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The Teacher Assistant is responsible for assisting the teacher in the planning and implementation of educational activities in the classroom, consistent with Head Start performance standards; providing a learning environment which is interesting, stimulating and developmentally appropriate thus encouraging each child to reach his/her maximum potential. He/she will receive instruction, training and supervision from the Teacher, Education Coordinator and the Area/Site Supervisor, with a dotted line reporting relationship with the Education/Transition Manager. He/she will receive evaluations from the teacher with input from the Education Coordinator and Area/Site Supervisor.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Prefer Six (6) months of early childhood related work experience
• Must obtain Child Development Associate credential or State Certificate within 2-1/2 years of hire.
• Possess excellent oral and written English communication skills

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS:

• Certification in First Aid and CPR within the first 2 months of beginning employment and updated as required.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to express self, in English, in a clear, concise, understandable manner, both orally and in writing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Warm and friendly personality.
• Compassionate in accomplishing the objectives and goals of the Head Start Program.
• Ability to gain the confidence of Head Start families.
• Ability to interact with children and adults in a positive, courteous and professional manner.
• As a condition of employment, must meet SNMCACs vehicle liability insurance standards (refer to the Human Resources Policy Handbook) in effect at the time of hire and remain insurable during employment with SNMCAC.

Requirements that must be satisfied prior to attaining regular employment status: 1. Three Professional References 2. Proof of High School Diploma/GED/CDA/Educational Credentials/Degree (Per Job Requirement) 3. Drug and Alcohol Pre-screen Test (Per Job Requirement) 4. TB Test Results 5. Local Police Report 6. Child Abuse and Criminal Background Checks (Fingerprints will be taken and Processed) 7. Valid Drivers License 8. Clear Driving Record 9. Proof of Current Vehicle Liability Insurance 10. Proof of US Citizenship, or eligibility to work in the US

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consistently Occupation requires this approximately 66% - 100% of the time:

• Assists in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and arranges a learning environment, which meets the physical, cognitive and social-emotional, needs of all children, including those with special needs.
• Assists in observing, assessing and keeping a current record of each assigned childs developmental progress.
• Participates in both indoor and outdoor activities with the children.
• Assures that classroom furniture, toys and equipment are kept safe, clean and orderly.
• Assists in maintaining appropriate, accurate records on each assigned child, inventory, equipment, supplies, volunteer hours, daily meal counts and submitting paperwork in a timely manner.
• Greets the parent on a daily basis as the parent is bringing in and/or picking up their child.
• Serves as a role model for employees, children, parents, clients and community partners.
• Maintains good work habits through timeliness and low absenteeism.
• Punctual at all times.
• Develops and maintains a positive, professional attitude an working relationship with the staff, clients and community.
• Facilitates open communication with employees, parents, clients and community partners.
• Knowledge of SNMCAC and Head Start policies, procedures, performance standards and NM state licensing regulations.
• Complies with SNMCACs Confidentiality Policy assuring that the program, children, family and employee records and information are protected at all times.
• Understands, accepts, implements and promotes SNMCACs Mission Statement, program goals, philosophy and objectives.

Frequently Occupation requires this approximately 33% - 66% of the time:

• Assists children with toileting/diapering.
• Prepares/cooks breakfast in the classroom.
• Assists in obtaining and documenting the required monthly volunteer hours.
• Carries out any and all other assignments to meet the goals and objectives of the Southeast NM Community Action Corporation and the Head Start program. Occasionally Occupation requires this up to 33% of the time:
• In the absence of the teacher, assumes the teachers responsibilities and takes charge of the classroom.
• Assists in conducting a developmental screening of the children.
• Assists in conducting an initial contact, a minimum of two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences during the school year.
• Participates in the enrollment process of children and families.
• Participates in activities/projects planned for the parents.
• Participates and works cooperatively with parents and other Head Start staff in the development and utilization of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Attends IEP meetings as needed.
• Participates in a minimum of 24 annual hours of training during one program year - per the New Mexico State Licensing regulations.
• Participates in on-going self and program assessment in order to enhance personal skill and program development/improvement.
• Participates in workshops, in-service training, as well as, other personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Attends all required/assigned local and out-of-town Head Start functions, training and staff meetings.
• Documents and reports any signs of the following: child abuse and neglect, illness or accidents and reports families who appear to have special needs in accordance with agency policies and procedures.