Teacher Assistant in Buffalo, New York at The Community Action Organization of Western New York Inc

JOB SUMMARY (Head Start Niagara County )

This position works collaboratively with other teachers, family members, and staff to create a safe and
stimulating learning environment for young children.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Primary Responsibilities:
• Supervise and monitor children at all times.
• Establish a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Greet children and parents upon arrival and escorts children to and from the bus.
• Works closely with the lead teacher with tasks and carrying out the educational program.
• Models a positive work ethic for parents and staff.
• Involved in mealtime with the children, assist with the serving of meals, nutrition supplements, and
clean up.
• Assist children with academic, play activities, and gauge the level of support needed for the least
restrictive environment.
• Help children create and maintain relationships with peers.
• Help children with personal care needs.
• Maintains the room equipment and materials.
• Assist in the preparation of the classroom and materials for classroom work.
• Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities and program events.
• Perform related work as required by the agency in providing services to children and families.

Secondary Responsibilities:
• Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state awarded certificate that meets or exceeds
the requirements for a CDA credential
• For Early Head Start – Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in infant development

Skills and Abilities:
• Passion for working with children to create a positive learning environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential.
• Must be flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances.
• Use positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to manage classroom behavior.
• Provide emotional support and foster a positive, supportive environment.
• Ability to work well with others
• Communicate with parents, build partnerships and involve families in the child’s learning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Demands:
• Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Perform moderate to vigorous activity with children.
• Must be able to tolerate loud to moderate noise.
• Prolonged standing and sitting
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, and sit on the floor
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds
Application Requirements:
• Completion of the following documents:
o CAO Employment application
o NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance
o Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children
(misdemeanor or felony)
o Fingerprinting required.
o Release for Reference Checks
• Must pass a physical examination by a CAO physician at no cost to applicant

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential
job functions.