Head Start Teaching Assistant - Kingsport VO Dobbins - UETHDA

Position Summary/Objective

Must be dedicated to the Mission and Vision of UETHDA and Purpose of the Head Start Program. Must be willing to make decisions that are in the best interest of UETHDA and the Head Start Program.

As part of the education team, under the general direction of the Team Leader, with support from the Teacher, the Teaching Assistant helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities. These activities are designed to foster or enhance all areas of the child’s development.

Capable of incorporating technology into daily activities to be efficient at performing tasks, capturing, and measuring data, making decisions, and communicating effectively.

Our Culture

The Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency has been a strong force in the community since 1964. Our mission can be summed up with “Helping People. Changing Lives.” We are looking for staff who are passionate about helping people and making a difference in their community.

Our Mission is to provide education, direction and support to individuals, families, and organizations in order to strengthen and stabilize the community through collaborative efforts of agency programs and cooperative partnerships.

Our Vision is to be the model agency for the community, state and nation by: valuing the intrinsic worth of each individual, family and organization; supporting the community through exemplary, essential and distinct services; empowering clients to reach their greatest potential; enhancing community partnerships through collaborative efforts; & fostering a seamless continuum of care to clients.

The Purpose of the Head Start Program is to instill School Readiness in children and families. This is accomplished through providing high quality teaching and education experiences, superior health and nutrition guidance, establishing relationships and giving support to families in order to achieve self-sufficiency by providing guidance and assisting in setting goals, fostering growth and development through maintaining adequate classrooms and spaces, and continuously improving the operation of the Head Start program through measuring Program strengths and weaknesses in order to more effectively achieve the goal of School Readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in promoting social and emotional development of children and in maintaining classroom discipline using positive guidance techniques.
• Assists in organizing classroom maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment; teaches children safety precautions and procedures on the bus to assure the safe arrival of all Head Start Children to and from the center.
• Observes, assesses, refers, and evaluates each child’s progress in assigned classroom, and assists in planning and implementing classroom activities based on individual needs of the children to advance physical and intellectual competence.
• Makes home visits as required, assists with parent meetings, and maintains positive communication with parents and community participants regarding program activities and objectives.
• Provides support services to families by working closely with teacher and component staff to keep them informed and to obtain assistance.
• Assists in preparing and maintaining records and submitting reports to meet Performance Standards and work plans; attends meetings and required training.
• Demonstrates work habits which comply with agency personnel policies and procedures, and completes special assignments from Teacher, Team Leader, Education Manager, or Head Start Director.
• May ride school bus to assist getting children on off the bus.
• Other duties as assigned.

Leadership Competencies

1. Teamwork Orientation
2. Decision Making
3. Client Focus
4. Communication Proficiency

Work Environment/Physical Demands

These physical demands must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. There is constant standing and movement around the classrooms. There may be occasional lifting of a child up to 50 lbs. There is constant squatting, sitting on the floor, and running after children to keep them safe. Must always be alert and ready to react to student behavior. Must be able to ride the bus and must be able to get on and off the bus to assist, monitor, load and unload the children.

Breaks and Holidays:

• Paid Fall Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break and holidays 

Healthcare/Personal Benefits:

• 1 Day of Healthcare/Personal accrued per month worked

Additional Benefits:

• Healthcare through the State of Tennessee.  UETHDA pays 100% of the monthly premium for the Employee Only (estimated cost paid by UETHDA for the employee is $600 per month ($7,200 annually).  Additional insurance coverage is available but cost difference will be paid by the employee.
• Dental, Vision, Short-Term, Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance options are offered at 100% cost to the employee.
• Group Term Life Insurance for employee paid by UETHDA at 100% for coverage of 1.5 time the yearly wages
• Retirement Plan--Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Eligible employees are required to contribute 5% of yearly wages (pre-tax basis to the defined TCRS plan).  UETHDA contributes an amortized amount as determined by TCRS.  Employees are vested upon 5 years of eligible service.
• Additional 401(K) and 457 Savings Plan also available without employer match.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position and is paid hourly. Typically, this position will work 30 hours per week, approximately 44-46 weeks per school year with a summer lay off of approximately 6 to 8 weeks.  Working days are Monday through Friday with varying day shift hours depending on location.  Elected benefits continue during temporary summer lay-off. 

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within 2 years of employment.
• One year’s experience working with preschool children.
• Ability to think and problem-solve creatively.
• Basic Use of Microsoft Office Programs.
• Proficient written and verbal communication.
• Must possess 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses.
• Hearing range must be within normal limits with or without hearing aides.
• Must possess the physical ability to get down on the floor with the children, sit on the child size furniture, run after children, and chase children if necessary.
• Must possess the physical ability to lift furniture, equipment, and children weighing up to (50) pounds.
• Must meet all requirements outlined in the State of Tennessee DHS “Standards for Day Care Centers Serving Preschool Children.”
• Valid Tennessee Driver's License/ Proof of auto insurance.

EOE Statement

UETHDA hires high quality staff from a variety of fields and education levels who have a passion for changing the lives of others. UETHDA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary based 100% on Education/Degree.

$13.00 (High School Education) up to $14.75 (BS in Early Childhood Education/Development)