Under the direction of the Teacher and/or the Education Manager, the Teacher Assistant helps to create and maintain an atmosphere in the classroom in which children feel welcome, valued, comfortable, and secure. In addition, assists Teacher in involving parents in educational activities and participates in classroom activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

EDUCATION: The Teacher Assistant cooperates with the Teacher to plan a schedule of daily activities, to plan field trips, and special projects. Prepares educational materials and classroom environment for daily activities. Acts as the Teacher in Teacher’s absence.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES: As directed by the Teacher, the Teacher Assistant will supervise play activities, participate in activities, and direct small and large group activities. Observe, record, and report children's behavior and play. They will help children with self-care routines and provide aid to children who experience difficulty or loss of control and intervene in situations where injury may result. Provide active supervision in the classroom, at off-site experiences, field trips, and on the Head Start bus (Bus Monitor).

CLASSROOM MAINTENANCE: The Teacher Assistant will maintain educational supplies and art materials, monitor equipment and supplies, and cooperate with the teacher to maintain an orderly classroom environment. This includes with clean-up at mealtime and after playtime.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT: In addition, provides childcare during after-hour parent events at a minimum of two shifts per year. During events, completes intake forms with parents. Helps parents to feel comfortable in their role as classroom helpers and involves parents in activities and projects. Refers parent's questions to the Teacher, as appropriate. To meet the changing needs of families, it may be necessary to schedule meetings and family events after regular hours.

RECORDKEEPING: Helps to maintain a complete record of each child enrolled as required by federal and state regulations. Maintain accurate attendance records, written records of conversations with parents, and ongoing daily observations. Observations are to be entered into assessment program to allow for accurate assessments to be completed on each child. Ensures BFIS credential account is up to date.

* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Per OHS requirement, must hold a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) or associate degree in early childhood education (AA), or be enrolled in a program leading to a CDA or AA within 2 years of employment start date.