OBJECTIVE:
Under the supervision of the Classroom Teacher, the Teacher Associate assists the Teacher in implementing the Head Start program at the program and classroom level. Responsibilities encompass all facets of the program, including integration of components following Head Start Performance Standards, New Mexico state childcare industry licensing regulations and the accreditation requirements for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); health/safety and developmentally appropriate education of young children; involvement of parents/guardians; and maintenance and security of Head Start classroom.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED), CDA or NM Early Child Accreditation, plus six months’ experience working with children ages 3 to 5.
• As prescribed in section 648A (a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act, Head Start Preschool assistant teachers, at a minimum must have a CDS credential or a State-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDS credential program to be completed within the YDI internal goal of one year from the time of hire.
• Must be able to read and write.
• Ability to exhibit emotional maturity and good judgment, to include high standards of morals and speech.
• Ability to establish an effective professional manner in all dealings with clients and the general public.
• Must be dependable and flexible with regard to working hours.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Not Inclusive):
• Assist the classroom Teacher in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program for young children based on early childhood principles, best practice, and Head Start philosophy.
• Assists in implementing (with fidelity and consistency) the curricula selected by the agency in all domains, such as education, mental health, nutrition, health/safety, etc.
• Assists in utilizing, organizing, and safe keeping classroom resources and curricula materials, ensuring materials are readily available at any time in the classroom, and accounted for in the beginning and end of each school year.
• Must have knowledge and comply with Head Start Performance Standards and Head Start component work plans, as well as local and state licensing regulations and policies.
• Assists Teacher in developmental screening and assessment of each child based on the agency’s timeline, assisting in making relevant referrals to component coordinators. Supports Teacher in referral processes and implementation of IEPs.
• Assists in developing and implementing written daily lesson plans which meet individual developmental needs of children in the classroom.
• Develop and maintain strong, positive home/school relations.
• Participate in scheduled and non-scheduled home visits and teacher/parent conferences.
• Attends Center Parent meetings as assigned.
• Assists in completion/maintenance of all records and reports, including (but not limited to) meal counts, attendance, in-kind and accident reports.
• Works as a team with teacher in planning and implementing all aspects of the program in the classroom.
• Assumes the responsibilities of the Teacher in his/her absence.
• Participation in required in-service training provided for Head Start staff.
• Participate in regular job performance assessments, including development and implementation of individual professional development plans.
• Comply with all program performance standards, agency, local, state and federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and records.
• Carry out all job-related duties and responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner (refer to Head Start Employee Code of Ethics and NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Comment).
• Assist the Classroom Teacher in reporting on the health and other needs of children.
• Upon arrival of children, they must assist the Classroom Teacher in daily health checks.
• Responsible for knowledge of State Laws and Head Start Polices regarding child abuse.
• Responsible for knowledge of State Licensing requirements regarding child code.
• Assist teacher in kindergarten transition processes and activities.
• Assist Teacher in Center activities.
• Responsible for helping children change their clothes when accidents occur such as wetting, soiling, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.
JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is a professional position, which requires organizational and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact and diplomacy in contacts with Head Start employees, community residents, parents and local government agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.
Good general health and ability to lift and carry 55 lbs. are essential. TB skin test and physical are required at offer to hire. Physicals may be required every five years. Background investigation to include fingerprinting is required. Travel may be required. Proof of valid driver’s license and car insurance is required. Must be able to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Classroom supervision provided by the Teacher. Direct supervision provided by the Center Director.
