Head Start - Assistant Teacher

      A.  GENERAL SUMMARY OF WHAT THE POSITION DOES

                        This position works as a part of a teaching team to work as a partner with the

                        teacher/lead teacher in developing activities for preschool (Head Start) children to

                        provide them with varied experiences and an appropriate learning environment.

                        Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities. Assistance is

                        given to the teacher in carrying out the goals, policies, and activities designed to

                        implement educational objectives and performance standards. This position works

                        with families to promote parent involvement in the program. This position may be

                        assigned additional duties based upon program need and areas of developing

                        expertise. This position works along with the teacher/head teacher to attain the goals

                        of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as

                        deemed necessary for program operations.   

                        B.        DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

                        Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below.  Additional

                        duties may be assigned.

1.  EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES
    

1. Preschool Classroom Activities

1. Assists the teacher in all classroom activities, field trips and outdoor activities
   including lesson plans.
2. Assists in developing materials and providing activities related to the cultural
   background of the children and families served.
3. Participates in the screening, observation and documentation of children.
4. Helps supervise at mealtime, eating with the children to encourage good
   nutrition and proper social skills.
5. Helps keep the classroom and its contents clean and orderly.
6. Is familiar with each child and parent.
7. Uses initiative and imagination to assist the child and be perceptive and
   knowledgeable about the needs of each child.
8. Assists the teacher in any aspect of the program as the need arises.
9. Takes charge of the class in the teacher's absence.
10. Makes home visits with the teacher as required or requested and documents
    them as requested.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

1. Parent/Family Involvement And Community Relations

1. Assists the teacher in meeting the program's needs for parent/family involvement
   in each classroom.
2. Establishes a relationship of trust and rapport with the families of the children.
3. Communicates with families to facilitate positive interaction with the program,
   awareness of the child’s needs and development, how the activities of the
   program promote positive development and their roles in the child’s overall
   education and development.
4. Participates in the training of families as requested.
5. Involves parents/families in the educational activities of the program:

1. to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child's education and
   development; and
2. to assist parents/families to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and
   experience in basic child development.

1. Assists with identifying and arranging for parents to volunteer in the classroom as
   volunteers and substitutes.
2. Assists the teacher with collecting monthly in-kind records from parents and
   community members participating in the program.
3. Assists with the supervision of all assigned volunteers in the classroom.
    

1. EXAMPLES OF GENERAL JOB ACTIVITIES

1. Understands, generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs applied
   toward the non-federal share requirement.
2. Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor.
3. Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
4. Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child care
   licensing regulations.
5. Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of
   occupational disease and injury, including the exercise of universal precautions and the
   prevention of contamination.  
6. Positively promotes Head Start in the community.
7. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start Head Start children,
   families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
8. Becomes thoroughly familiar with Meriden YMCA Employee Handbook, Meriden YMCA
   Operations Manual and all other Meriden YMCA handbooks, manuals and resources and
   adheres to them.
    
                           PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
    
                           C.  SUPERVISION EXERCISED
                           Immediate supervision means those employees the position assigns, directs and evaluates. 
    
                           Positions Supervised:             Head Teacher
    
                           D.        PERSONAL CONTACTS
                           Major internal and external contacts.
    
                           Internal                                                                       External
                           See Organizational Chart                               Head Start Parents - as needed
                                                                                                   Community Partners - as needed
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
                           E.         DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS
                           This section will describe the kinds and impact of decisions and commitments;
                           the effects, influence and significance of these decisions; the consequence of
                           error and the limitation of the finality of decision-making.
    
                           Decisions and commitments involving the education program are very important and
                           affect the children and continued funding of the programs.  Following the guidelines and
                           the regulations of the program are of the utmost importance to ensuring quality services
                           for the children and families.
    
                           Supervisor decisions regarding staff are important to ensure compliance with the
                           agency Personnel Policies and Procedures, to ensure good management, and
                           protect the employee rights. 
    
                           F.         SUPERVISION RECEIVED
                           The job description and the content area work plan serve as a guideline.  Assistance
                           is received from other agency staff as needed.  Outside assistance can be received
                           from other related resources.  Head Start Head Start effectively uses the teamwork
                           approach.  All content areas are interwoven so as to better assist and support
                           families.  The immediate supervisor is responsible for appraisals of this position.
    

                        This position receives content area supervision and technical assistance from

                        program supervisor, specialist, coordinator and/or managers.

      G.  KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

                        Knowledge:  Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children.  Knowledge

                        of the purpose of the Head Start program.  Knowledge of local resources, customs and

                        languages helpful.   

                        Abilities:  Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff, parents and

                        families.  Ability to follow directions and take initiative.  Ability to keep all information

                        regarding families strictly confidential.  Ability to communicate effectively with children,

                        families and staff.  Ability to work with typically developing children and children with

                        disabilities. 

                        LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate both written and orally. 
• Ability to follow directions from both written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.
  Ability to write simple correspondence.

• Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.

• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from community.
• Some Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish or English and other languages present
  in the local area).
   
                          MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
   
                          REASONING SKILLS

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in
  written or oral form.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
   
                         
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
                          OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Ability to exhibit patience and tact when communicating with children, families,
  staff, management, referral sources and the public.
• Ability to project professionalism in conducting daily activities.
   
                          H.        EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
                          Minimum requirement is high school diploma or GED plus some experience working
                          with preschool children.  A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is
                          preferred. 
   
                          By September 30, 2013 the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007
                          mandates that anyone holding the position of Assistant Teacher have, as a minimum
                          requirement, one of the following:

1. A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential;
2. Be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years
   of being hired into the position;
3. An associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area); or
4. Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree.
    
                           If applicable federal, state or local Head Start or child care regulations, now or as
                           amended in the future, contain additional requirements or qualifications for this position
                           which are not specifically stated in this Job Description, the requirements and
                           qualifications will apply, even if not specifically set forth in this Job Description.
    
                           Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the
                           local area).  Within 90 days of employment, must obtain and continually maintain
                           basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state
                           regulations).  Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records
                           check (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and an
                           initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment. 
                           Current and former Head Start parents will receive preference for
                           employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

                        I.    PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional need to provide gentle physical restraint to children.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required associated with
  attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant
  locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may
  be required.

• Work is typically performed in a classroom setting and some office work required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events
  such as home visits, parent teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings,
  social and community events.
   
                          The requirements of your Job Description are important in providing services to     
                          children and families, and for keeping you, children and co-workers safe during the
                          work day.  If you are unable to perform any of the functions required in your job
                          description due to a disability, you are invited to direct any requests for
                          accommodation to the Program Director.