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Teacher Assistant (Co-Teacher)

Job Description

Reports to: Site Director Classification: Non-Exempt

Work Direction: The Teacher Assistant shall generally work forty (40) hours each week

under the direct supervision of the PEL/Lead Teacher with the schedule personally

arranged, and mutually agreed to by the Site Director and Senior Director of Programs.

Basic Function: The Teacher Assistant provides direct care to the children and parents in

collaboration with other teaching staff. The Teacher Assistant is also responsible for the

active participation/contribution in the progress of the Centers educational philosophy

and environmental goals. The incumbent must demonstrate leadership and problem

solving skills in and out of the classroom setting.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Demonstrates positive interactions with children.

Listens, responds and speaks to children, at eye level within close proximity, in a

positive respectful tone, for the purpose of modeling appropriate behavior and

exhibits respect for each child.

Demonstrates ability to nurture children appropriately, to provide children with the

comfort of a safe, responsive environment as needed.

Follows guidelines and discusses childs behavior and development with teaching

staff to maintain compliance with governmental regulations, as well as develops a

strong understand of each child for the purpose of planning individualized activities.

Aids the teaching staff in classroom administrative details including but not limited

to attendance and days schedule of activities.

Oversees and implements planned activities, in conjunction with teaching staff and

provides for the safety and well-being of each child.

Interacts and intervenes with each child during all activities.

Arranges and maintains the environment of the classroom to compliment the

curriculum and provide a safe environment for children to learn.

Assist parent volunteers in the classroom and builds and ensures positive on-going

relationships with parents.

Secures all material and equipment at the close of operations daily.

Assists with maintaining bulletin boards, preparing labels and with various

paperwork.

Reports repair and supply needs to lead teacher.

Communicates to teaching staff all pertinent information from parents and/or

information regarding each childs overall well-being and development.

Assist in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, federal, state and city

regulations and licensing requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned by their Supervisor(s).

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to effectively communicate, both individually and in group settings, with

community members, groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families.

Ability to plan and facilitate group and individual experiences for children according to

their needs, strengths and interests.

Ability to work with others in supporting a positive work environment.

Ability to speak with groups or individual parents regarding child development,

curriculum planning, goal setting, and kindergarten readiness.

Knowledge of various software programs such as MS Word, Excel, Power-Point, and

Publisher.

Education

This position requires at minimum a High School diploma or GED equivalency, plus six (6)

hours of formal training in Child Development and Early Childhood Education and Level 1

Early Childhood Education Gateways Certification.

This position actually requires an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education plus

three (3) years of Early Childhood experience in classroom teaching environments. The

incumbent must possess a Level 2 - 4 Infant Toddler/Early Childhood Edu cation Gateways

Certification.

Training and Experience

The incumbent must possess at minimum six (6) months of experience in a pre-school

setting under qualified supervision in a paid and/or volunteer capacity. The incumbent

must possess the knowledge of child development, licensing, and funding standards. The

incumbent must be familiar with legislation and advocacy of childcare services in the State

of Illinois; this includes best practices in Early Childhood Development standards.

Additionally, the incumbent must possess the ability to relate and develop a mutual respect

for the families and children served and must possess the ability to get along with diverse

personalities, demonstrate tact, and maturity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS