Teacher Assistant

Roanoke, VA

  • Department: Head Start/Early Head Start
  • Posting Date: 06/24/2024
  • Closing Date: Open until filled
  • Salary: $15.75-$22.96/hr
  • Code: TA-HS/EHS

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

Every TAP employee shares in TAP’s responsibility to “Mobilize Community Resources” in support of TAP’s anti-poverty efforts.

 

DEFINITION AND PURPOSE:

The Head Start Teacher Assistant coordinates with the Teacher to develop and implement educational programs within Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms. They assist in supervising all children, facilitating educational experiences that promote their holistic growth—mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. By working closely with service area and classroom staff, the Teacher Assistant ensures the provision of nurturing and enriching experiences for children in the child development centers, while acknowledging parents as the primary influencers in children’s lives.

 

ORGNAIZATION RELATIONSHIPS:

Supervised by: Lead Teacher, Teacher, Center Supervisor, Education Coordinator

Supervises:                 No One

Coordinates with:       Center and Administrative Staff, Community Specialists,

Classroom Volunteers

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assists teacher in planning activities that meet the social, emotional, physical and educational needs of the children.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to the TAP Policies and Procedures, the Creative Curriculum and Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Observes and supervises children individually and as a group, and responds to their needs in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Follows lesson plans and routines but allows for flexibility to accommodate children’s interests and needs.
  • Records weekly child observations and assists with other duties as agreed upon within the teaching team.
  • Supports a team approach in meeting Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.
  • Works with center team to solve problems or seek additional resource for families and children.
  • Assists in creating a welcoming atmosphere by greeting parents and children in a friendly professional manner during drop-off and pick-up times.
  • Follows the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and TAP Head Start Code of Conduct regarding appropriate interactions with staff and parents.
  • Presents self professionally through appropriate dress, language and behavior.
  • Assumes duties of teacher in his/her absence, or upon request.
  • Assists in maintaining and accumulating In-Kind Reports.
  • Assists with maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the classroom and outdoor environment.
  • Assists in maintaining a classroom environment conducive to exploration and experimental learning with interest areas labeled, defined, and accessible to children.
  • Provide accident information immediately to supervisor; reports cases of suspected child abuse or neglect to supervisory staff and call Child Protective Services immediately.
  • Adheres to all policies/procedures as outlined in the TAP Head Start Policy and Procedures Manual.
  • Create a positive work environment by demonstrating flexibility and willingness to perform other job duties by participating appropriately in program planning and decisions, and in the implementation of those plans.
  • Ensures attendance and meals are completed at the point of service daily and recorded in ChildPlus.
  • Demonstrate skills in the CLASS Tool to promote a positive, engaging, responsive, respected, child-centered, and safe environment. By nurturing meaningful interactions, educators will support children’s holistic development.
  • Performs other duties as assigned and required.

 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Basic knowledge of developmental characteristics and needs of preschool children.
  • Familiarity with appropriate activities and interactions with preschool children.
  • Ability to learn, understand and follow program policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with staff, parents and children.

 

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Must obtain AA degree with concentration in Early Childhood Education or Child Development within two (2) years of hire.
  • AA degree with concentration in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
  • At least one year of experience with preschool children.
  • Must obtain Preschool CDA within 90 days of hire
  • Must attend a minimum of 21 training hours as required and provided by TAP Head Start.
  • At TAP, we focus on the Whole Family Approach.   Whole Family is a family led strategy to achieve set goals.  As an employee you may be required to attend Whole Family training and subject to data entry into the agency’s software as part of the Whole Family approach and serving clients

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must have a valid Virginia Operator’s license and reliable transportation.
  • TAP participates in the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.  Employees who operate a TAP vehicle or their personal vehicle to conduct TAP business may be subject to driver record monitoring through the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.
  • Must pass drug screening. Some positions require positive complete background screening including:  criminal, sex offender and child protective services.
  • Must be able to interact with children.
  • Must have CPR, First Aid Certification, and MAT certification or be able to complete such certification within 6 months of employment.
  • Must be available to work any eight (8) hour shift during center operational hours of 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Physical activity of this position – climbing; ascending and descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like; balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, use of fingers for – picking, pinching, and typing; grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Physical requirements of this position – medium work; exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Visual acuity requirements – must be able to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Conditions worker subject to in this position – worker in not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
  • Performs other duties as assigned and required by the Supervisor.

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job and general nature and level of work associated with the job.  It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such an individual may be given.

 

We only hire individuals legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace

Bilingual Ability is a plus