The Teacher Assistant will support the classroom teacher(s) in implementing the mission of Warren County Community Services and the Early Learning Centers. This position is responsible for assisting with the preparation and facilitation of developmentally appropriate activities, ensuring a safe and healthy environment, and fulfilling the requirements of Head Start performance standards and day care licensing regulations.
"80" Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Child Development and Learning
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Responsible for preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that encourage exploration, problem solving, and basic concept development.
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Share responsibility for classroom operation in compliance with Head Start and licensing guidelines.
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Foster large and small muscle development through a variety of physical activities.
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Use open-ended questions to stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Promote creative expression through art, music, and dramatic movement without the use of models or patterns.
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Help children develop self-discipline and internal control using positive guidance techniques.
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Responsible for completing developmental records or other classroom documentation.
2. Language and Communication
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Stimulate conversation and model appropriate, grammatically correct language.
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Support children’s use of language as a method of communication.
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Support children’s emerging literacy by reading daily, labeling environments, and offering writing materials.
3. Social and Emotional Development
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Help each child develop a positive self-concept by creating an atmosphere of acceptance and respect for all cultures and backgrounds.
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Implement Conscious Discipline strategies to promote positive social-emotional development.
4. Health, Safety, and Nutrition
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Maintain clean and safe environment, including sweeping/mopping floors, cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, and sanitizing surfaces on daily basis.
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Take action to prevent accidents and reduce health risks.
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Sit with children during family style meals.
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Support toilet training and hygiene as required.
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Assist with brushing teeth on a daily basis.
5. Curriculum and Assessment
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Complete developmental screening for assigned children within 45 days of enrollment.
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Conduct and document social-emotional, hearing, speech, and vision screenings.
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Implement Creative Curriculum Preschool through Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) and track child development.
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Maintain documentation required by Federal, State, and local policies for assigned children.
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Request and manage classroom supplies needed to implement lesson plans.
6. Family and Community Engagement
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Promote respect and support for the diverse cultures and backgrounds of children and families.
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Prepare for and conduct two home visits and two center conferences per year with each family.
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Communicate regularly with parents and involve them in classroom activities and reinforce learning at home by providing parent education.
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Assist with recruitment and enrollment activities.
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Maintain current, accurate, and confidential child records.
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Document parent contacts and in-kind contributions weekly.
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Attend monthly family engagement activities.
7. Professionalism and Teamwork
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Work as a team member by attending monthly center team meetings and supporting colleagues when others are absent.
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Follow instructions and accept supervision in a constructive and professional manner.
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Fill in for the teacher when needed.
8. Professional Development
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Attend pre-service, in-service, and other required trainings.
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After the first year of employment, begin coursework toward the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (tuition may be covered by the agency, but courses are taken on the employee’s own time).
9. Classroom Management and Routine Support
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Follow classroom routines and expectations when assigned to float between classrooms.
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Assist with classroom transitions, routines, and daily schedules as directed by the lead teacher.
"20" Duties/Responsibilities:
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Perform other duties as assigned by the Site Administrator in alignment with the goals and mission of the Early Learning Centers.
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Adapt to new guidelines based on changes in funding.
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Good verbal and written communication skills.
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Ability to relate warmly and effectively to preschool-aged children.
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Demonstrate dependable and reliable attendance.
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Ability to follow instructions and accept supervision.
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Flexibility to work in multiple classrooms as needed.
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Proficiency in data entry and word processing.
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Cooperative and professional demeanor when working with supervisors and team members.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity and professionalism.
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Must complete trainings/certifications in CPR, First Aid, Communicable Diseases, and Child Abuse.
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Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug test.
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Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and auto insurance with acceptable driving record required.
Education and Experience:
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High School Diploma or GED required.
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At least one year of experience working with preschool-aged children in a paid or volunteer role.
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Child Development Associate (CDA) credential obtained within 18 months from time of hire.
Physical Requirements:
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Must be able to lift and carry children or objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
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Must be able to bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, and sit on the floor to engage with children at their level.
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Must be able to move quickly and respond promptly in emergency situations.
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Must have the physical stamina to actively supervise and participate in indoor and outdoor activities throughout the day.
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Must be able to perform tasks related to physical caregiving, including feeding, diapering, assisting with toileting, and hygiene routines.
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Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and speech to ensure child safety and to communicate effectively with children, parents, and staff.
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Must be able to push or pull strollers, move classroom furniture, and complete light cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, taking out trash and sanitizing surfaces.
This is a full time, benefits eligible role at our South Lebanon Early Learning Center. Hours are Mon-Fri from 8:30am-2:30pm, 30 hours/week.
Benefits include: medical, dental, vision, 403B retirement program, paid time off and national holidays, long term disability, life insurance, discounted YMCA membership, paid Spring and Christmas breaks.
