Date:        9/11/2024

Program:    Douglas Cherokee Head Start
Job Title:   Teacher Assistant
Location:    Hamblen County: Ray’s Place Head Start

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time; 37.5 hours per week; 10 month

Salary Grade:    13 ($13.83 per hour)

Reports to:  Area Coordinator, Curriculum & Assessment Manager, Head Start Director

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the leadership of the center teacher, the teacher assistant will assist in carrying out all educational, developmentally appropriate activities for preschool children. In addition, the teacher assistant will provide supervision of children in the classroom, and on the playground, ensuring each child’s safety. The teacher assistant may be the team leader of other center staff in the absence the teacher.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  1. Assists in organizing the classroom and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment.
  2. Observes, assesses, refers, and evaluates each child’s progress in the assigned classroom, and assists in planning and implementing classroom activities based on individual needs of the children to advance physical and intellectual competence.
  3. Assists in promoting social and emotional development of children, and in maintaining classroom discipline using positive guidance techniques.
  4. Assists in maintaining records and submits reports as required; attends meetings and required training.
  5. Makes home visits and/or holds parent-teacher conferences as required, assists with parent meetings, and maintains positive communication with parents and community participants regarding Program activities and objectives.
  6. Demonstrates work habits, which comply with agency personnel policies and procedures, and completes special assignments from immediate supervisor or Head Start Director.
  7. Welcome families to participate in their child’s learning activities in the classroom, at home, and in the community. Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom to support their child and the program.
  8. Encourage parents, families, and community members to support our children and the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind) as required to continue receiving federal funding.

 

WORK SITE:  Hamblen County: Ray’s Place Head Start

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • This job can change at any time for any reason.
  • Must have the ability to physically assist children at all times.
  • Comply with all rules, policies and procedures of the Agency.
  • Maintain confidentiality of family, child, and Agency information.
  • Treat all people with respect and not discriminate in the provision of services or Agency business with regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
  • Must complete First Aid and CPR training and keep updated.
  • Must maintain documentation per licensing requirements.
  • Must perform specific related activities necessary to meet Social Services, Nutrition, Disabilities, and Parent Involvement component operation standards.

 

 

ROLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • CDA or degree in ECE preferred
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Must be enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire to adhere to the Head Start Performance Standards requirements.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Must obtain pre-employment physical, including a screen for communicable diseases
  • Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

  • Must have the ability to lift children and to physically assist them as needed.
  • Will frequently lift or move weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children (20-60#).
  • Required to stand up to 95% of the workday.
  • Must be able to interact with children on the playground or in the classroom.  Ex:  run, jump, dance, physical exercise.
  • Must be able to stoop and bend to interact with children on their level.
  • Able to physically and mentally react immediately to unexpected circumstances.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Application Deadline: Applications accepted until the position is filled.

To Apply: Send application and/or resume to: Human Resources Manager DCEA Head Start/Early Head Start, 127 Cedar Street, Morristown, TN 37814. Email applications to jobs@dceaheadstart.org.