Head Start/ State Pre-k Teacher Assistant

Position Summary

The Teacher Assistant is responsible for supporting the mission of WHSCDA by carrying out assigned duties with professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to high-quality services. This position contributes to the overall success of the program through collaboration, adherence to regulations, and a shared responsibility for supervision and safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Include, but are not limited to:

• Carry out assigned responsibilities in alignment with organizational policies, procedures, and program goals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC Accreditation Standards, Rhode Island Department of Human Services (RI DHS) regulations, and other relevant state and federal requirements.
• Implement practices that promote health, safety, and well-being of children, families, and staff.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation as required by funding sources, licensing entities, and agency procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, families, and community partners.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as required.
• Communicate concerns, incidents, and needs promptly through appropriate channels.
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts within the program.
• Ability to perform job duties that may include standing, sitting, bending, lifting (50 lbs.),and engaging with children. Other Duties
• Attend meetings, professional development opportunities, and other trainings as appropriate. Must attend all professional development opportunities when it is mandated by funding sources, licensing or accreditation authorities
• Supervision of children is everyone’s responsibility
• Assist with breaks and other classroom needs as requested
• Other duties as assigned based on agency need.

Specific Job Components

Curriculum and Assessment

• Ensure health and safety of children at all times
• Assist the teacher in all aspects of managing a safe, healthy, and stimulating learning environment; planning curriculum activities and supervising groups of children; arranging the classroom and materials; keeping attendance records; observing, and recording assessments of individual children.
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization and choice making: Develop positive relationships with all children by asking open-ended questions, listening respectfully, and providing positive acknowledgment
• Assist Teacher in developing weekly goals and plans which will be documented in a classroom planning book. These plan books will be used as part of ongoing monitoring by supervisor monthly.
• Assist in setting up the environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day
• Assist in preparing classroom materials to support curriculum plans. Maintain materials both by maintaining the supply of materials in the classroom as well as assisting other assistants in maintaining organization and cleanliness of materials in larger storage areas)

PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTIONS/DISABILITIES SERVICES

• Supervise and monitor children at all time.
• Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings to plan for and deliver collaborative services across components.
• Respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur
• Assess individual and group needs frequently throughout the day, attending to special needs, specific interests, and concerns. Share information and observations with Teacher daily.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

• Provide in atmosphere that promotes and reinforces family involvement in the classroom by welcoming and engaging with families and other classroom volunteers.
• Encourage and foster open communication with families that promotes and reinforces family involvement in the classroom by welcoming and engaging with families and other classroom volunteers/other agency staff
• Help plan and conduct monthly Family Engagement Events with building staff or agency staff when appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with agency Code of Conduct and confidentiality policy

UTILIZE DATA COLLECTIONS SYSTEMS TO SUPPORT CHILD/FAMILY AND AGENCY OUTCOMES

• Assist teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including: assessments, screening instruments, anecdotal observations and other required documentation or forms
• Document all significant classroom issues, family contacts, and home visits (when appropriate) in education file.

Supervision and Safety

• Supervision is everyone’s responsibility. All staff are expected to actively supervise children at all times, anticipate and prevent hazards, and take immediate action to ensure safety.
• Report safety concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, and policy violations in accordance with agency procedures.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and cultural responsiveness.
• Follow the organization’s Code of Conduct and ethical standards.
• Represent the organization positively in all interactions.

Qualifications

• Must have Infant/Toddler or Preschool Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) issued by the Council for Professional Recognition or have a minimum of 12 credits in ECE, Child Development, or Early Childhood Special Education. Associate Degree

Preferred

• Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development as applicable.
• Ability to understand and follow regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Pay: From $19.40 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person