Teacher Assistant- Head Start

Paladin; Michigan City (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Paladin is seeking a passionate Teacher Assistant for their NAEYC accredited program in Michigan City, Indiana. The role includes supporting a multi-lingual classroom, nurturing children's curiosity, and implementing developmentally appropriate practices. You will assist the lead teacher in organizing experiences that promote social and emotional development.

Qualified candidates should demonstrate strong supervision skills and effective communication. Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment make this a rewarding position.

Qualifications

• Strength and coordination adequate to work with preschool children, kneeling, bending.
• Ability to visually assess health and behaviors of children.
• Professional conduct while representing Paladin.

Responsibilities

• Support the lead teacher in classroom organization.
• Provide a safe environment with supervision of children.
• Assist with planning ongoing experiences.

Skills

Physical capability

Computer literacy

Supervision of preschool children

Professional conduct

Communication skills

Education

CDA credential or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

Come join our NAEYC accredited program as we pilot a new multi‑lingual program in our infant classroom. By combining baby sign language, Spanish, and utilizing the “tune‑in, talk more, and take turns” method, we will create a language‑rich environment in which you will help our children gain the skills they need to become bi‑lingual. Nurture curiosity through purposeful experiences to create a future full of lifelong learners. Help meet the diverse needs of our families in our program. Implement Reggio‑Emilia Inspired Approach while bringing joy, warmth, patience, and understanding to the classroom every day, encouraging children to learn and grow. Inspiring children to be lifelong learners, implementing curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, verbal, and cognitive development. Committed to making their school successful and creating meaningful relationships with children, parents, and families plays a crucial role in that success.

Responsibilities

• Support the lead teacher in organizing and preparing opportunities for children and families to create meaningful connections with the community.
• Always provide a safe environment with supervision of children at all times, consistently applying active supervision and emergency procedures.
• Assist with planning intentional ongoing experiences that enhance the cognitive, social, emotional, linguistic, and physical development of young children in cooperation with the lead teacher.
• Assist with submitting weekly lesson and unit plans that support each child’s identified goals, in cooperation with the lead teacher, reflecting an integrated approach across all content areas.
• Assist with endorsing and implementing the Reggio Emilia Progettazione in alignment with NAEYC, Indiana Early Learning, and Head Start standards.
• Support the lead teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques, including Conscious Discipline in alignment with Paladin’s image of the child.
• Keep necessary reports and documentation, including but not limited to assessment data, developmental screening, behavior intervention plans, and conference notes.
• Appropriately implement CACFP procedures and comply with all USDA laws.
• Assist the lead teacher with planning for, utilizing, and training volunteers for the classroom, playground, gross motor area, and field trips.
• Assist the lead teacher with providing parents opportunities to give input into the daily curriculum and document input on lesson plans.
• Assist with planning and implementing meaningful parent engagement opportunities.
• Attend parent meetings.
• Build respectful, culturally responsive, and trusting relationships with families.
• Engage in effective collegial relationships and interact with other staff using the highest standards of professionalism.
• Support the team by providing coverage for breaks, lunches, and illnesses as needed.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Organize time to allow for planning, preparation, and parent/teacher conferences.
• Be responsive to mentor/coaching/management feedback and demonstrate a willingness to assist the lead teacher with implementing new strategies.
• Provide customer service in reception, greet, and direct visitors at the site.
• Perform other relevant responsibilities as required by the program or assigned by supervisor.
• Assist the teacher in maintaining a clean, sanitary, safe and welcoming classroom.
• Model the respectful workplace policy when interacting with Paladin clients, community members, and colleagues.
• Be able to handle confidential material, organize effectively, and work independently.
• Assure that a positive image of Paladin is always portrayed.
• Maintain current, valid driver’s license and liability insurance on any personal vehicle used to conduct Paladin business.
• Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Complete 15 credit hours in ECE and a minimum of 20 hours continuing education, based on an individualized professional development plan.

Employment Conditional Upon Results of the Following

• Successful Drug Screening.
• Successful Physical Capacities Examination and TB screen results.
• Criminal History Background Clearance.

Qualifications

• Physical capability: strength and coordination adequate to work with preschool children, including kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor.
• Required computer literacy: Word processing, database, Internet, spreadsheets, and e‑mail; ability to assist in maintaining computerized records for child/family tracking systems.
• Ability to visually assess the health and behaviors of children and to make frequent significant decisions to assure developmental progress.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise preschool children and ensure a safe learning environment, including monitoring and responding to events both inside and outside the classroom, on field trips, and on the bus.
• Ability to use teacher preparation time effectively and refrain from engaging in personal business.
• Professional conduct: conduct oneself with decorum while representing Paladin; respond appropriately to emergencies; uphold mandated reporting responsibilities as required by the State of Indiana.
• Occasional driving for training and job responsibilities.
• Occasional lifting in excess of 50 lbs and ability to carry or drag a child in an emergency.
• Occasional climbing steps to enter and exit a bus.
• Teacher assistants must have a CDA credential or a state‑awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or be enrolled in a program that will lead to a CDA within one year of hire.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a privately owned vehicle with liability insurance for use in completing work responsibilities.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications within 30 days from date of hire.