ORCCA: Feed • House • Warm • Educate

TITLE: Teacher Assistant
SALARY: Level III
HOURS WORKED:  31 - 40 hours per week for 35 to 52 weeks depending on class structure
SUPERVISED BY:  Teacher/Home Visitor
STAFF SUPERVISED:  None
POSITION PURPOSE: To assist the Teacher/Home Visitor in providing the best possible classroom experience for all children.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Classroom activities

1. Maintain an orderly and physically/emotionally safe environment.
2. Assist Teacher with lesson planning and implementation.
3. Assist Teacher with classroom preparation and clean up.
4. Assist with breakdown of facility when necessary.
5. Participate in daily classroom activities and routines, including field trips.
6. Join the children for meals.  Model social skills and good eating habits.  Gently encourage trying new foods.
7. Use positive interactions with children including verbal and body language.
8. Use developmentally appropriate practices.
9. Work to ensure good self-concept in all children.
10. Help parents integrate into classroom.
11. Model behavior management skills.
12. Follow bilingual guidance from staff notebook.

Individual/Team participation

1. Maintain a positive attitude regarding the Head Start program and philosophy.
2. Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity.
3. Maintain respect and positive communication regarding all children and families.
4. Seek feedback on job performance.
5. Accept suggestions and guidance from supervisor.
6. If designated, assume classroom responsibility in absence of Teacher/Home Visitor.
7. Maintain open, two-way communication with staff.
8. Share pertinent information on children and families.
9. Consult with Teacher/Home Visitor on referrals and requests for consultation.
10. Attend pre-service and in-house trainings.
11. Attend staff meetings, center team meetings, debriefings, and other meetings as notified.
12. Commit to further training.  Develop an individual training plan using program tools, as appropriate.
13. Enroll in Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential program and complete within two years of employment if the CDA or an AA in Early Childhood Education has not already been earned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

Bus Monitor

1. Receive bus monitor training, from the Transportation Specialist before assigned to a vehicle, which includes: Child boarding and exiting procedures, Sign in/out form, Child pick up and drop off procedures, Child restraint systems, Responses to emergencies, Emergency evacuation procedures and Transportation policies.
2. Receive direction from the Bus Driver to ensure a safe transportation system.
3. Ride bus to and from class and on field trips: greet children and parents, share information, perform health check, and monitor children’s behavior for safety at all times.
4. Monitor emergency information changes and keeps Bus Driver abreast of those changes.

*Perform other jobs as designated by your supervisor, Project Director or Agency Director.  Employees may occasionally be asked to work alternate hours and days.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• CDA preferred; high school diploma or GED required
• Paid experience working with low income families preferred
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Two years paid experience and/or training directly related to Position Description

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Geographic area: Coos and Curry Counties
• Regular kneeling, bending, stooping and sitting on floor
• May lift items up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions in emergency situations
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated by the supervisor based on the input from appropriate staff relative to: attitude, skills and knowledge.  All employees’ formal evaluation will be conducted in the winter. 

New Employee or New Position (first two years of either) performance goals will be set in the fall and reviewed/updated before the end of the program year.

OTHER:

• A current Oregon Driver’s License is required.
• A good driving record is necessary
• Proof of automobile liability insurance
• Must be drug-free
• Must be able to pass mandated Oregon Employment Department Child Care Division Criminal History Registry Background Check.
• First Aid/CPR certification
• Current Oregon Food Handler’s card OR ServSafe® Food Safety Certification (Full Day Staff)
• Health Appraisal
• Able to drive long distances
• Ability to sit at meetings for as long as four hours at a time
• Ability to work in excess of eight hours per day and during evenings as required

SIGNATURES & DATES - The following signatures are required to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the Job Description; that essential functions are aligned with organization goals and objectives; to validate that it is clear, concise and supports compliance with legal considerations; and employee understanding of the job requirements.  NOTE: Because jobs change, management reserves the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

NOTE: The specific statements reflected in each section of this position description are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather the basic elements and criteria considered necessary in order to satisfactorily perform the duties associated with the position.

• Application 2010 for Child Care Jobs ONLY

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (items to return with application)

-- Incomplete applications will not be accepted. --
You MUST have the below items included in order for your application to be processed.

• Application
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Copy of any Degree
• Copy of any Certificates related to position
• References – 3 personal and 3 professional