Teacher Assistant HS

Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency; Dearborn Heights (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency seeks an enthusiastic Early Childhood support assistant for the Dearborn Heights area. You will assist in daily programming, support lesson planning, and help meet the needs of children and families in a respectful, inclusive environment.

You will collaborate with teachers, document observations, and help maintain records, showing strong communication and teamwork. The role requires a CDA credential or active CDA enrollment and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• Associates in Early Childhood/Child Development preferred.
• CDA credential required or actively pursuing CDA within 1 year.
• Must be able to obtain CDA/degree-related certifications within two years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing daily programming under supervision.
• Assist in developing daily lesson plans and preparing materials.
• Support children in need of special attention with a nurturing approach.
• Maintain a safe, inviting environment for children and families.
• Direct classroom activities and participate in team meetings.

Skills

Child interaction

Communication

Teamwork

Independence

Observation & reporting

Education

CDA credential

Early Childhood/Child Development program (enrolled)

Tools

Google Workspace

MS Office (Word/Excel)

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: St Alberts Dbrn Hts - Dearborn Heights, MI 48125, Salary Range: $18.42 - $21.80 Hourly, Job Category: Whole Family Success-Early, Scope:

Essential Functions

• Assist in planning and implementing daily programming under the supervision of the program manager/teacher.


• Participate in the development of the daily lesson plan.


• Assist individual children in need of special attention and care.


• Assist in creating and maintaining a safe, inviting, and accepting environment for young children and their parents.


• Direct specific classroom activities, including large and small groups, as assigned by the teacher.


• Assist in planning and preparing materials for daily activities.


• Assist with daily clean up and care of classroom.


• Assist in the daily on-going assessment of children through the taking of anecdotal notes, scoring them and entering the information into On-line COR.


• Maintain records as required (i.e. attendance, meal counts, daily summary logs, emergency cards, contact log, etc.), and conduct observational assessments.


• Assist in any and all areas of the program as directed.


• Participate in team meetings and training when appropriate.


• Address children, parents, staff with respect and by name.


• Assist in the process of receiving children and preparing them for dismissal, including loading buses.


• Perform special assignments as directed by immediate supervisor or other management as required.


• Comply with all licensing regulations and performance standards.


• Assist program manager in completing developmental screenings of children.


• Participate in the development and monitoring of family service plans.


• Maintain a positive attitude towards assigned work, clients, and staff, and a willingness to work with others.


• Perform work in a professional manner that upholds Wayne Metro’s policies and procedures.


• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates in Early Childhood/ Child Development preferred; At minimum:
  
  
  
  • Child development associate credential (CDA); or
  
  
  • Currently enrolled in a child development associate (CDA) program to be completed within one year; or
  
  
  • Currently enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood/ Child Development and have successfully completed 12-credit hours in the area of major. All enrolled programs must be completed within two years of hire date.
  
  
  
  


• Ability to work with children with disabilities.


• Ability to communicate and interact with children in a caring, responsive, and nurturing manner.


• Ability to intervene with children’s behaviors in a non-punitive and supportive manner.


• Ability to establish positive and productive working relationships with parents/caregivers.


• Ability to be self-directed in the completion of tasks.


• Ability to work as a positive and productive member of a team.


• Ability to coordinate a number of varying tasks simultaneously.


• Basic understanding of child development, age appropriate behaviors, common childhood behavior problems, and appropriate interventions.


• Ability to work with and to demonstrate commitment, caring, and respect for children and adults regardless of race, gender, age, and cultural or ethnic background.


• Commitment to the welfare of the families the program serves and to the delivery of quality services.


• Ability and willingness to continue personal and professional growth and skill development.


• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors, colleagues, and all agency staff.


• Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner.


• Ability to communicate effectively to individuals and groups both orally and in writing.


• Ability and willingness to make home visits.


• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.


• Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.


• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.


• Ability to lift 30 lbs or more.

Minimum Competencies

• Working knowledge of basic internet applications and programs including Google technology and Microsoft Office Word and Excel. The ability to learn and utilize the necessary programs for this position.


• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.


• Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.


• Ability to provide services for those persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.


• Ability to work independently or in a team environment (as deemed necessary).


• Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro policies and procedures.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel to various sites.

Licensing and Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.


• Must be COVID-19 vaccinated, or partially, with the ability to complete within 30-days of employment. Circumstances preventing vaccination, and corresponding accommodations will be reviewed and considered.

Work Hours

Work schedule is Monday – Friday, with specific hours (and occasional Saturdays) to be determined by department needs.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.