementation of the daily schedule, including all learning activities, all meals, story time, and other activities.
• Assists the teacher in creating a nurturing learning environment through communication, play, and socialization that supports the social-emotional, cognitive, and physical and language development of children ages birth-5.
• Assists with planning and implementing learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment. Participates in weekly lesson plan development with the teaching team.
• Conducts standardized and structured assessments within mandated timeframes for each child to evaluate the child’s speech and developmental level. Utilizes the information from all observations to determine a child’s strengths and needs, inform and adjust strategies to better support individualized learning, and improve teaching practices. Enters all observations into appropriate systems following documentation procedures.
• Observes, documents, and addresses challenging behaviors to determine cause and implement preventive measures, teach a new behavior, communication, and/or social skill to minimize or eliminate the behavior.
• Performs all other duties assigned by supervisor or manager.

Safety and Health

• Follows appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including, at a minimum:
  • Reporting of suspected or known child abuse and neglect to Franklin County Children Services according to agency procedures and the Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421.
  • Safe sleep practices, including ensuring that all sleeping arrangements for children under 18 months of age use firm mattresses or cots, and for children under 12 months, soft bedding materials or toys must not be used.
  • Appropriate indoor and outdoor supervision of children at all times.
  • Only releasing children to an authorized adult.
  • Adhering to all standards of conduct described in Head Start Performance Standards 1302.90(c).
• Systematically and routinely implements hygiene practices that ensure:
  • Appropriate toileting, hand washing, and diapering procedures are followed.
  • Safe food preparation.
  • Exposure to blood and body fluids is handled consistent with standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
  • Documentation of feeding and diaper changes for Early Head Start children.
• Follows and practices procedures for:
  • Emergencies.
  • Fire prevention and response.
  • Protection from contagious disease.
  • The handling, storage, administration, and record of medication.
  • Documenting children’s attendance upon arrival and departure.
  • Maintaining procedures and systems to ensure children are only released to an authorized adult.
  • Child specific health care needs and food allergies that include accessible plans of action for emergencies.
  • Utilizing all CDC safeguards and procedures to ensure health and safety standards are met at all times.

Family Engagement & Reviews

• Participates in the center Child and Family Review (CFR), IEP/IFSP, parent meetings, and transition process to share pertinent information about the child and family with other staff, parent/teacher conferences, and making home visits.
• Encourages the involvement of the families and supports the development of relationships between children and their families.
• Ensures parents and family members have opportunities to participate in the child’s education and development through parent engagement, in‑kind volunteer hours, and parent meetings.

Professional Development

• Attends and participates in professional development, training, and meetings. Must complete 20 hours of training per year in understanding children and improving delivery of childcare services.

Documentation and Policies

• Maintains and respects the confidentiality of families, staff, and the program.
• Uses and follows the policies and procedures of Head Start Performance Standards, and all federal, state, and local regulations. Ensures all federal, local, state, and/or agency documentation is completed accurately.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must have a CDA credential or a state‑awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential; is enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or is enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must submit to a background check, including BCI and FBI criminal records, federal and state sex offender registries and the statewide automated child welfare information system and be eligible for employment as required by ODJFS.
• Prefer one year of experience in a childcare or Head Start setting (ages birth‑5) classroom, and knowledge of diverse ethnic groups. Experience should include adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of all children.
• Must have a flexible schedule to accommodate family needs, which may include some evening or weekend hours.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and have the ability to read and interpret documents, write reports, present information to staff and parents, and respond to questions in a timely manner.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and e‑mail.