Head Start Teacher Aide (1261) - Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans

The Head Start Teacher Assistant works under the supervision of the Head Start Teacher. The Head Start Teacher Assistant assists with organizing classroom space and equipment to meet the individual needs of children enrolled. The Head Start Teacher Assistant assists in planning, with the supervisory staff members activities in all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development practices, which will encourage children to: initiate activities, solve problems, explore, experiment, question and learn by doing.

Required Knowledge & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate proficiently in English with children, families, staff and community agencies and partners.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment (computer, fax, scanner, copier).
• Ability to operate the internet, Microsoft office, and Microsoft Outlook.
• Ability to fill in for the Head Start teacher when needed.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; stoop; bend; walk; talk; hear; use hands to grip, type; reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand, or walk on uneven surfaces; climb stairs; run; Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to be a mandated reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect.

Minimum Qualifications:

• CDA certification or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Services or a related field preferred. Proven proficiency in verbal and written communication skills.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure classroom activities (including transitions) are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy.
• Ensure classroom interactions are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy.
• Ensure playground interactions are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy/Licensing Regulations.
• Assist with the creation/implementation of lesson plans that reflect planning for individuals, small and large groups according to Policies and Procedures, including IEP goals and objectives as needed.
• Assist with the preparation of materials and supplies in advance for activities.
• Assist in creating a sense of community in the classroom through relationship building and allowing children to complete routine tasks.
• Assist in implementing approved weekly lesson plan in the classroom daily.
• Assist in preparing materials and supplies in advance for activities.
• Assist with ensuring that Teaching Strategies Gold reflects accurate information on each child.
• Assist with gathering, maintaining, and reviewing of data toward Outcomes and School Readiness Goals three times per year in TSG (Teaching Strategies Gold), and with DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile) according to program calendar.
• Assist with the research based Frogstreet Curriculum for Three-Year-Old and Pre-K (4-5) and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework to create a developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children.
• Use screenings, ongoing assessments, information from parents and other staff to meet the learning needs of each child (ASQ2 and ASQ3, TSG, and DRDP).
• Conduct Parent Conferences using the ChildPlus Parent Report 5024.
• Assist in the provision of a daily balanced schedule of child initiated and adult initiated activities. Assist in ensuring that modifications are made to include children with special needs.
• Assist with providing experiences and learning materials that are representative of children's cultures.
• Learn and express key words in children's home language.
• Assist with all screenings, assessments, and observations on each child according to program calendar and Policies and Procedures; ensuring all required information is contained in each child's file.
• Ensure classroom compliance with State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program), and agency policies and procedures.
• Participate in child staffing to discuss strengths, needs and goals for children and families.
• Assist with entering and reviewing all documentation into Child Plus and TSG according with program calendar and Policies and Procedures.
• Monitor classroom and playground for health and safety concerns according to procedures.
• Establish effective communication with families through monthly calendars, newsletters, home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Complete daily health inspections and follow up documentation.
• Complete and submit accident reports in the required timeframe.
• Ensure sanitation, hygiene procedures and health practices are strictly adhered to daily and assist in the daily maintenance of the classroom.
• Ensure CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) score for classroom is at or above established program threshold.
• Ensure family style dining.
• Check emails a minimum of 2x daily.
• Submit accurate and timely employee time, attendance, and mileage reports.
• Secure and document in-kind contributions, volunteer time, and community support.
• Attend training and in-service as assigned.
• Ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted in a timely manner.
• Adheres to Agency's HS/EHS confidentiality policy, professional ethics, and standards, demonstrating work habits which comply with agency personnel policies and procedures.
• Regular attendance and timely arrival to assigned work site.
• Ability to pass a physical exam and TB (Tuberculosis test) yearly.
• Other duties, as assigned.