San Saba EHS Teacher Assistant

Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc.

Head Start Job Description

JOB TITLE: EHS Teacher Assistant (12 months) FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Teacher/Director or Site Director ASSIGNMENT DATE: _____________

DESIGNATED HEADQUARTERS: _____________

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___________________________________________________________________________________ POSITION SUMMARY

The Early Head Start Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting the EHS Teacher employees in the supervision and care of infant and toddler age children in the Early Head Start Program. Employees in this classification receive direct or general supervision from a center teacher and work on a day-to-day basis within the framework of standard policies and procedures. This job aids infant and toddler age children as well as in the implementation of program objectives and in providing responsible day care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists teacher in classroom care giving routines
  
• Assists teacher in maintaining a clean, safe and orderly classroom environment
  
• Assists children in bathroom procedures; performs diapering duties as necessary
  
• Participates with teacher in home visits
  
• Assists with the implementation of health, emergency procedures and first aid
  
• Attends meetings and in-service trainings as provided
  
• Record keeping and order supplies
  
• Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
  
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises good judgment concerning confidential information.
  
• Follow agency personnel and safety procedures.
  
• Possess and maintain licenses and/or certifications that are required for the job.
  
• Assist with providing meals, snacks, and preparing bottles.
  
• Assist in the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standards for Childcare Licensing
  
• Assist with indoor and outdoor recreational activities suitable for infants and toddlers
  
• Learn effective and appropriate care giving and practices utilized in infant/toddler care
  
• Read, write, and speak English at a level sufficient for successful job performance
  
• Effectively supervise and care for individual or groups of infant and toddler age children in their play and during routines
  
• Effectively understand and follow written and oral instructions
  
• Effectively interact with infants and toddlers in a responsive, positive and sensitive manner
  
• Maintain effectiveness in a stressful situation
  
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely and effectively
  
• Establish and maintain cooperative, mutually supportive and effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
  
• Have a warm, supportive, pleasant and positive attitude toward young children and parents.
  
• Be flexible in receiving assignments or adapting to changes in the program.
  
• Be willing to accept supervision in order to improve work performance.
  
• After the new hire probationary period (90 days) Teacher Assistants must work toward and receive a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
  
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Center Director.
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

ANNUAL PRE-SERVICE TRAINING IS MANDATORY

EDUCATION: Minimum: CDA; or enrolled in a program leading to an Associate's or Bachelor's degree or enrolled in CDA program to be completed within 2 years.

EXPERIENCE: Knowledge of infant and toddler growth and development principles and practices. Effective child guidance practices and principles

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must have a warm, supportive, pleasant, and positive attitude toward young children and parents. Must be reliable. Must be flexible in receiving assignments or adapting to changes in the program. Must be willing to accept supervision to improve work performance.

OTHER: Professional manner and attire. No record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment. Must have a valid Class C driver's license and a reliable vehicle with current liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA's vehicle insurance policy. A Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire. Must maintain CPR and First Aide certifications. Must comply with all HCCAA Policies and maintain confidentiality and courtesy in all phases of agency operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

Must be able to operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires interacting with the children on their level at times (on the floor), and sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving. Must be able to lift to 40 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment. Requires a normal range of hearing and vision. Must be able to react quickly (run after a child).

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to analyze the effectiveness of classroom operations and choose the most effective course of action for the Head Start program at any given point in time. Must handle new and diverse work problems daily. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive the real problem and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with employees at all levels within the agency. Bilingual skills are encouraged. Knowledge of basic math and literacy skills. Ability to record data pertinent to Head Start Performance Standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

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During the Head Start school year the classroom staff is scheduled to work an alternate work schedule to coincide with the center's hours of operation. (As assigned for those working less than full time). The center hours of operation are typically 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. The Center Director will plan the work schedule for each employee. To meet program goals, classroom staff will occasionally be required to perform duties outside their alternate work schedule. Some out-of-town and overnight travel are required.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

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Accrual of sick and vacation leave, health insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and up to 15 paid holidays per year. Options for employee paid benefits.

Note: Eligibility for benefits is based on Personnel Policies & Procedures and benefits are subject to change.

FLSA STATUS DISCLAIMER:

FLSA status is based in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Any changes in the act which will affect the FLSA status will be adhered to. When wages exceed the position entry level due to tenure, the Exempt/Non-Exempt status will be designated accordingly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT:

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I have reviewed the Early Head Start Teacher Assistant Job Description and acknowledge receipt of same. I understand that my job may not necessarily be limited to those listed, as their exact nature may vary as program, project elements, and priorities change in the future. I understand this job description may be updated as needed.

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Signature of Employee Date

As supervisor of the Early Head Start Teacher Assistant position, I have received a copy of this job description and acknowledge its receipt with my signature below.

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Supervisor Signature Date